Similarities and differences in business culture in the people’s Republic of China and the Republic of Serbia

Abstract

World economic crisis has affected the whole world including Serbia. Among various strategies used for improving this difficult situation, Serbian Government primarily focuses on attracting foreign investments. One of the possible future investors could be, among other countries, the People?s Republic of China. At present, Serbian Government is trying to help Chinese investors in Serbia, but there is still a need for better understanding of how Chinese businessmen work, negotiate and make deals. The main goal of this paper is to present similarities and differences in business culture in China and Serbia in order to define possibilities for mutual cooperation. The methodology of this paper is based on cultural dimensions research made by Hofstede. His national dimensions of culture can be used for explanation of specific types of business culture in China and Serbia. The data from this research will show similari?ties and differences in business culture in these two countries, and also some suggestions are made with regard to improving mutual understanding and doing business.