Cultural Differences between China and United States High Context vs. Low Context Cultures

China is a High Context Culture

Specific criticisms or problems are not spoken about.

The message is implicit rather than explicit.

Avoiding negativity is very important.

Harmony is maintained by smiling and even saying yes to something which you disagree with.

Concessions are more often offered in private.

Important not to lose face.

Other Examples: Greece, Spain, France, Latin America, Japan, Middle East, Korea. High Context vs. Low Context Cultures

United States is aLow Context Culture

Nothing is left to chance or miscomprehension.

The message is explicit as opposed to implicit. Blunt.

Everything must be written down or clarified, and backed by a legal contract. Negativity is more tolerated.

People would rather say no than run the risk of being misunderstood.

Other examples: Germany, Scandinavia, United Kingdom, Canada (excluding Quebec) Individualist vs. Collectivist Cultures

United States is an Individualist Society

The individual is emphasized instead of the group.

Individuals come up with the best ideas.

Americans are much more selfish, and less concerned about other people. Americans don t have the Chinese concept of “face” 脸。

Depending on the city, most people drive everywhere.

Americans spend a lot of time alone in their cars.

Individualist vs. Collectivist Cultures

China is a Collectivist Society.

The group is emphasized over the individual.

This is evident in school.

Students are kept with the same group of students for the entire time in University.

The Chinese concept of face 脸, and being concerned with what everyone else is doing and thinking.

Because of 脸, Chinese people are discouraged from being to weird or different. It is better to be one of the group than to stand out in the crowd.

Eating in groups

The manner in which food is eaten reflects the difference between the individualist vs.