Americans Working in China, Culture Clash

Hannah Seligson of the New York Times wrote a piece on cultural clash for Americans working in China.

In the article, Seligson highlighted the rift between American and Chinese workers working in China due to "differences in work experience, pay levels, and communication."

Attracted by China's rapid economic growth, lower jobless rate, and abundance of opportunities, more and more Americans are coming to China for employment. As a result, more Chinese and Americans are working side by side than ever before. These cross-cultural partnerships, while beneficial in many ways, has created many friction at the work place due to differences in upbringing.

For example, the Americans have had more exposure to free-market principles; they were brought up in a more commercial environment and most American students have had internship experience in college. On the other hand, the current fresh-out-of-college Chinese workforce were born around or shortly after Deng Xiaoping opened up China to the West, so China has evolved from a government-regulated economy to a more free-market system. However, the Chinese have a deeper understanding of Confucianism and Communism, two great influences that shapes China's culture and economy.

Moreover, the Chinese now rising in the work force were raised and educated in a system that tended to prize obedience and rote learning; the American counterpart, however, have had more leeway to question authority and speak their minds.

No matter how different two groups are, the benefit of American and Chinese working together is great. "China needs workers who understand China and the West, so they can develop a business presence and influence in overseas markets. Likewise, America needs people who truly understand the Chinese, in order to compete and cooperate."

Do you have American or Chinese co-workers? Tell us your experience working with people who have different backgrounds.