The previous material was devoted to cultural and moral values which are very important in East Asia. Values saved by East Asians influence their life and business.
To set up good relations foreign people should be aware of East Asian Values and respect them as well as they should take these values into account when cooperate in business.
Also we promised to tell you about some of these values and illustrate how you could find the best way of conduct to produce positive effect among possible partners from East Asia.
So let’s start speaking about Harmony and Consensus.
Harmony and Consensus
According to Confucius, people should save their traditions and aspire to harmonious society based on obedience to the ruler’s power, self-perfection, harmony and consensus between all of them.
The government:
- establishes laws and order,
- plays a significant role in the country’s economy and
- provides basic opportunities for running business, work, household maintenance, education, health care.
As for citizens, they:
- follow the prescribed norms and laws,
- treat authorities with respect and
- work hard.
Both parties, the government and the society, are responsible for their obligations. That makes up harmonious relations between two parties.
As far as business is concerned, harmony and consensus are based on corporate culture, strategyand discipline.
Decisions are usually made by consensus after long and detailed studies in groups and divisions. All changes in the company’s strategy, methods and directions pass through the same process.
The company’s targets are to be explained to all staffers that unites workers and enables their active and creative participation on all ranks.
Practice and analysis
Harmonious and respectful relations between staffers, partners and customers help them save self-respect or save a face. In Asian business, that means not to lose dignity, prestige and reputation. Also to save a face means to hold image and even to avoid disgrace.
That is why for East Asian business people, establishing harmonious and respectful relations are more important than producing profits.
There are two popular East Asian proverbs:
“DON’T ROCK THE BOAT” and “GO WITH THE FLOW”.
They really show how to save harmony, your face and consensus in East Asian society.
Business situation 1:
Your office is located in some country of East Asia. Your secretary often makes a lot of mistakes when working with documents. The variants you could say in this situation are the following:
- There seem to be a lot of mistakes in this document.
- You have made a lot of mistakes – again and again.
- It’s a pity but you risk losing your job.
- Your work is unsatisfactory, go and correct all papers.
Three variants are not polite, that is why it’s better not to be so direct and use “a” answer.
Business situation 2:
Yes, it is not a simple thing for people from the Western countries to be polite like Eastern people.
Examples:
Which of the following are more polite?
- “You are late again” – OR – “Do you live far from our office? Can we help you find better location?”
- “I am not interested in this project” – OR – “This project is interesting. Let us think it properly”.
- “Questions on my private life are too direct” – OR – “In my country, questions on private life are not customary”.
Business situation 3:
After the corporative meeting, the Head asks if everything is clear, and all workers answer yes. But you need more details to understand the changes in the strategy of the Company.
You ask the Head for details right now at the meeting. – OR – You ask Manager of your Division to explain the details after it.
So it is not hard to mind harmonic relations and find consensus in East Asia – OR…? If it is hard let’s go on with our talk on the East Asian values and solve other business situations.
This article is good and easy to read. I understand that harmony and consensus are very important in Asia. People do not like to say “no” direct. They want to make decisions together and with respect. For me it is new, because in my country people are more direct. I think this information is helpful for students and for business.
This article explains how business works in many Asian countries. It says that people there care a lot about harmony, respect, and group agreement. Unlike in the West, where being direct is normal, in Asia it’s better to avoid conflict and speak politely. Building trust and long-term relationships is more important than making a quick deal. The article also says that decisions are often made slowly because everyone in the group must agree. Foreigners should be patient, listen carefully, and not push too hard. I think this is very useful for anyone who wants to work with Asian partners.
This article is very easy to reading. It shows that harmony and consensus are very important in East Asia. I learned that people respect the government and follow rules. In business, decisions are made in groups, not alone. I see that polite words and respect help to save good relations. It is more important to have harmony than only profit. I agree that this is a good way for business and for life.
I enjoyed reading this text because it shows clearly how harmony and consensus are important in East Asian culture and business. The examples with business situations were very helpful and practical. What I liked most is the idea that respect and saving face are more important than profit. This text helped me understand better how to communicate politely and effectively in Asian countries.
The article gives a good and clear explanation of harmony and consensus in East Asian business. I find it very helpful because it shows why respect and polite communication are more important than just making profit. The examples make the ideas easy to understand and apply. Overall, I think this material is useful for anyone who wants to work effectively with East Asian partners.
This concise text effectively illustrates how the Confucian principle of harmony translates into modern business practices in East Asia. It wisely moves from theory to practical examples, demonstrating why indirect communication, group consensus, and preserving “face” are more valued than direct criticism or individual assertiveness. The business situations provide clear, actionable advice for foreigners, highlighting that politeness and relational harmony are not just cultural traits but fundamental to successful professional interaction in the region.
Thanks for useful articles.
Can these examples of polite be applied to all East Asia countries.?
In this article, auto is very good at noting the main specifics when interacting with Asian countries. It’s a common practice in business ethics there not to say anything directly to anyone. And there are many difficulties with this: everything seems to be fine, the contract is signed, but difficulties arose at the very first stage. The main reason is that they couldn’t establish a communication link.