How Many Chinas Are There?
“One,” you say. That’s a tempting response, but leaving politics aside and focusing just on the PRC, what plays in Beijing is likely to flop in Shanghai and go unnoticed in Chengdu.
For any company going global, especially in China, subtle differences are key. China is set to overtake the United States as the world’s largest economy by 2020, so there’s great allure to “the China market.” But China is really multiple markets. Multinational companies looking to house employees there have to do as marketers do: Actively seek out cultural influences and integrate them into the business. That can give corporate real estate and facilities people a better understanding of cultural nuances.
And that, in turn, can make it easier to provide office space that balances both local and corporate needs.
Yes, the culture in China is diverse from one region to the next just as it is in the U.S. in different states. The variations aren’t just about rural vs. metropolitan areas. Each major city has its own pros and cons that would impact the best location and design for work environments.
I found this interesting informational page that talks about the different types of industry that are suited to “tier 1″ cities, “tier 2″ cities and SEZ zones for foreign companies looking to set up shop in China. http://www.beijing.ischam.org/business-in-china/typical-qaa
Basically, employers are advised to look at more than just costs of real estate and paying attention to infrastructure and the pool of available candidates as well.
Daisy McCarty
http://www.sandiegocubicles.com/blog/