The topic of Huang’s lecture was “Cross-Cultural Management: Living and Working in China.” He focused on the differences in Western and Chinese values and how understanding these differences is crucial for doing business in China.

“ You need to know what motivates Chinese,” Huang stressed, “What determines their values, their behavior, their work ethic…”

He explained how entrenched Western business methods will likely sabotage the success of Americans trying to do business in China.

Everyday, managers in China face decisions that will challenge a Westerner’s sense of business management. It may be due to dubious yet profitable transactions or simply to differing cultural values. In any case, Huang says, your own core values will be deeply tested.

“ What will you do?” Huang asked the students, “Are you able to put aside your values [for business in China]?”

It was a sobering question to pose as the CHEMBA students near the end of their program.

Huang suggested that there needs to be an element of creativity when working within China. Expatriates need to balance on the fine line that wavers between Chinese and Western business ethics while being true to themselves.