Many successful Chinese companies have an organizational structure where top leaders steer the company direction. They lead managers and managers lead workers. It's a triangular, top-down communication from top decision makers to employees. That means only the top executives are making decisions for any project. Managers and workers are the ones who will follow the order, implement the plan, monitor progress and report back to the leaders.
For meetings and negotiations men should wear dark-colored suits and conservative ties; women should act and dress in a formal manner and wear a suit in a conservative color. At business meetings, presentations should be addressed to the most senior person present. Low level employees don't speak up unless they are spoken to. Also, it is common to be involved in a series of meetings rather than one big meeting at which all major issues are disclosed and assessed. Meetings are about building relationships and exchanging information, and it is rare for a decision to be made within the first meeting. It can be difficult to approach a Chinese firm directly. Generally you need an introduction from a third party, ideally someone who knows you and the people you wish to contact. If you don't know anyone in the company you wish to contact there are companies and consulting firms that specialize in being third parties. The Chinese usually exchange cards upon introduction. A businessman will usually distribute 200 or 300 cards a year, if not more. The Chinese tend to be risk takers and their choice of market entry strategy is Direct Investment, some of their benefits include taking advantage of local cost differences and gaining knowledge about the wants and needs of consumers in the local market.
In addition, Chinese like to do business in person rather than on the phone. They also greatly appreciate Western partners or clients who know a lot about Chinese culture. One American businessman told the New York Times, “It’s a very unique culture, and it’s very closed. You really have to gain their confidence first.”
In China, women are playing an important role, after long centuries of abuse the government of the People’s Republic gives many of the same rights to women as men in law. However, there are still many discriminatory practices taking place. Women are usually the first to be laid off from the economy hurting a business, and few business leaders are women. Male directors and managers admit that they discriminate against female applicants for certain kinds of jobs because they fear the women will get married, become pregnant, and have to leave.
The power of religion in Chinese society has a positive effect on the people and government. Religion also has the strong ability to prevent corruption in government and business. Many people follow the religions of Buddhism and Confucianism. Buddhism is the largest organized religion in China. The Buddha trained that desires are the source of pain, and by overcoming the desires, the pain can be eliminated. It teaches selflessness and humility. Confucianism is developed from Chinese philosopher Confucius; it focuses on human morality and right action. It is a system of moral, social, political, and philosophical thought that has influence on the culture of East Asia.
The political system of China refers to the political structure, fundamental laws, rules and