Conceptual Differences Between Western and Chinese Business Ethics as a Factor in Cross-Cultural Communication

Introduction. The current political climate is conducive to strengthening economic relations between Russia and China. Despite close cooperation between companies from the two countries over recent decades, cultural differences continue to exert a significant influence on the effectiveness of interpersonal contacts. Understanding these differences fundamentally determines the outcome of cross-cultural interaction. The author hypothesizes that the definition of ethics, and consequently business ethics, in China and Western countries is not identical. The reasons for this lie in the structure of language and the strong influence of philosophical traditions. This article examines and compares approaches to defining ethics, business ethics, and ethical principles in Western and Chinese cultures. Methodology and sources. The author analyzes the influence of Confucianism on contemporary business ethics in China, drawing parallels between Confucian ethical principles and virtues. A comparative analysis of ethical principles formulated by Chinese and Western scholars allowed for the identification of cross-cultural differences. A content analysis of interviews with founders of large Chinese firms revealed structural units reflecting Confucian ethics. Results and discussion. The study established that, despite the common ontological origins of the concept of “ethics” in the European and Chinese traditions, their content diverges fundamentally: the former defines ethics as a system of moral and ethical norms, while the latter describes ethics as one of the five virtues, inextricably linked to the concept of “li” (ritual). In the applied aspect of business ethics, this manifests itself in a difference in approaches: Western prescriptive formulations regulate the actions of the subject, while Chinese business ethics acts as a “code of conduct” focused on respect for the object of communication and reciprocal feedback. Public speeches by contemporary Chinese entrepreneurs provide indirect confirmation of this assertion. Conclusion. It is impossible to equate the concepts of "ethics" in Chinese and Western cultures. Confucianism, which has played the role of philosophy, political ideology, and religion for centuries, has undergone significant evolution, but has retained its status as a fundamental foundation of Chinese society.

Authors: Nadezhda O. Lebedeva

Direction: Sociology

Keywords: ethics, ritual, Confucianism, ethical principles, China, high-context culture, business rhetoric

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