China is one of the fast-growing emerging economies that are making waves around the world. China’s current economic growth rate is approximately 9 percent annually, which is impressive economically. Its contribution to global GDP growth since 2000 has been almost twice as large as that of the next three biggest emerging economies (India, Brazil and Russia) combined. Some even refer to China as the mother of emerging markets and transition economies.

Directly or indirectly, the Chinese economy has influenced interest rates, prices for raw materials and wages in the western established economies. Currently China is the most R&D intense of emerging market countries and is seventh of all countries in the world. Its economic power is exemplified by the fact that it is expected to be the fifth largest source of outward foreign direct investment during 2004-2007. Working with Chinese firms has become a reality for a majority of managers in Western countries. With its high growth rate, the presence and impact of the Chinese economy will only become larger.

In response to this, the Step to China CIC has developed a corporate package to address the key needs and issues businesses have to put into consideration when diversifying their market. The package will help organisations develop their approach to penetrating this ‘new’ market and look at the key stumbling blocks businesses might face.

China is known as a country of etiquette and ceremonies. The unique character of China is built on a strong sense of pride in their history and culture. Understanding the basic Chinese culture, ethical and business values is paramount to any organisation wanting to conduct business in a rapidly changing China.

In understanding Confucianism and the dynamics of “guanxi” (social connections or relationships), mianzi and keqi, organisations will be able to minimize the risks and frustrations while doing business in China.

Guanxi relations
“Guanxi” literally means "relationships", stands for any type of relationship. In the Chinese business world, however, it is also understood as the network of relationships among various parties that cooperate together and support one another. The Chinese businessmen mentality is very much one of "You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours." In essence, this boils down to exchanging favours, which are expected to be done regularly and voluntarily. Therefore, it is an important concept to understand if one is to function effectively in Chinese society.

Regardless of business experiences in ones home country, in China it is the right "Guanxi" that makes all the difference in ensuring that business will be successful. By getting the right "Guanxi", the organization minimizes the risks, frustrations, and disappointments when doing business in China. Often it is acquiring the right "Guanxi" with the relevant authorities that will determine the competitive standing of an organization in the long run in China. And moreover, the inevitable risks, barriers, and set-ups you’ll encounter in China will be minimized when you have the right “Guanxi” network working for you. That is why the correct "Guanxi" is so vital to any successful business strategy in China.

The package will offer Mandarin classes over a 12 week period to gain an insight into the language and learn key words and phrases, incorporating relevant vocabulary and terminology for your preferred business sector, taught by an experienced, industry insider.

Mentoring (optional-added cost)

We draw on a pool of PHD Chinese business students to offer a mentoring service to the UK business sector. The mentors help will be tailored to the individual needs within a company, so we can match like with like. For example if the company’s sector is construction we will match them with a mentor who is an expert in that particular sector. The mentoring service will offer support on a one to one basis.

Calligraphy is a vital part of Chinese life and culture. Learning to read and write is the basis of education in China, as in elsewhere. However the major difference is that the Chinese pay a lot of attention to the quality of a person’s handwriting, if it is good they command the respect of others, if they have poor handwriting it can cause the loss of a business or job opportunity.

The course offered investigates the cultural importance of calligraphy, calligraphy in the business context and guidance on how to do calligraphy.

Traditionally, this festival commemorates the death of a popular Chinese national hero, Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the Mi Lo River during the 3rd century BC, in protest against a corrupt government. Legend has it that as locals attempted to rescue him, they beat drums to scare fish away and threw dumplings into the sea to keep the fish from eating his body. During the festival period, people eat rice-and-meat dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and many look forward to swimming, or even simply dipping their hands in the water, to symbolise trying to save him.

Whether to experience a traditional Chinese cultural activity or to embark on a fantastic teambuilding opportunity or to entertain clients, this event is tailored to meet the business sector needs. The dragon boat-racing event is a full day of professionally managed activities ranging from boat racing, networking opportunities, an opportunity to try out traditional Chinese food and entertainment and offers a perfect end to the day with cocktails and dinner.

The dragon boat racing event is an ideal team building opportunity, whether for your staff, clients or other stakeholders, this will allow for eighteen peopleper organisation to compete in a series of qualifying races which lead to the grand final. Any number of boats can be booked for your needs

The racing format for the day is as follows: