Influence Of Chinese Culture Research Articles

The New Haven School of Legal Theory from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Culture

Globalization has brought about an unprecedented degree of interaction and interdependence, not only between nation states but also between states and other entities, ranging from international organizations to individuals. A major consequence of international interaction is cultural exchange; therefore, any legal or social theory which has evolved in a particular society must take account of the socio-cultural context of other societies for it to be meaningfully applied elsewhere. This article argues that this is true of the New Haven School, a policy-oriented perspective on international law, which is rooted in American culture. This article takes the Chinese cultural context as a point of reference for comparative purposes. Traditional Chinese culture is one of the most profound cultures in the world. The influence of traditional Chinese culture on decision making and human behaviour is still obvious in modern China despite the fact that the study of traditional Chinese culture has experienced some setbacks in recent times. This article will examine some aspects of the New Haven School in the context of the values of traditional Chinese culture with a view to determining whether and in what aspects they may complement and supplement each other.

Cross-Cultural Difference in Subjective Wellbeing: Cultural Response Bias as an Explanation

This study investigates whether the Australian-Chinese differences in subjective wellbeing (SWB) can be attributed to cultural response bias (CRB) caused by the influence of Chinese culture. Four samples are compared: Australians, first generation Chinese immigrants, second generation Chinese immigrants, and Hong Kong Chinese. It is hypothesized that the effects of CRB on means scores and variance will be the highest for Hong Kong Chinese, followed by Australian Chinese immigrants and second generation, and the lowest for Australians. These predictions were generally supported. Income is used as a covariate to test whether the predicted pattern of results remain unchanged. The result was affirmative. CRB is thus verified as contributing to the SWB difference between the Australians and Hong Kong Chinese. The implications of these findings are discussed.

National Survey of Client's Perceptions of Chinese Psychotherapist Practices

The present study is a cross-sectional survey that investigates ethical practices among Chinese psychotherapists from the perspective of a large representative sample of Chinese clients (N = 1,100). In reports from clients, we found that psychotherapists did poorly in providing informed consent and had other ethical difficulties in the therapeutic setting and with dual relationships. We conclude that Chinese culture, especially Confucianism, had significant impact on the attitudes toward the psychotherapists' ethical practices, which complicated ethical dilemmas. It is important for cross-cultural psychotherapists to become sensitive to the influences of traditional Chinese culture when counseling Chinese clients.

Facilitating knowledge sharing in a Chinese consulting company

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of communities of practice (CoPs) in facilitating knowledge sharing within a Chinese management consulting company.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study was conducted within a Chinese management consulting company. Data collection was based on focus group interviews and in‐depth interviews.FindingsThe finding of this study suggests that there are some knowledge sharing barriers caused by both organizational factors and cultural factors. CoP in the case company have been playing very positive roles in overcoming those barriers and facilitating knowledge sharing in the company.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are restricted to the specific context of this study. However, qualitative methodology contributes to thick and rich data and it gives an understanding of the phenomena under study within the context of the study. Therefore, readers can decide and make their own generalizations with relevant context.Practical implicationsBased on the research findings, the study developed the knowledge sharing model in the case company, which provides a synthesis for this study result. This model can help related academics and practitioners to understand the Chinese cultural and social influences on knowledge management practice, as well as the role of CoPs in facilitating knowledge sharing in Chinese organisations.Originality/valueFew studies have explicitly paid attention to knowledge sharing within Chinese organizations. This paper provides useful information both for academics interested in cultural issues within knowledge management and impartial advice for knowledge managers within Chinese companies.

The Influence and Implications of Chinese Culture in the Decision to Undertake Cross-Border Higher Education

Little is known about how a family in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) makes decisions on cross-border study. International marketers and managers in higher education turn to research based on Chinese student preferences. However, such research ignores cultural traditions steeped in Confucian ideals of family and the subsequent roles and influence of parents. Using surveys and interviews with Chinese students our findings indicate that despite exponential financial and social development in contemporary Chinese society, traditional Confucian values are still largely upheld by parents. The influence of these parents extends beyond initial decision making and impacts on the student’s social and academic well-being. To effectively market, manage and provide academic and welfare support for Chinese students studying across borders requires host universities to develop strategies that acknowledge and demonstrate respect for cultural traditions, parental perspectives and related ongoing influences.

A passion for learning Chinese?

PurposeFollowing the Olympic Games of 2008 and the World Expo in 2010, many Westerners have increasingly begun to pay attention to China; a country which combines ancient history with modern economic achievements. As a consequence there has been renewed interest in the West in learning about Chinese language and culture. Confucius education schools have even begun to spring up round the world, with the intention of promoting interest in Chinese language and cultural influences. The purpose of this paper is to focus on a community‐based Chinese culture education institution, in a provincial city in New Zealand, to understand the issues and risks of operating a cross‐cultural education institution business in a foreign country which is physically distant from China and to identify barriers which need to be overcome in order to run such an institution more effectively.Design/methodology/approachThis research used a single site case study research design. Qualitative in‐depth interviews were used to develop an understanding of the rich, complex and idiosyncratic nature of human phenomena. In total, ten interviews were conducted with the Principal, Board members, teachers, local students of Institute A, students' parents (both Chinese and New Zealand), and institutional “outsiders”.FindingsIt was found that Institute's management team preferred the traditional Chinese educational methods which conflicted with ways used in the local (New Zealand) teaching system. It also found that the current management style conflicts with the professional style of organization management. The management team had a chaotic management and operational style, while lacking basic knowledge of the principles of effective administration concepts.Practical implicationsIdentifying the risks and issues associated with the operation of a community‐based cultural education institution outside China will assist managers to understand the potential for cross‐cultural clashes between their belief in the principles of traditional Chinese education systems and the fit with the local culture. The finding of this study, in identifying the specific issues in relation to operational and professional modes of management, should assist managers to put into place an administrative system which is sufficiently flexible to accommodate both perspectives.Originality/valueAlthough formerly a bi‐cultural nation, New Zealand has increasingly become a multicultural society. Interest in Chinese language and culture has also been fuelled by New Zealand's shift in immigration policy from 1974 (to a skills based rather than an ethnicity policy). This study is a first attempt to evaluate the efficacy of a Chinese community‐based educational institution in New Zealand.

Consumption behavior of Chinese urban residents during economic transition

PurposeThe paper aims to examine the consumption behavior of Chinese residents during economic transition. It explores whether Western theories of consumption are applicable to the Chinese situation, and then tests the hypothesis based on Chinese traditional culture and dynamic nature of system change.Design/methodology/approachThe paper opted for an empirical‐based approach. A regression model was used to analyze annual consumption data from 1986 to 2008 in China.FindingsThe paper provides empirical insights and suggests that under the influence of Chinese traditional culture and dynamic change of the Chinese economic system, Chinese urban residents exhibit a special consumption pattern of an intermittent and cyclical nature.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper concludes that in order to make the consumption stimulation policy in China more effective, it is necessary to establish a series of measures such as establishing a sound social welfare system as well as narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor, which will substantially increase the buying power of the less‐privileged groups and thus will increase the overall spending in the society. Although the econometric model used in this paper is adequate, a different approach like time series econometrics may give us additional insights. Researchers are encouraged to test the hypothesis further by employing other methodologies. Second, due to the lack of its own theories in the emerging market, this study remains exploratory.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to study the special consumption behavior of Chinese urban residents during the economic transition.

Understanding managerial effectiveness: a Chinese perspective

PurposeThis study seeks to examine the managerial behavior of Chinese managers, as observed by their superiors, subordinates, and peers in a state‐owned enterprise in China. Specifically, this study aims to explore two questions. First, what managerial behaviors are perceived as being effective in the Chinese state‐owned enterprise? Second, what managerial behaviors are perceived as being least effective or ineffective in the Chinese state‐owned enterprise?Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory qualitative study was conducted using critical incident (CI) interview techniques. From 35 managers of one large state‐owned telecommunication company in Western China, 230 usable CIs were collected. In total, 31 themes were identified from the thematic analysis, of which 14 related to effective managerial behaviors and 17 related to ineffective behaviors.FindingsAn effective Chinese manager is perceived as being supportive, caring, fair, engaging, self‐disciplined, unselfish, responsible, and knowledgeable. While findings of the study highlight the continuing influence of the traditional Chinese culture on the perceived effectiveness of managerial behaviors, they also suggest a clear shift from traditional values that emphasize authoritarian management to Western values that encourage participative management.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the small sample may limit the generalizability of the study, findings expand the current knowledge base of Chinese management and can be useful for further empirical testing.Practical implicationsThis study provides some parameters for benchmarking and evaluating Chinese managerial practices. The identified indicators of effective and ineffective managerial behaviors can be incorporated into the development of a Chinese management competency model or instrument, and a more targeted management development intervention.Originality/valueThis study taps an under‐explored research territory – China, and is one of the first attempts at identifying effective managerial behavior indicators of Chinese managers using the CI technique. By adopting an inductive approach this study provides rich qualitative data that can be useful for developing an indigenous tool appropriate in the Chinese context.

Linguistic, Ideological, and Cultural Issues in Chinese and English Argumentative Writings

Social and cultural differences underlying people’s ideology exist not only in daily oral communications but also in formal written texts. This study focuses on the use of support and the presentation of personal voice in Chinese and English argumentative writings respectively to investigate the influence of Chinese collective culture and English individualistic culture upon their writing. Contrastive textual analysis was conducted on a sample of Chinese argumentative essays and English argumentative essays. Analysis of the use of support shows that Chinese writers extensively provide examples and direct quotes with less effort to elaborate on them, whereas English writers use fewer examples but elaborate them in details. Chinese writers frequently use direct citations, whereas no direct citation was found in English essays. The analysis of first person pronoun use reveals that the use of first person singulars is more frequent among English writers. English writers use “I” to put forward their arguments, while Chinese writers use “I” to make a modest suggestion. The use of first person plurals displays an opposite tendency. Chinese writers use much more first person plurals than the English writers. The findings suggest a need for incorporating social conventions and cultural thinking in ESL/EFL writing instruction to Chinese learners.

An exploration of spiritual needs of Taiwanese patients with advanced cancer during the therapeutic processes

This study explores the spiritual needs of patients with advanced cancer during their therapeutic process in Taiwan and analyses the influence of Chinese culture in addressing their spiritual needs. Many nurse clinicians have concerns about the difficulties of providing spiritual care for ethnic-Chinese cancer clients within their cultural context, possibly as a result of lack of knowledge and training. There has been little research exploring the potential impact of Chinese cultural values on the spiritual needs of patients with advanced cancer. Explorative qualitative enquiry was used. Data were collected through participant observation and in-depth face-to-face interviews. Transcribed interview data were analysed by using qualitative content analysis. The purposive sample (n = 33) was drawn from a leading medical center (n = 19) with 3000 beds in the capital and a community-based rural teaching hospital (n = 14) with 581 beds in Taiwan. Four spiritual needs emerged from the analysis: the need to foster hope for survival and obtain a peaceful mindset, to fulfil the meanings of life and preserve one's dignity, to experience more reciprocal human love and finally, to receive assistance in facing death peacefully. This research has shown that patients with advanced cancer need caregivers, friends and the help of their religion to meet their spiritual needs during the therapeutic processes. The findings of this study could assist health professionals to detect the unmet spiritual needs of ethnic-Chinese patients with cancer in the context of their cultural or religious background as early as possible.

Does Chinese culture influence psychosocial factors for heroin use among young adolescents in China? A cross-sectional study

BackgroundLittle empirical research has examined how cultural factors influence psychosocial factors for heroin drug use. The objectives of the study were to investigate the levels of individualism and collectivism among young adolescents and how cultural differences were associated with the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior and other psychosocial factors for heroin drug use.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among young adolescents in an HIV and heroin-stricken area in China. The Individualism-Collectivism Interpersonal Assessment Inventory (ICIAI) was used to measure cultural norms and values in the context of three social groups: family members, close friends, and classmates.ResultsA total of 220 boys and 241 girls were recruited and participated in an interview. Compared to boys, girls reported higher levels of the three specific-relationship ICIAIs, as well as higher levels of perceived behavioral control for heroin use, perceived peer control, and communication with parent about heroin use, but a lower level of favorable attitude towards heroin use. The levels of descriptive and subjective norms of heroin use were low in both girls and boys. Among boys, family ICIAI was positively associated with perceived behavioral control, and friend ICIAI was positively associated with perceived peer control and communication with parent. Among girls, family ICIAI was positively associated with perceived behavioral control and communication with parents about heroin use, but negatively with favorable attitudes to heroin use; friend ICIAI was positively associated with perceived peer control, and classmate ICIAI was negatively associated with favorable attitudes toward heroin use.ConclusionsThis study documents that collectivistic aspects of Chinese culture may influence psychosocial factors for heroin use, although the patterns are varied by gender. Findings provide an empirical basis for the development of culturally competent intervention programs for heroin use intervention and prevention.

A dilemma for feudal China: To launch a copyright scheme in the late 19th century

Based on copyright law and its jurisprudential basis in the late 19th century of China, this article is focused on the external conditions affecting or restricting the formation and development of copyright law during this period, and also reviews the tortuous process of copyright law and theories in China, and explores the underlying influences of Chinese traditional culture and other elements. Furthermore, it analyses the significant influences of western copyright concepts on the practical development of Chinese copyright protection system. Last but not least, it argues the fundamental barriers to the development of copyright law in China resulting from the persistent gap between the notions that forced upon the legal system and those embodied in social axiology, and the conflicts and tensions induced have affected both the law making and enforcement in copyright.

Validation of the Cultural Influence on Helping Scale Among Chinese Adolescents

The influence of culture on adolescent prosocial behavior is a neglected aspect in existing studies. Objectives: This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Cultural Influence on Helping Scale (CIHS) among Chinese adolescents. CIHS is an instrument that assesses Chinese cultural influence on helping other people. Method: The CIHS was administered to 5,812 high school students in Hong Kong. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed three factors, namely, ‘‘Advantages of helping people,’’ ‘‘Disadvantages of helping people,’’ and ‘‘Self-centeredness,’’ which support the hypothesized dimensions. The CIHS demonstrated good internal consistency. Construct validity and criterion-related validity were also supported. Conclusions: The psychometric properties of CIHS are adequate in the assessment of cultural influence on helping in Chinese adolescent samples.

Cultural challenges to Chinese oil companies in Africa and their strategies

This paper investigates the cultural challenges faced by Chinese oil companies in Africa with the linguistic method and raises five corresponding suggestions in the end. First, the languages and culture of both African countries and China were studied, and the differences between them were uncovered. Second, the effects of colonization on African languages and culture were studied in a historically comparative way; the African tradition and modern culture were considered jointly. Third, the acknowledgement that African people give to Chinese culture was studied; the future development of Chinese cultural influence in Africa was anticipated. Based on all these studies, the cultural challenges to overseas investment management of Chinese oil companies in Africa were summarized into five aspects, i.e., the challenge in communication, working habit, religion, orientation and coexistence. Considering the lessons that some of the western oil companies have learnt in Africa and the development status of Chinese oil companies, five suggestions were given as follows: going aligned with the foreign policy of Chinese government, investigating and setting regulations, strengthening cross-cultural training for staff, developing harmonious relationship with the local communities and the application of localization.

Food preferences of Chinese tourists

Given the scarcity of research on tourist food preference, this study is a first attempt to generate in-depth understanding of Chinese tourists’ food preferences in a culturally different environment by employing on-site participant observations and focus group interviews. It provides a detailed analysis of the motivational factors underlying the Chinese participants’ food preferences when holidaying in Australia, and also proposes a typology that describes and contrasts the participants’ tourism dining attitudes, motivations and behaviors. Furthermore, this study elucidates the influence of Chinese food culture on the participants’ tourism dining behaviors and explores the disparities in dining behavioral patterns between the participants in terms of their dining motivations and the way they related tourism dining experiences to their daily experiences.

How Physical Attractiveness and Endorser–Product Match-up Guide Selection of a Female Athlete Endorser in China

ABSTRACT This research used an experimental method (with 12 different scenarios) to investigate the relationship among the physical attractiveness of female athlete endorsers, endorser–product match-up, and consumers' purchase intention in the context of China. It is certain that highly attractive endorsers work better than less-attractive endorsers. In terms of generation of purchase intention, there is no difference between a middle-attractive female athlete endorser and a low-attractive one under low match-up conditions. The normal attractive-level female athlete endorser works only in a high match-up condition. The results show that female athlete endorsers' attractiveness could affect consumers' purchase intentions more significantly than the match-up factor in China. The findings not only compare the strength between attractiveness and match-up, but also extend traditional endorser theories farther by examining a middle-level attractiveness measurement as this research digs into the effect of a middle-attractive female endorser. Besides theoretical implications, practical suggestions were given based on the discussion on research findings and traditional Chinese cultural influences.

Problem‐Based Learning and the Workplace: Do Dental Hygienists in Hong Kong Continue to Use the Skills Acquired in Their Studies?

Problem-based learning (PBL) has been implemented in the dental hygiene program at the University of Hong Kong since 2001, but research is lacking to address the level of retention in the workplace. The purpose of this study was to explore whether dental hygienists continue to use their PBL skills and how well those skills are being applied in the workplace. A total of eighteen dental hygienists from the 2006 program were invited to participate in this study. A survey was conducted and follow-up group interviews carried out in 2008. The results revealed that dental hygienists continue to use the PBL skills of communication with the patient, patient education, and independent learning, but seldom use dental knowledge, teamwork, and communication with colleagues. Critical thinking, self-evaluation, and lifelong learning skills showed contradictory results. Besides, stressors under individual work environments, including certain Chinese cultural values, affect the way in which dental hygienists utilize PBL skills. This study concludes that the PBL approach is a worthwhile learning process for dental hygiene. However, many different variables affect the effectiveness of applying PBL skills after academic training, especially under the influence of Chinese culture in Hong Kong.

Chinese cultural influences on knowledge management practice

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore national cultural influences on knowledge management (KM) practices within Chinese manufacturing enterprises.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study in four steps was conducted within a Chinese mobile phone company (referred to as Lotus). Data collection was based on observations and in‐depth interviews.FindingsIt was discovered that employees in Chinese manufacturing enterprises like to keep their knowledge implicit and are willing to share it informally. A series of factors derived from Chinese culture such as hierarchy consciousness, fear of losing face, a sense of modesty, competitiveness and a preference for face‐to‐face communication, can act as barriers to KM initiatives within Chinese manufacturing organisations. Trust in intra‐personal relationships among employees can partly mitigate the impact of the above cultural characteristics. However, at a macro organisational level there is still need to share tacit knowledge using explicit/formal KM approaches.Research limitations/implicationsThough knowledge mapping is recommended as a feasible means to promote formal knowledge sharing within Chinese organisations, evidence showing the efficacy of such a method are only grounded in related literature here. Therefore, practical experimental evidence should be collected in future research.Practical implicationsKM strategies proposed for an organisation based in China should take revealed cultural influences into account.Originality/valueFew studies have explicitly concentrated on KM within Chinese organisations. The present study provides useful information for academics interested in cultural issues in KM and impartial advice for knowledge managers within Chinese enterprises.

Competitiveness of Chinese high‐tech manufacturing companies in global context

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the operational competitiveness and identify the development route of Chinese high‐tech manufacturing companies by comparing with other similar international manufacturing companies of global manufacturing strategies database.Design/methodology/approachThe preliminary analytical models for competitiveness analysis are used to analyze the operational competitiveness strategies in three different types of Chinese high‐tech manufacturing companies based on the weights of the multi‐criteria manufacturing strategies, which are calculated using analytic hierarchy process method. Benchmarking between case companies and leading companies of prospector, analyzer and defender groups is applied to evaluate the manufacturing strategies further.FindingsAs a result of the case studies, it is possible to understand operational competitiveness manufacturing strategies for the case companies, to show one development route for Chinese high‐tech manufacturing companies to be competitive in their markets.Practical implicationsChinese high‐tech manufacturing companies have their own operational strategies in different development phase. The different weights of important factors such as quality, cost, time and flexibility make the case companies to have some advantages in prospector, analyzer and defender. The preliminary analytical models are effective for Chinese high‐tech manufacturing companies to calculate their operational competitiveness under the influence of Chinese culture and macro‐control.Originality/valueBenchmarking of operational competitiveness is presented to evaluate the manufacturing strategies in this paper. One development route of Chinese high‐tech manufacturing companies, which is under the influence of Chinese culture and macro‐control, is promoted.

The influence of Confucianism: a narrative study of Hong Kong teachers’ understanding and practices of school guidance and counselling

ABSTRACT School guidance seeks to promote the whole person growth of students. It is regarded as an integral part of an educational programme. In Hong Kong secondary schools, a team of teachers are responsible for school guidance. This article examines how guidance teachers made sense of their caring work in general and specifically the counselling services they offered to students. With the use of a narrative analysis and personal experience methods, the study explores the experience of guidance teachers in counselling. Twelve in-service teachers who had enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme at the Hong Kong Institute of Education were interviewed. The influence of the Chinese philosophy of Confucianism, emerging as a theme from the data, was prominent, as its key principles were incorporated into the teachers’ personal systems of counselling. The findings illuminate the influence of Chinese culture in Hong Kong schools. Implications for the promotion of culturally responsive approaches to counselling and culturally competent practices for helping are discussed.