Cultural Awareness, a Form of Risk Management in International Business: Case Study of China

Abstract

Mutual awareness of cultural references is essential in international business as levels of formality vary greatly among cultures. The emergence of capitalism into China induces international firms’ investment in the country. This resulted to creation of a production base to explore the inexpensive factors of production, particularly low-cost labour. The study examines cultural awareness as a form of risk management in international business, using China as a case study. The study uses ‘XYZ International’, with western cultural background, as a hypothetical international business that operates in China market. The study explores international trade and global organisations; considers barriers to international business; outlines cultural awareness as a form of risk management in international business; highlights Chinese business culture; outlines the impact of culture on negotiation; appraises Chinese businessman culture and its impact in the Chinese market; and justifies reasons to support conducting trade with China. The study findings indicate that mutual awareness of cultural references is essential in international business, and levels of formality vary greatly among cultures. The implication for practice is that culture induces each country societal prevailing life-styles because culture and life-style influence patterns of consumption, manufacturing, agriculture, service, distribution and investment.