Chinese Values Research Articles

Mediating Role of Cultural Values in the Impact of Ethical Ideologies on Chinese Consumers’ Ethical Judgments

AbstractThis paper develops and tests a new conceptual model incorporating the indirect impact of two ethical ideologies (idealism and relativism) on Chinese consumers’ ethical judgments under four ethically problematic consumption situations (active benefit, passive benefit, deceptive practice, and no/indirect harm) through two cultural values (integration and moral discipline). Data from a large-scale online consumer survey in five major Chinese cities (N = 1046) support most hypotheses. The findings are consistent with the postulated global impact of ethical ideology on forming an individual’s beliefs and values and highlight the importance of a thorough understanding of the significant determinants of consumer ethics to promote ethically responsible consumption behaviors. This study also uses an emic approach to conceptualize and measure Chinese cultural values by using cultural constructs and measures that are designed explicitly in the Chinese context.

The Humanistic Process and Spatial Practice of Chinese Zhenshan 鎮山 Worship

The “Zhenshan” 鎮山 (which means a mountain that guards a certain territory) system is based on the traditional Chinese view of nature, which formed and developed through a long period of Confucian humanistic construction. It is the typical representation of China’s nature-oriented worship space, and it has unique spatial order and spatial significance in the world’s sacred mountain worship. The excavation of the spatial characteristics of Zhenshan worship and its network of humanistic meanings is an important part of research that aims to discover the traditional Chinese values of nature, religious views, and Chinese worship space. Based on the analysis of graphic historical materials and a digital chronicle literature review, this paper quantitatively analyzes the historical information of Zhenshan and summarizes the process of change from the birth of the concept of Zhenshan in the Zhou dynasty to the formation of the sacrificial system in the Han dynasty and its gradual localization after the Tang and Song dynasties with an analysis of its spatial pattern and characteristics of worship. The results show that Zhenshan is one of the typical cultural symbols of the transformation of Chinese mountain worship into the unity of government and religion. And it is a typical product of Confucianism, in which the worship of nature in China is integrated into the political system, and its worship space is rooted in the national, regional, and urban spaces at multiple levels. The Zhenshan system, in the course of its dynamic development, has formed two types of worship space: temple sacrificial and metaphorical constraint, constructing a Chinese worship space based on the order of nature, which is distinctly different from the inward-looking religious space of the West and the sacred mountain worship space formed around the religion of the “supreme god”.

Views of health care professionals on the implementation of preoperative advance care planning in older patients with head and neck cancer: Q methodology

ObjectiveTo investigate the views of health care professionals in a head and neck surgical department toward the implementation of advance care planning prior to surgery for older patients with head and neck cancer. MethodQ methodology was used to explore and analyze participants’ views by combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Participants were asked to rank 35 Q statements generated via semi-structured interviews and a literature review and to explain the reasons for their ranking in subsequent interviews. The data was then analyzed and used to develop a factor series to illustrate participants’ views. ResultsThis study surveyed 15 health care professionals, including eight doctors and seven nurses. The views of health care professionals toward preoperative implementation of advance care planning discussions were varied and could be categorized into three types: defending the autonomy of patients, patients’ knowledge and the Chinese traditional cultural context hinder the implementation of preoperative advance care planning, and lack of confidence in performing preoperative advance care planning. ConclusionsAlthough the health care professionals in the head and neck surgical department in this study recognized the benefits of preoperative discussions regarding advance care planning, patients’ knowledge level, traditional Chinese values, inadequate capacity among health care professionals, and unsound legal policies have caused these professionals to have misgivings about preoperative counseling and discussing advance care planning with patients. Further studies should be conducted, and strategies to overcome barriers to discussions of preoperative advance care planning should be developed.

Exploring Cooperative Mechanisms in the Chinese Agricultural Value Chain: A Game Model Analysis Based on Leading Enterprises and Small Farmers

In the context of agricultural modernization in China, this paper examines the micro-level perspective of agricultural value chains. Drawing from three primary models of agricultural value chain cooperation—namely, “leading enterprises + small farmers”, “leading enterprises + cooperatives + small farmers”, and “corporate integration”—it establishes four game models: the decentralized decision-making game model, the two revenue-sharing game models, and the centralized decision-making game model. It systematically analyzes the cooperation mechanisms between leading enterprises and small farmers in upstream production links of the agricultural value chain, aiming to improve the cooperation strategy between leading enterprises and small farmers, elevate the status of small farmers in the agricultural value chain, promote increased income for farmers, and strengthen the agricultural value chain. The research findings are as follows: Firstly, the traditional contract of “leading enterprise + smallholder farmers” is incomplete, which makes it difficult to avoid opportunism and moral hazard that may arise between the two parties. By comparing multiple parameter values, it is found that this model is at a lower level of agricultural value chain development. Secondly, the model of “leading enterprise + cooperative + smallholder farmers” improves the tightness and stability of cooperation between leading enterprises and smallholder farmers. This model explains to some extent the operability of smallholder farmers sharing the value of the agricultural value chain. Compared with various parameter values, this model is at a medium level between other models. Finally, the “corporate integration” model is a fully vertical integration model. Compared with various parameter values, this model is at an advanced stage of agricultural value chain development. Therefore, agricultural value chains will ultimately develop toward the direction of corporate integration. This study has positive practical significance for enhancing the status and claim rights of small farmers, promoting increased income for farmers, enhancing the consistency of values between leading enterprises and small farmers, strengthening the stability of the agricultural value chain, and ultimately achieving common prosperity and agricultural modernization in China.

Psychometric performance of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 in patients with lymphoma in China.

To assess and compare the measurement properties of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 among lymphoma patients in China. A face-to-face survey of Chinese lymphoma patients was conducted at baseline (all types) and follow-up (diffuse large B-cell). EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 health utility scores (HUSs) were calculated using the respective Chinese value sets. Ceiling effect was assessed by calculating the percentage of respondents reporting the optimal health state. Convergent validity of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 was assessed using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (r) with QLQ-C30 as a calibration standard. Known-groups validity of the two HUSs was evaluated by comparing their scores of patients with different conditions; and their sensitivity was further assessed in the known-groups using relative efficiency (RE). Test-retest reliability and responsiveness was tested using ICC and standardized response mean (SRM), respectively. Altogether 200 patients were enrolled at baseline and 78 were followed up. No ceiling effect was found for SF-6Dv2 compared to 24.5% for EQ-5D-5L. Correlation between the two HUSs and with QLQ-C30 score was strong (r > 0.5). Each dimension of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 had moderate or greater correlations with similar dimensions of QLQ-C30 (r > 0.35). Both EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 could only a minority known-groups, and the latter may have better sensitivity. EQ-5D-5L had better test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.939); while both of them were responsive to patients with worsened and improved clinical status. EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 were found to have good convergent validity and responsiveness, while EQ-5D-5L had better test-retest reliability and higher ceiling effect. Not enough evidence indicates which of the two measures has better known-group validity and sensitivity.

Beyond Size: How ESG Factors Shape Bank Value in India & China

Objective: This study examines the impact of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors on the market capitalization of banks in India and China. Specifically, it analyses the relationship between total assets, female board representation, social and environmental disclosures, and market capitalization.
 Methods: A comparative analysis of leading banks in India and China is conducted using 10 year (2013–2023) data using structural equation modelling (SEM) on market capitalization, total assets, ESG disclosures, and female board representation.
 Results: A positive and significant relationship is found between total assets and market capitalization in both India and China, indicating that investors value larger banks. In India, female board representation doesn't significantly impact market capitalization, while in China, a higher proportion may lead to lower market capitalization, requiring further research. A positive and significant relationship is found between social and environmental disclosures and market capitalization in both countries. However, the effect is stronger in India, indicating that Indian investors place greater value on banks with robust sustainability practices.
 Conclusions: This study highlights the growing importance of ESG factors in the banking sector, with varying degrees of emphasis depending on the country. While both Indian and Chinese investors value larger banks, Indian investors seem to place more weight on female board representation and social-environmental disclosures, while Chinese investors appear to prioritize other factors. Further research is needed to explore the underlying reasons for these differences and the complex interplay between various ESG factors and market performance.

Differences in the activities of six soil enzymes in response to cadmium contamination of paddy soils in high geological background areas

East Yunnan province in southwest China is a region with elevated natural abundance (high geological background levels) of Cd due to high metal (loid) contents in the soils. Enzyme activities are useful indicators of metal (loid) toxicity in contaminated soils and whether Cd inhibits enzyme activities in paddy soils in high geological background areas is of considerable public concern. A pot experiment combined with field investigation was conducted to assess the effects of Cd on six soil enzymes that are essential to the cycling of C, N, and P in soils. Inhibitory effects of Cd fractions on enzyme activities were assessed using ecological dose-response models. The impact of soil properties on the inhibition of sensitive soil enzymes by Cd were assessed using linear and structural equation models. Cadmium was enriched in the paddy soils with 72.2 % of soil samples from high geological background areas exceeding the Chinese threshold values (GB 15618–2018) of Cd. Enzyme responses to Cd contamination varied markedly with a negative response by catalase but a positive response by invertase. Urease, β-glucosidase, and alkaline phosphatase activities were stimulated at low Cd concentrations and inhibited at high concentrations. The average inhibition ratios of β-glucosidase, urease, and catalase in high Cd levels were 19.9, 38.9, and 51.9%, respectively. Ecological dose-response models indicate that catalase and urease were the most Cd-sensitive of the enzymes studied and were suitable indicators of soil quality in high geological background areas. Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicates that soil properties influenced sensitive enzymes through various pathways, indicating that soil properties were factors determining Cd inhibition of enzyme activities. This suggests that Cd concentrations and soil physicochemical properties under a range of environmental conditions should be considered in addressing soil Cd pollution.

Chinese Culture in Chinese Tourists’ Behaviors Research (2000-2022): A Literature Review

ABSTRACT This study systematically reviews 74 publications spanning the years 2000 to 2022, investigating the impact of Chinese cultural values on the behavior of Chinese tourists. Employing bibliometric and content analyses, the study reveals a fragmented research landscape concerning the connection between Chinese cultural values and tourist behaviors. The current body of research primarily focuses on Chinese tourists’ motivation, loyalty, and satisfaction, but does not extensively address their engagement in social media. Traditional Chinese cultural values, especially Confucian values, are identified as playing a crucial role in shaping these behaviors, while modern Chinese cultural values are still underestimated. Subsequently, this review rethinks the exploration of the relationship between Chinese cultural values and the behaviors of Chinese tourists, the paradigm of Chinese cultural values, the adequacy of measurement scales, and the research direction of Chinese tourists. By doing so, the study aims to enhance our understanding of the intricate relationship between Chinese cultural values and the behaviors of Chinese tourists.

Vanadium in a coastal Lagoon: distribution, sources, speciation, and ecological risks in sediments and water at Xiamen in China

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore the spatial distribution, sources, contamination status, speciation, and risks of vanadium (V) in sediments and water from Yundang Lagoon (YL) at Xiamen in China. The concentration of V in YL water exhibited a similar distribution pattern, with an average concentration lower than the Chinese drinking water limit value. The V content in the sediments of various YL sampling sites varied significantly. The average V concentration in sediments was 108.28 mg/kg, ranging from 77.38 mg/kg to 151.20 mg/kg. Speciation investigations revealed that the largest amount of V was bound in the residual fraction, while the acid-soluble fraction had the lowest concentration in sediments. On average, the residual and acid-soluble fractions were 51.82% (ranging from 16.09% to 76.13%) and 1.22% (ranging from 0.16% to 2.60%), respectively. Enrichment factor values suggested minor anthropogenic enrichment of V in sediments. Correlation analysis indicated a weak correlation between silt and clay, while carbonate and Fe showed significant correlations with total V in sediments. This correlation suggests that concentrations of Fe and carbonate could favour V accumulation in YL sediments. Potential ecological risk values suggested no risk of V to aquatic biota in the study area.

Prevalence and effect on prognosis of sarcopenia in patients with primary biliary cholangitis.

Sarcopenia adversely affects the treatment outcomes in Cirrhosis and NAFLD. However, such research is limited in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients. This study was performed to examine the prevalence of sarcopenia and its impact on PBC patients' prognoses. This study enrolled confirmed PBC patients who had an abdominal CT scan. Sarcopenia was determined by the L3-skeletal muscle index with a Chinese population-based cut-off value. Laboratory test values and liver stiffness measurements values were obtained from the electronic medical records. In total, 174 PBC patients with a median age of 54 (IQR, 48, 62) years old, were enrolled. 45 (25.9%) patients among them were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression results illustrated that male gender (OR = 9.152, 95%CI = 3.131-26.751, p < 0.001) and LSM ≥ 12.8 kPa (OR = 4.539, 95%CI = 1.651, 12.478, p = 0.003) were the independent risk factors of sarcopenia in PBC patients. In the prognosis analysis, sarcopenia was determined as a risk factor for indicating adverse events in PBC patients (HR = 4.058, 95%CI = 1.955-8.424, p < 0.001) by Cox proportional hazards regression. The current findings illustrate that comprehensive evaluation and management of sarcopenia may contribute to the improvement of treatment outcomes and life quality of PBC patients.

Exploring the Facets of Shared Leadership within the Intricate Frameworks of Chinese Ideologies: A Modern Perspective on Traditional Values

Shared leadership as a modern management approach provides the structure and framework for innovational thinking within creative working places. China's swift ascent as one of the foremost global players, coupled with its aspirations to become an innovation leader, makes a reevaluation of traditional organizational structures and leadership paradigms necessary. Research on the application of modern management approaches such as shared leadership, within the context of Chinese culture is notably underrepresented and needs to be further focused on. Using a literature review methodology, this study delves into the book "A Short History of Chinese Philosophy" to check on relevant text passages and aspects derived from various original schools of thought within traditional Chinese ideologies. Subsequently, these aspects are categorized as either pro or con arguments and reinterpreted through the lens of shared leadership readiness. Seven affirmative arguments and seven opposing arguments judge the application of shared leadership ideas embedded in Chinese traditional values and philosophies. Taoism, particularly in its third phase and Neo-Taoism stand as representative examples favoring shared leadership. Conversely, Realistic Confucianism and the Mohist School serve as representatives against the adoption of shared leadership. One limitation of the re-interpretation lies in the potential for misunderstanding the original Chinese traditional values which may not have been intended for application within the context of modern management approaches, potentially resulting in wrong conclusions. Additionally, relying solely on one source to depict the history of Chinese philosophy constitutes another limitation, as it simplifies the complexity of Chinese traditions. Follow-up studies could focus on constructing a robust theoretical framework. Another significant contribution could involve the development of a survey aimed at assessing the extent of influence exerted by the original schools of thought on traditional Chinese individuals.

Cross-cultural nuances in sarcasm comprehension: a comparative study of Chinese and American perspectives.

It is evident that sarcasm can be interpreted differently due to various factors, However, rare research was conducted to investigate the influence of national culture on sarcasm comprehension despite its valuable theoretical implication. This study used an online rating task to explore how national culture impacts the comprehension of sarcasm, focusing on the differences between Chinese and American cultural values (i.e., power distance, uncertainty avoidance, collectivism, long-term orientation, and masculinity) and their influence on comprehending sarcastic praise and criticism. The study showed that Chinese participants tend to understand sarcasm less than Americans. It also found that Power Distance is linked to better sarcasm comprehension in both cultures, while Uncertainty Avoidance has a negative effect on it, especially in Chinese participants. Collectivism is also associated with improved sarcasm comprehension, especially in Chinese participants. However, Masculinity and Long-Term Orientation do not seem to have a significant impact on sarcasm comprehension, regardless of nationality or the type of comment (praise or criticism). Overall, the study reveals nuanced differences in how cultural values shape the comprehension of sarcasm in Chinese and American contexts, underscoring the complex interplay between culture and communication.

Chinese social value change and its relevant factors: an age-period-cohort effect analysis

Using data from the World Values Survey (1990–2012), this article attempts to describe and analyze the changing trends in public values during social transformations in China. It is found that public attitudes toward authority tend to be increasingly favorable over time, values in the private sphere tend to be more open, while postmaterialist values show a trend of first rising and then falling. The most salient feature of the cohort effect is that the generations born after the reform and opening-up in 1978 identify more closely with the value of respect for authority, while their recognition of postmaterialist values tends to decline. The change in values is related to China's modernization process, global cultural diffusion, and important historical events and is also deeply influenced by the two-way interaction between tradition and modernity.

Accounting in the shadows of tradition: the role of national culture

PurposeCurrent research aims to investigate the relationships between Chinese national cultural values (uncertainty avoidance (UA), power distance, masculinity (MAS), individualism (IDV) and Confucian dynamism) and accounting practices (professionalism, uniformity, conservatism and secrecy).Design/methodology/approachA sample of 842 users/preparers of financial statements participated in this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey from China. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) was used to test the proposed relationship.FindingsResults show that cultural values strongly impact financial reporting practices in China. Chinese society is characterized by low UA, high power distance, collectivism, future orientation (Confucianism) and masculine traits. These values show an overall preference for uniformity, conservatism and secrecy in financial reporting with weak professionalism. The findings show that Chinese society emphasizes law abidance, strict codes of conduct, written rules and regulations and respect for consistent orthodox measures.Practical implicationsThis study provides valuable input for policymakers in developing regulations and accounting standards in the Chinese market. Understanding the relationship between cultural dimensions and accounting values helps to address societal challenges and align policies with cultural values to acquire desired financial reporting values. Global firm managers must consider cultural dimensions in accounting when entering Chinese markets or negotiating with partners from different cultures. Findings also suggest local managers gain self-awareness of their cultural biases and accounting values, enabling them to navigate businesses and society's financial reporting needs.Originality/valueThis study enriches the existing literature on cultural and accounting practice studies by validating the role of stakeholder and social contract theories in Gray–Hofstede’s framework and highlighting the influence of dominant cultural values on accounting values. The study provides a unique empirical analysis of the Chinese market by using a questionnaire survey and structural equation modeling (SEM). Further, it also opens avenues for future research on the relationship between cultural dimensions, accounting practices and their global impact. These findings emphasize the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability, especially in multicultural environments.

Crowing in two voices: The cultural transformation of the Portuguese rooster in postcolonial Macau

The Barcelos Rooster, an emblem rooted in Portuguese folklore, has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a local curiosity to an icon of national pride and subsequently into a symbol of Macau’s post-sovereignty transfer to China in 1999. This study examines the rooster’s metamorphosis in Macau. In this former Portuguese territory, the rooster has transcended its original symbolism, aligning with the Chinese cultural values of honesty, bravery, and prosperity and becoming ingrained in the city’s identity. By tracing its journey from Portugal to Macau, the study explores the rooster’s role as a transcultural object within postcolonial tourism and transculturalism frameworks. It investigates how the rooster’s adaptation reflects the complex interplay of power, identity, and culture, contributing to the discourse on cultural symbols and collective identity in postcolonial societies.

Yu Yan or Fable: The Earliest Introductions to The Canterbury Tales in China

ABSTRACT Yu yan is a way of argumentation and writing style, and has a history of over two thousand years in China. In the twentieth century, yu yan has developed into a literary genre similar to fable. This article argues that the two sets of Chinese translations of The Canterbury Tales by Sun Yuxiu and Lin Shu provide an important point to examine the shifting understanding of yu yan, and they reflect the Chinese cultural conflicts during the socially transitional period in the early twentieth century. These translations possess important features of a transformed fable and developed yu yan. They are creations as well as translations, to which the translators add their political and social expectations while moralizing. By exploring briefly the definitions of yu yan and fable, and studying the translations of the tales, their source texts, and the translators’ biographies, this article attempts to illustrate that the translators do not regard yu yan and fable as equivalent literary terms, and they put emphasis on the native Chinese literary traditions and cultural values in the process of Chinese literary modernization.

The Influence of the Color and Composition in Chinese Painting on the Animation"Cowboy's Flute"

This journal article examines the animation "Cowboy's Flute" produced in 1963 at the animation studio in Shanghai, focusing on its use of coloring and composition influenced by traditional Chinese watercolor and ink painting. By analyzing specific elements within the animation, such as the overall composition, depiction of nature, and the portrayal of a shepherd boy riding a buffalo, this article explores how the film embodies authentic Chinese aesthetics. Drawing upon the symbolism and cultural significance associated with these artistic elements, this article sheds light on the theme and artistic choices made in "Cowboy's Flute." The findings reveal the strong influence of traditional Chinese painting on the animation and its contribution to the portrayal of Chinese cultural values and aesthetics.

The Chinese Educational Idioms That the Chinese Shall Live By

With the conviction that formulaic expressions in a language are carriers of stable thought patterns of its culture, the paper conducts a thematic analysis of Chinese educational idioms with the goal of exploring the traditional Chinese educational values reflected in the Chinese language use. Altogether, about 100 Chinese idioms that pertain to teaching, learning and parenting are identified from a Chinese Chengyu (idioms) dictionary. Findings of this study challenge the common practice of borrowing Western pedagogical discourses to justify curriculum change initiatives in China, arguing that the traditional Chinese educational discourses should be retained in order to secure a strong cultural identity for young generations.

Glocalization: The Development and Localization of Chinese Christian Hymns between 1807 and 1949

The global dissemination of Christianity has resulted in diverse singing styles and historical narratives that incorporate different languages and musical traditions. Chinese Christian hymns, in particular, possess distinctive features that reflect the Chinese thinking mode and cultural values, showcasing the interplay between Western hymns and Chinese singing and poetic and cultural traditions within the Chinese historical context. This paper takes Chinese Christian hymnals published between 1807 and 1949 as its object of study. It conducts research on representative hymnals from three historical stages: the emergence, flourishing, and prosperity of hymns, and examines their compilation and publication. Using methods such as historical research, textual criticism, translation studies, and cross-cultural communication, the paper explores the evolution of Chinese Christian hymns. The paper analyzes such aspects of the hymnals as translating and writing strategies, thematic content, linguistic features, editing and formatting, as well as the selection and composition of melodies. It is concluded that the indigenization of Chinese hymns does not involve outright rejection of foreign elements or unquestioning adherence to local traditions, but rather represents a common ground between Chinese and Western languages and vocal traditions, reflecting the characteristic of glocalization.

Evolution of values in China: Disembedding factors and structural transformation

This study, guided by Taylor’s Great Disembedding Theory, examines global and Chinese societal values through the World Values Survey’s four-wave data from 1994 to 2014. Factor analysis shows six core values as disembedding factors (friends, leisure, politics) and embedding factors (family, work, religion). These data collected during China’s one-child policy and economic reforms reveal the country’s value shifts: leisure gains importance while politics is more moderate. This disembedding trend suggests a growing demand for social services driven by an emphasis on life balance. These evolving values guide social workers in tailoring programs to meet diverse needs shaped by personal and societal expectations.