I can state with sure that China has its own unique brand of quirkiness because I have toured the world and interacted with many different cultures. And when I say quirky, I mean vexing illnesses that make you want to rip out your hair. One such affliction is ‘nowism’, a term coined to describe the incessant need for immediate action and results.

Comparing the Chinese workplace to a toddler throwing a tantrum may seem like a stretch, but the similarities are uncanny.
Much like a toddler demanding instant gratification, the Chinese workplace is characterized by a constant demand for immediate results without any regard for long-term planning.
It's like building a towering skyscraper on a foundation of sand - doomed to crumble at the slightest hint of pressure.

And let me tell you, it’s not a pretty sight.
Plus, the constant noise of honking horns and yelling in the streets doesn't help.

Oh, but let's not forget the silver lining - the food is simply scrumptious and the people are unbelievably friendly.
Now, in this article, I'm going to take a deep dive into the pernicious nature of nowism and how it's impacting the Chinese workplace.

But don't fret, my dear reader, I won't leave you hanging - I'll also provide some helpful tips on how to cope with it all.

Nowism is a concept that's emerged to describe the Chinese cultural inclination to prioritize immediacy and urgency over strategic foresight and long-term planning.
In essence, it's the belief that the present moment carries more weight than the future.

This is in stark contrast to the Western ideology of deliberate planning and forward-thinking. Its interesting to see how Nowism has impacted other languages, like Chinese, where the phrase for "tomorrow" is regularly employed to imply "later today."

Nowism appears in many different forms in Chinas workplace.

Deadlines are frequently perceived as abstract concepts rather than actual dates. It can be incredibly frustrating for foreigners who are accustomed to strict deadlines to adjust to the more relaxed approach to project completion in China. There's a distinct difference in perspective that could lead to a perceived lack of responsibility and disregard for the importance of punctuality. Doing business could be challenging due to the cultural differences between the East and the West. In the West, being on time is seen as a sign of professionalism, but this isn't always the case in China. Collaboration and fruitful cross-cultural partnerships require an understanding of these cultural distinctions.



The propensity in Chinese society to place more value on immediate advantages than long-term ones is another illustration of nowism. Chinese businesses frequently base their decisions on what would yield the highest return on investment, which can stifle long-term development and innovation.
Progress might be stifled by this underinvestment in research and development.

Furthermore, face-to-face communication is highly valued in China compared to written correspondence.

Categories:
China,  Nowism,  Chinese  Workplace,  Cultural  Divide,  Tips  For  Coping., 

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