life - Debunking the guanxi-nonsense at CNN

Jeremy at Danwei again rightfully curses CNN for not helping the business travellers in China to understand this country. It is just amazing to see with what a load of bullshit they still think they can get away with. An example of the whole nonsense you find here.

Once initial contact is made, building a close relationship with business associates is key. Unlike in the Western world, the Chinese are unlikely to enter into business until a personal relationship, or "guanxi" has been established. Friendships may be cultivated at business dinners and goodwill expressed through the giving of small gifts.

Let me assure you that giving big gifts works much better. The bigger the business, the bigger the gifts. Building up relationships is in China as important as it is elsewhere. But unlike many other countries, because Chinese tend to be more social than, say, Dutch, building up those relationships is not your main problem in China. To close with Danwei:

That looks real helpful. And it reassures us of the high quality we can expect from CNN's 'Eye on China' — a whole week of China coverage centred on the FORTUNE Global Forum in Beijing next week.

Here is more on guanxi.