China is in the midst of unprecedented economic and cultural growth. In the last decade alone, China joined the World Trade Organization, hosted the 2008 Olympics and experienced a remarkable, record-high increase in its foreign currency reserves. As these changes unfold, frequency of contact between the Chinese and Westerners is dramatically increasing in the office, the classroom and the home. With thought-provoking glimpses into history and tradition, Encountering the Chinese provides fundamental information on Chinese cultural norms and values, giving clear context for contemporary social standards. Readers will learn the etiquette necessary to build successful personal and professional relationships with the Chinese both inside and outside the People's Republic of China. This revised edition of Encountering the Chinese also explains how Chinese values are changing rapidly-and why it is more important than ever to keep up. For instance, compliments, once declined out of modesty, are now widely accepted in coastal cities; and some terms of address that were proper to use only a decade ago have grown offensive. Encountering the Chinese provides invaluable insight into the diverse and changing Chinese culture.

In Michael Sandel the Chinese have found a guide through the ethical dilemmas created by their swift embrace of a market economy—one whose communitarian ideas resonate with China’s own rich, ancient philosophical traditions. This volume explores the connections and tensions revealed in this unlikely episode of Chinese engagement with the West.

"A classic must-read for everyone coming to work or live in China." - Shelley Warner and Tony Voutas, cross-cultural trainers and founders of Asia Pacific Access Ltd, China China is in the midst of unprecedented economic and cultural growth. In the last decade alone, China joined the World Trade Organization, hosted the 2008 Olympics and experienced a remarkable, record-high increase in its foreign currency reserves. As these changes unfold, frequency of contact between the Chinese and Westerners is dramatically increasing in the office, the classroom and the home. With thought-provoking glimpses into history and tradition, Encountering the Chinese provides fundamental information on Chinese cultural norms and values, giving clear context for contemporary social standards. Readers will learn the etiquette necessary to build successful personal and professional relationships with the Chinese both inside and outside the People's Republic of China. This revised edition of Encountering the Chinese also explains how Chinese values are changing rapidly-and why it is more important than ever to keep up. For instance, compliments, once declined out of modesty, are now widely accepted in coastal cities; and some terms of address that were proper to use only a decade ago have grown offensive. Encountering the Chinese provides invaluable insight into the diverse and changing Chinese culture.

This unique book is the first to bring together a group of leading China experts to reflect on their cultural and social encounters while travelling and living in the PRC. Covering nearly a half-century, these stories open a vivid window on a rapidly evolving country and on the zigzag learning curve of the China trippers themselves.

The text studies how various Western, Japanese, and Chinese businesses struggled with the persistent dilemma in China of how to retain control over corporate hierachies while adapting to dramatic changes in Chinese society, politics and foreign affairs from 1880-1937.

As the economic and diplomatic climates in China have changed, Chinese and Americans are interacting with each other more and more. Encountering the Chinese: A Guide for Americans presents a straightforward, practical and sensitive cross-cultural analysis of a complex culture and people. Authors Hu Wenzhong and Cornelius Grove provide a comprehensive cross-cultural guide to Chinese cultural, along with insights on how best to communicate and interact with Chinese people in both business and social contexts.Encountering the Chinese provides fundamental information on basic Chinese values and cultural norms, identifying cross-cultural factors that often lead to failed business negotiations and misunderstandings. The advice and skills in this book enable Westerners and the Chinese to establish more effective and rewarding relationships, inside and outside of the People's Republic of China.Encountering the Chinese is an insightful book with the practical cross-cultural analysis of Chinese culture. The book's intention is to decrease anxiety and make things easier for Americans interacting with Chinese. It is neatly structured, and the language is kept as simple as possible with a friendly tone.-Hongmei Pang, visiting scholar, Department of Applied Linguistics and ESL at Georgia State UniversityEncountering the Chinese literally transformed my life. You see, when I first arrived in Taiyuan (Shanxi Province), China, I never expected to have a tremendous culture shock-I thought I was 'prepared' to live in China, but just the opposite happened. I was looking for any excuse to return home to my comfortable life in Mexico. Fortunately, an American friend lent me a book that helped her adapt to China, [Encountering the Chinese].The book became my companion, as I read it every day for about a month. It helped me understand the aspects of daily life that I was experiencing . . . [T]hanks to my gradual understanding of Chinese culture, I became interested in China and decided to make this country my home. [T]hank you for sharing your experiences in the book. I am sure that it has made a difference in many other expatriates' lives who are now living in China! It definitely changed mine.-Victor Garza, Dragon International Communication Consulting, Hangzhou, ChinaContentsAcknowledgmentsPrefaceIntroduction to the Second EditionIntroduction to the First Edition1 A Brief Background to the Chinese Way of LifePart I: Advice for Americans Interacting with the Chinese2 Chinese Titles and Forms of Address3 Greetings, Conversations, and Farewells4 Chinese-Style Dining5 Appointments, Visiting, and Time Use6 Chinese Modesty and Humility7 Making Friends with the Chinese8 Education and Training Among the Chinese9 Negotiating and Institutional Decision Making10 The Concept of Face in Chinese-American InteractionPart II: Advice for Americans Living and Working in the PRCAppendix A: Glossary of Chinese TermsAppendix B: Chinese Titles and Forms of AddressRecommended Readings