Language

Ensure that language does not become a barrier to a successful business by paying attention to the linguistic capabilities of employees and ensuring that both key employees can speak and read Chinese, and that they can speak the dialects of the locations where they work.

Value System and Relationships

China scores high on the power distance index and lower on the individualism index. Be alert for distinctions in socioeconomic status because of the differences between urban and rural environments. Reduce the effect of such status distinctions among employees through intensive training, development and a sustained emphasis on teamwork.

Business Climate

Understand the north-south and east-west divisions between regions as well as the gaps that separate citizens of the PRC, their Taiwanese and Hong Kong compatriots, and overseas Chinese. Learn the implications of these regional differences for business and for workplace interactions. Be aware of the intricate hierarchy that stems from China’s system of education. Build a corporate culture, starting with fundamental values, that allows you to hire and retain top employees while preventing destructive elitism. Invest in additional workforce education to reduce educational gaps between employees.

The Pew Global Attitudes Project is an interactive database that allows users to explore public opinion trends in 55 countries on topics ranging from attitudes towards the U.S. to peoples assessments of their own lives to views about globalization, democratization and extremism and other important issues.

China ranks as no. 72 (of 180 countries) on Transparency International’s 2008 Corruption Perceptions Index.