The Moments of My Life

Recently I got a chance to read one complex source about the understanding of different cultures which I found very interesting and useful...Just felt like to share part about culturally different approach when it comes to decision making process...

Contingency thinking
A:Western
It is better to spend some time on foreseeing potentional problems that might occur to avoid them rather then spend lot of time dealing with problem when its too late
B:Eastern (Including China)
Why to waste time on thinking about something which doesn’t even have to happen...
Problem Solving
A:Western
Crucial is to change the situation
B:Eastern (Including China)
Some situations are impossible to change...It´s better to accept. It will save your energy...
Information search
A:Western
Facts, look at the grounds, reasons, why? Why? Why? How?
B:Eastern (Including China)
Gateher ideas, look at the opportunities, asking Who? What?
Construction of alternatives
A:Western
Let´s challenge new process, let´s think out of box and come up with something new and more efficient
B:Eastern (Including China)
Easy familiar solution that fits the situation, It´s so difficult to change people and the way we are used to do the things
Choice
A:Western
Concensus- long discussions which involves every one who is concerned...It takes time but then when everyone is informed we safe time on implementation
B:Eastern (Including China)
Senior management decides. That´s our job. We are perfectly informed, have big Picture about the situation and are the most competent to decide.
Who has most decision power?
A:Western
The person who is closest to the problem. He/she is suppose to have the best idea the most information to make the right decision.
B:Eastern (Including China)
The person closest to the power- he/she know the best
Implementation
A:Western
Project teams, everyone is involved and informed
B:Eastern (Including China)
Top-down. Management decides and delegates the tasks and information which are only necessary to complete the task...

No wonder foreigners go through tough time when working in the Chinese companies :) the business approach is so different in here. And this is just a decision making process...It is impossible to say which way is better. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The only constructive attitude to have as a foreigner is to make an effort to try to understand this concept before coming to China...If only I knew before. I would have save so much energy i spent on constant frustration...The education about cross culture understanding is still much underestimated element when living and doing business abroad.