School of Management Impact of Culture on Project Management in China June 17, 2011 Tim Porter

School of Management Background My perspective on multi-national projects – Managed multi-national software outsourcing projects – Taught project management at the university level in China (Zhejiang University) and the USA (GMU, GWU) – Implemented new or improved project management business practices at a Chinese company (Hundsun Technologies) – PM for various internal projects for a major Chinese corporation – Currently provide consulting services related to USA-China projects

School of Management Culture What is culture? – The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization or group How do we manage the differences?

School of Management Value Differences Individualism Achievement Equality Pride Respect for Competence Directness Informal Collectivism Modesty Hierarchy Saving Face Respect for Elders Indirectness Formal

School of Management Understanding and Capitalizing on Chinese Culture Traits Confucianism and the Collective play important roles Relationships and “guanxi” 爱面子 – Face Concept of time Respect for traditional values Contracts and the Law

School of Management Culture of Information Protection and the Master “shifu” – father, teacher, master for life The need for self-sufficiency Transfer of knowledge Acquiring someone else’s secret and IP

School of Management Knowledge Area: Project Communications Communication – Communication – Communication Language – Many study English in China but …. Producing quality English documentation Translators and Interpreters Having multi-lingual staff on your side is essential Stakeholder Management

School of Management What Issues Do Chinese PMs Worry About With Western Clients? Project Direction – More not less, detailed – “in the west, everything can be discussed” Some things should just be decided Requirements – Lack of specificity Communication – Language and startup time – Does “not talking” mean not working? – Flat organizational structure in USA vs hierarchical in China – Many Chinese won’t readily initiate a conversation with a foreign boss

School of Management Any Questions? Thank you