Chinese And Australian Students' Cultural Perceptions: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Students studying an interpersonal and organisational negotiation subject in Melbourne and in Tianjin, China, were asked to analyse a cross-cultural case study and then analyse how the conflict would be resolved in their own country. Students' cultural perceptions are compared based on Hofstede's (1980) four value dimensions of individualism-collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, power distance, and masculinity-femininity and the Chinese cultural traits of relationship building, face, gift giving and banquets. There are clear differences between the two groups of students, for example, the Chinese students believe the supervisor has the 'absolute right to decide everything', whereas Australian students express an opposing view. The Chinese students emphasise the value of relationships in contrast to the Australian students who do not mention this at all. This qualitative study demonstrates the differences in cultural perceptions between the two groups and provides the basis for further research in the area.