China y México: desempeño económico y valores éticos religiosos

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between the economic, religious and ethical values of Mexico and China. The article is based on the cultural dimensions of Hofstede, Gert and Minkov (2010). The authors argue that although both countries are similar in many ways, they show strong differences in the dimensions of indulgence, pragmatism and uncertainty. These variables impact economic areas such as savings and entrepreneurship as well as disposition towards short-term or long-term outlook. We suggest that these cultural differences have their origin in the ethical and religious values of both countries, and therefore we discusses the formation of Catholicism and Confucianism as the basis of the values influencing economic performance. Religion in Mexico is about a relationship with God based on the promise of a better future in the afterlife, while in Chinese thought (the product of a pragmatic vision shaped by philosophical systems such as Confucianism as well as by different religions), the human being is the center of existence and acts for the present good. We conclude that these different ethical-religious approaches affecting the economic performance of both nations are the result of a historical process involving the gradual development and social acceptance of ethical and religious values.