Cultural influences in Winnipeg's Chinese business community and their implications for small business development
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Date
1997-07-01T00:00:00Z
Authors
Wan, Yim-King Penny
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Abstract
This practicum examines the influence of Chinese cultural characteristics on the over-all success and survival of a small sample of businesses under Chinese management in the City of Winnipeg. Results of this practicum have implications for cross-cultural business development planting and community economic development planning within the Manitoba context. Results suggest that three Confucian ideologies, specifically 'conformity', 'face' and 'collectivity' are key factors in small businesses under Chinese management in Winnipeg. These cultural characteristics influence business planning and decision-making in three ways: (i) they contribute to common and shared values among Chinese emloyers and employees; (ii) they establish a basis for mutual understanding and compliance with routine and necessary tasks; and (iii) they contribute to stable working relationships and organisational behaviour. The results of this practicum suggest that community economic development should consider the influence of culture in development strategies targeted at specific business communities. Similarly, public policy planners in government agencies such as Manitoba Industry Tourism and Trade Department who are concerned with Chinese business immigrants could also develop cultural assistance policies for business development in Winnipeg, or other provincial centres.