While reading “After Cowboy Chicken Came to Town”, a short story published within Ha Jin’s book The Bridegroom, I was challenged to think about what differences between American and Chinese business etiquette might this fictional story be alluding to. Since the storyline consists of an American business man in charge of a fried chicken restaurant in China, it can be assumed that the mix of cultures may result in a business atmosphere that leans on the side of caution to both parties’ customs. However, there are still many differences that should be taken into account.
Within the Chinese business culture, acknowledgment of superiority is highly regarded. Although this is usually assumed within American business culture as well, it appears as if it isn’t stressed to the same extent. Within American culture, many times a boss will make their best effort to make their employees feel as if they are of equal importance or value to the company, however still making an effort to best establish their authority. Within Chinese culture, the establishment of authority and power is made very clear. In the setting of a corporate meeting, it is understood that business men and women should walk in in order of their superiority. Similarly, a comparable custom is established within the story “After Cowboy Chicken Came to Town.” The narrator clearly establishes early on that the boss, Mr. Shapiro, doesn’t have to do much of anything. His position of power gives him the authority to delegate all of his work. It is therefore determined that the manager, Peter, practically is in control of all other aspects of the business (Ha Jin, 187). The idea of superiority is also seen within the narrators explanation of salary differences among the different levels (Ha Jin, 211).
Another important aspect within Chinese business practices is the companies reputation, known as Mianzi. Therefore, business men and women would go to great measures to ensure that their Mianzi is not damaged. This idea is brought to attention from the very beginning of Ha Jin’s short story. As an angry customer proclaims “I want my money back!”, an argument between the customer and employee breaks out (Ha Jin, 184). However, both the boss and manager very quickly work to hush the argument in order to stop any more negative attention from entering into the conversation. It appears as if they are willing to think about ultimately loosing money from a customer in order to keep their Mianzi. Although this is a custom also shared within American business practices, businesses can be quick to bring in the help of lawyers when needed. This is an idea not highly sought after within China.
Ultimately, their are many differences found within the practices of American and Chinese businesses that have not yet been touched on here. There are even more inferences that can be made through connections within Ha Jin’s short story “After Cowboy Chicken Came to Town” as well. If you have any international business trips in the near future, or if you simply have a desire to learn more, it would be of your best interest to look into more of these differences. For more information, visit the link below!
Works Cited:
https://www.globalnegotiator.com/files/Business-Culture-In-China-10-Elements.pdf