Archives by Tag 'Traditional Chinese values'
Traditional Chinese values
Brian Hennessy. An Australian in China. In order to appreciate this ancient civilisation, we should understand a few of the traditional values which underpin it. They have endured for millennia and form the bedrock of Chinese society today. A few of these values are addressed briefly below. Understanding traditional Chinese values ______________________________________________________________ Hierarchy. Throughout […]
Understanding China: what is Face?
Brian Hennessy. An Australian in China. Westerners can be conscious of Face. For example, telling a white-lie can be a legitimate attempt to save Face. If we live in an expensive house in an exclusive suburb, or drive a BMW instead of a humble Holden, perhaps we are mindful of Face. For Chinese people however, maintaining Face […]
Understanding China: what is Guanxi?
Brian Hennessy. An Australian in China. Think: Informal networks, using the back door, investing in relationships, calling in favours, underground economy, and so on. Guanxi is all of the above and more. In fact it is a highly sophisticated parallel economy which subverts a totalitarian system and its bloated, politicised bureaucracy. Understanding China: what is Guanxi? […]