Unlike Americans, the Chines tend not to value individuality. The view of oneself is based on a group, whether in family or government. The United States promotes self-reliance and individuality and places a great deal of emphasis on freedom. Chinese sees suffering humility as virtue and a true test of life, whereas in the United States one who faces humility is considered weak.
In Chinese culture, the family plays an extremely important role in everyday life. Children are expected to learn their knowledge and respect from their family elders and respect their wisdom, ability and seniority within the family regardless of their own wealth or success. When it comes to friendships, Chinese culture places emphasis on a small and close group of friends obligated to help one another in times of need. In the United States, children learn the importance of independence from their families and he ability to survive on their own. Many American children learn to respect those who have achieved success and wealth. An individual's circle of friends in the United States is more of a "collection"; the more friends an American has, the more successful he tends to feel. American culture places less value than Chinese culture on friendships.
In the United States, discipline depends on the individual and the act in question, whereas in China it depends solely on the rules and does not take special considerations into account. Though Chinese culture has strict laws, many beliefs in regards to rules and laws are based on personal relationships and religion, and not all laws apply to everyone. The United States, on the other hand, has a long set of rules aimed generally at everyone.
American and Chinese cultures vary greatly when it comes to the operation of a business. Chinese people tend to be quiet and reserved when it comes to their business communication, whereas American culture teaches businesspeople to be outspoken, effective and almost pushy with their business tactics. When it comes to negotiations, Chinese culture teaches individuals to discuss and make decisions in a group with one "boss" making the final decision. In America, business negotiations depend more on the individual, and decisions are rarely distributed to a group. The Chinese tend to take their business extremely personally and strive to treat those with whom they do business courteously. They often take an indirect approach to their marketing and sales and will uphold their contracts and obligations. In America, the businesspeople are more direct with their sales approach and tend to keep everything matter-of-fact rather than personal. In America, many businesspeople will avoid keeping their word or contracts, and will often find legal maneuvers to get out of obligations --- something Chinese culture would find disgraceful to not only the individual businessperson but her family as well.
