Cultural difference in business | Valerie Hoeks | TEDxHaarlem

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. One of the elements of the cultural difference between Europe and China is the importance that is given to relationships. In the West, you would assume the matter to be the same, but there is a significant distinction. In China, connections with the right people help you get things done, survive, and succeed.

Whereas in the West, content is predominant, in China, how people interact strongly influences the working environment. 'Face' and long-term effects are taken into consideration.

Valérie Hoeks (1982) studied Sinology at Leiden University and has been active in China for over a decade as a traveler, student, and entrepreneur. She knew she would return many times when she set foot on Chinese soil.

In 2010 Valérie co-founded China Inroads with her Dutch and Chinese business partners. China Inroads provides a strong foothold for innovative companies that want to expand their business to the Chinese market.

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