Timelong term orientation

Time/long term orientation

It was suggested in Yau (1994) that the time dimension for Chinese has two orientations: past-time orientation and continuity. This implies that for Chinese, once a relation is established it is hard to break and once a relation is broken, it is very difficult to re-establish (Yau 1988).

Continuity indicates that Chinese people are long- term oriented. Once a guanxi is established, both parties will try their best to keep this relationship by reciprocating benefits. Compromise is found to be the preferred solution by Chinese to an unsettled conflict (Kirkbride et al 1991). Future business opportunities also act as hostages to a business relationship. The benefits of establishing a long-term supplier and buyer relationship have been regarded as one of the pillars of Japanese management styles which is now being enthusiastically followed by western firms (Imrie and Morris 1992). Jarillo (1988) argues that an emphasis on long-term relationships is also essential to the development of trust which is considered as a critical component of network.