Chineseness and behavioural complexity: rethinking Chinese tourist gaze studies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohan Li ◽  
Hazel Tucker ◽  
Ganghua Chen
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Chinese Culture ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Cultural Representations ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourist Gaze ◽  
Behavioural Patterns ◽  
Chinese Tourists ◽  
Chinese Cultural Values

Purpose This study aims to reconsider Chinese tourist gaze studies, examining the extent to which extant studies and theoretical models relating to the Chinese tourist gaze have overcome the Eurocentric limits of John Urry’s concept of the tourist gaze and elaborated the complexity of Chinese tourists’ gazes and visual practices. Design/methodology/approach Content analysis is carried out, examining research articles, books, book chapters and PhD and MSc theses collected from multiple English and Chinese databases. Findings The research results manifest that, overall, the previous studies, mobilise cultural essentialism, with an overestimation of the “Chineseness” of Chinese tourists’ behavioural patterns, which are widely believed to be framed by, but also constituting of, unique Chinese culture. Overdependence on Chinese cultural values and traditional philosophies as sources for rationale has resulted in a handful of theoretical frameworks, which appear to be of insufficient magnitude both in terms of their contribution to the original tourist gaze model and in their manifesting of the complexity of Chinese tourists’ visual behaviour. Indeed the divide that once deliberately set apart West and East, or more precisely Western and Chinese tourist gazes, seems to become accentuated in most attempts to study and write about Chinese tourist gaze(s). The previous studies thus largely serve to mirror the Eurocentrism of Urry’s gaze, rather than challenging it. Research limitations/implications This study has a few limitations, especially, as this study only reviews and analyses the studies of the Chinese tourist gaze. It means that the conclusion might not well be generalised to either the investigation of the tourist gaze in another culture or the Chinese tourist studies, at large, which might exhibit a different pattern deserving more academic attention in future. Moreover, the authors recommend the future researchers, who are eager to probe Chinese tourists’ behavioural pattern, to seek for new pathways and alternative paradigms, which would be useful in overcoming the limits of cultural representations and in reducing the problematic Sino-Western divide. Originality/value Despite not aiming to reconceptualise the Chinese tourist gaze, this review paper contributes to the field of tourist gaze studies by engaging critically with the bias and theoretical insufficiencies that have emerged, while this concept is appropriated and re-formulated to explain Chinese tourists’ gazes and visual practices. On this basis, the authors suggest a critical redirection of the extant Chinese tourist gaze studies, which would be rather significant to those researchers in future with an interest to research what the Chinese tourists prefer to see in travel and how they engage with the gazee.

Suicide-related disclosure: implications for inclusion and recovery

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-168
Author(s):  
Lindsay Sheehan ◽  
Nathalie Oexle ◽  
Michael Bushman ◽  
Anthony Fulginiti ◽  
Laura M. Frey
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Interpersonal Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Interpersonal Theory Of Suicide ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Disclosure ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors

Purpose People who have lived experiences with suicide often struggle with concealable stigmatized identities that threaten their inclusion and recovery. While disclosure of a stigmatized identity can promote support and recovery and therefore prevent suicide, it may also present distinct risks. The purpose of this paper is to summarize key issues in suicide-related disclosure, suggest theoretical models for describing suicide-related disclosure and identify research needs. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper discusses the existing literature on disclosure of concealable stigmatized identities, then explores research on disclosure of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and suicide loss. Theoretical models (disclosure processes model and interpersonal theory of suicide) that can be employed in understanding suicide-related disclosure are explored. Finally, the paper suggests areas for future research, including longitudinal research to identify strategic disclosure practices that can lead to greater inclusion and recovery. Findings Research on suicide-related disclosure should differentiate between disclosure of past and current suicidality, incorporate theoretical frameworks and examine approaches for preparing potential confidants and disclosers for the disclosure process. Originality/value This paper highlights issues unique to the disclosure of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and to suicide loss.

Experiences of international tourists with healthy signature foods: a case study in Malacca

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 1869-1882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mageswari Kunasegaran ◽  
S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh ◽  
Sofiah Kadar Khan
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourist Gaze ◽  
Tourist Destinations ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Gaze Theory

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the experiences of international tourists with healthy signature food at a tourist destination, and explore the perceptions of food providers regarding the preparation of healthy signature foods. Healthy signature food at tourist destinations has become a crucial factor that can determine whether tourists revisit a tourist destination. The relevant literature review and Urry’s tourist gaze theory indicate that there is a lack of previous research on healthy signature foods among international tourists and food providers. The current study addresses this gap by providing a holistic understanding of healthy signature foods and how they have led to a culture of healthy eating in the tourism industry. Design/methodology/approach A case study was conducted in Malacca, a World UNESCO Heritage Site, to identify the experiences of international tourists with local signature foods. A purposive sampling method was selected to gather information from international tourists and food providers. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews to gain a detailed perspective of healthy signature foods. Findings The results revealed four thematic analysis outcomes, namely, memorable food experiences, food hygiene consciousness, cultural values and tourist happiness, which directly impact tourists’ satisfaction and intention to revisit. Additionally, aspects such as type of trip, trip frequency and the purpose of the trip influenced tourists’ experiences with healthy signature food. Furthermore, it was found that the selected food providers prepared their meals according to the standard procedures. Originality/value The current study extends Urry’s tourist gaze theory by exploring tourists’ perceptions of healthy signature food as well as exploring the way the food is prepared. Healthy signature food has much potential as a means of attracting and sustaining international tourists at tourist destinations. Furthermore, it strengthens the supply chain relationship between international tourists (customers) and food providers (suppliers) in the food tourism industry.

The impact of culture on Chinese employees' work values

2007 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bih‐Shiaw Jaw ◽  
Ya‐Hui Ling ◽  
Christina Yu‐Ping Wang ◽  
Wen‐Ching Chang
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Work Values ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chinese Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chinese Values ◽  
Cultural Exposure ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Chinese Cultural Values ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate the detailed relationships between Chinese cultural values (Confucian dynamism, individualism, masculinity, and power distance) and work values (self‐enhancement, contribution to society, rewards and stability, openness to change, and power and status) in an integrated model. Further attempts are also made to explain the above relationship in terms of different cultural exposure experiences.Design/methodology/approachThe sample was collected from China (selected from after‐work classes for Chinese businessmen in China) and Australia (overseas Chinese living or working in Sydney) by questionnaires. Altogether, 185 respondents took part in the study. SEM was used to test the relationship between Chinese cultural values and work values, and difference analysis was employed to test the impact of respondents' Western cultural exposure experiences.FindingsInteresting results are found concerning Chinese employees' cross‐cultural work values. The study not only confirms the impact of cultural values on work values, but also brings some new thoughts on Hoftstede's belief that instead of high masculinity and individualism, Confucian dynamism is the main cultural value to foster self‐enhancement and most work value of Chinese employees.Research limitations/implicationsBecause China is a complex country, the limited Chinese sample should not be taken as representative. The current study did not differentiate respondents' demographic differences. Hence some demographic variables may have produced some of the intergroup differences reported in this study.Practical implicationsThe findings provide useful input for managers who are seeking to develop effective working relationships with Chinese counterparts.Originality/valueThis paper enriches existing Chinese values studies and serves as a starting point for future research concerning the detailed relationship between Chinese cultural values and work values.

Culture and corruption

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Yeganeh
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
National Level ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Uncertainty Avoidance ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Corrupt Behavior

Purpose – This study aims at investigating the effects of cultural values on corruption by integrating Hofstede's, Schwartz's, and Inglehart's frameworks. Design/methodology/approach – First, corruption is conceptualized and Schwartz's, Hofstede's and Inglehart's cultural dimensions are presented. In the second part, the relationships among concepts are discussed and the hypotheses, variables, and theoretical models are presented. Then, the empirical tests are conducted, the theoretical/managerial implications are discussed, and an integrative model is proposed. Findings – The empirical analysis confirms that after controlling for the effects of socio-economic development, cultural values have considerable influence on the level of perceived corruption. More specifically, it is found that Hofstede's High Power Distance, High Uncertainty Avoidance, Masculinity and Collectivism, Schwartz's Conservatism and Harmony, and Inglehart's Survival and Traditional-religious dimensions are associated with the corrupt behavior. By contrast, the opposite values namely Hofstede's Low Power Distance, Low Uncertainty Avoidance, Femininity, and Individualism, Schwartz's Autonomy and Mastery, and Inglehart's Self-Expression and Rational-secular dimensions tend to impede corruption. Research limitations/implications – This study has a limited scope as it relies on narrow conceptualizations of culture and corruption. Furthermore, like many cross-cultural studies, the current analysis relies solely on the national-level data and overlooks the effects of intra-national variations. It is important to note that while culture has important implications for the corrupt behavior, its effects should not be considered as deterministic. Practical implications – By referring to the integrative model of this study, managers and scholars can conveniently describe a country's culture, understand the implications, and make sense of the level of associated corruption. Originality/value – This study contributes to the literature by integrating three widely employed cultural frameworks, by incorporating a large number of countries into the research design, by providing a profound understanding of the influence of culture on corruption, and particularly by offering a comprehensive model for scholars and practitioners.

Empirical Study of Trust in Chinese Organizations: Joint Venture versus State-Owned Enterprise

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (02) ◽  
pp. 139-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tingting He ◽  
Paul R. Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Chinese Culture ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Interpersonal Trust ◽  
Entrepreneurship Research ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
State Owned Enterprise ◽  
Chinese Cultural Values ◽  
Dispositional Trust ◽  
The Relationship

Culture offers an important setting for entrepreneurship to grow, and trust is critical for entrepreneurship to thrive. In recent years, there has been debate whether Chinese culture facilitates or hinders entrepreneurship; there has also been a call for empirical investigation of trust in entrepreneurship research. Our paper investigates the relationship between Chinese cultural values and two kinds of trust, in two different enterprises as two subcultures in China. The two kinds of trust are dispositional trust and interpersonal trust; and the two enterprises are a joint venture and a state-owned enterprise. We composed questionnaire from established work about trust and cultural values, ran survey research on 226 employees in the two organizations in China, and analyzed the survey data by descriptive statistics, factor analysis, correlations, and MANOVA. We found that dispositional trust and interpersonal trust are different at individual level; Chinese cultural values correlate significantly with both dispositional trust and interpersonal trust, and positively correlate to both kinds of trust. Employees in the state-owned enterprise held higher level of Chinese cultural values but had lower level of interpersonal trust, which suggests potential problems in its management. Our study is one of the recent studies that separately measure dispositional trust and interpersonal trust, and our findings across two different types of organizations have practical implications for entrepreneurship research in China. Our study is also one of the recent studies that find Chinese cultural values may benefit trust in enterprises, although some earlier studies suggested the opposite.

GEA Group – doing business in the Middle East

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Ian Michael ◽  
Melodena Stephens Balakrishnan ◽  
Zeenath Khan
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
International Business ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Organizational Design ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Mena Region ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Skills

Subject area Management, Strategy, International business. Study level/applicability Undergraduate or Graduates. Case overview This case is suitable for students of international business and strategy at the advanced undergraduate-level or introductory masters-level courses. It can be used for organizational design, brand management and business-to-business management classes. It may be of interest to practitioners in the Middle East and North African (MENA) markets looking at managing cross-functional teams. Expected learning outcomes On completion of utilizing the case study as an exercise, students should be able to develop the following. Case-specific skills: Critically examine the importance of the international business and strategy in the Middle East and demonstrate this by analyzing real-regional/-examples using complex theoretical frameworks; identify examples of best practice and explain the dynamics toward international business and strategy with reference to a range of theoretical models and apply these in a meaningful way to the MENA region. Discipline-specific skills: Synthesize and critically evaluate a corpus of academic literature and government reports on international business and strategy; link international business and strategy concepts and theories to real-regional/world examples. Personal and key skills: Reflect on the process of learning and undertake independent/self-directed learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment; work as a participant or leader of a group and contribute effectively to the achievement of objectives in the field of international business and strategy. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes.

Re-integrating values, mind of Mao and selected papers

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 406-416
Author(s):  
Check Teck Foo ◽  
Fang Fang
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Social Background ◽  
Mao Zedong ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scholarly Community ◽  
Chinese Management ◽  
Ethical Behaviors ◽  
Research Opportunity ◽  
Chinese Cultural Values ◽  
The Mind

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to elaborate a unique approach to researching into the mind of Mao and, at the same time, review of papers in this issue of Chinese Management Studies. Through this paper, the editor hopes to communicate the three simple yet important criteria that should feature in the selection of future papers. Design/methodology/approach Values of scholarly community as embodied within the 1,040-year-old Yuelu Academy are first introduced as translated by the joint efforts of the authors. The relevance of such cultural values for modern scholars is then discussed. This is followed by the author highlighting the unique research opportunity (documentary study and analysis) as offered by the Shaoshan Mao Memorial Museum. Perhaps it is possible to get a hint of the thinking of Mao Zedong. Finally, consistent with the earlier two review papers, a bird-eye view of key findings is given of the nine selected papers, namely, on politics, state-owned enterprises, team, socialism, planning, human resource management, leadership, competition and knowledge. Findings Clearly the modern scholarly community will benefit by imbibing the values of the Yuelu Academy with their strong emphasis on ethical behaviors, diligence and the deep pursuit of scholarly inquiry. Also, the Chinese, by documenting the writings of Mao Zedong (Shaoshan Museum), made him perhaps the most well-documented strategist for in-depth research. From the latest review of manuscripts, authors have yet to incorporate Chinese cultural, historical and social background as an integral part of their papers. Originality/value This paper calls for scholars to try to reintegrate Chinese cultural values back into research on Chinese management. Professor Warner Malcolm, Cambridge University, a contributing author wrote to the journal saying in essence: “[…] Chinese management is […] deeply rooted in Chinese cultural norms […]” Hopefully more of the submissions will begin to reflect such an orientation.

The evolving gift-giving practices of bicultural consumers

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
May Aung ◽  
Xiying Zhang ◽  
Lefa Teng
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Marketing Research ◽  
Chinese Immigrants ◽  
Gift Giving ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chinese Populations ◽  
The Gift ◽  
Chinese Cultural Values ◽  
As Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this study is to offer a better understanding of contemporary consumer behaviour. This study relates to the complex and value-laden phenomenon of “gift-giving” from the perspective of bicultural consumers. The focus was on the gift-giving practices of Chinese immigrants in Canada within both their current and their past residencies (Canada and China, respectively). Design/methodology/approach Conceptual guidelines for this study embodied the gift-giving conceptual framework of Sherry (1983) and Chinese cultural values on gift giving (Yau et al., 1999). A qualitative research study was implemented. Specifically, in-depth interviews with Chinese immigrant women mainly from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario, Canada, offered empirical evidence relating to the gestation stage of gift giving. Findings The findings indicate the complexity of acculturation in gift-giving practices. In terms of gift-giving occasions, Chinese immigrants in Canada, for the most part, adopted the Canadian gift-giving occasions. However, the important role of ethnicity in decision-making is found through their strong sense of differentiation between Chinese and Canadian gift receivers. The results also indicate some Chinese cultural values such as relationship, reciprocity and group orientation as being still important in shaping gift-giving practices, even after immigration to a new country quite distant from the homeland. One cautionary note is that some cultural values such as relationship can be common to both Chinese and Canadian cultural groups. Research limitations/implications This research was conducted mainly in the GTA in Ontario, Canada. Future studies could address other large Canadian cities with significant bicultural Chinese populations such as Vancouver in British Columbia and Motreal in Quebec. Practical implications This research extends the knowledge of bicultural consumers by examining the evolving gift-giving practices of Chinese immigrants living in Canada. A good understanding of the cultural values important to bicultural consumers will help marketers to efficiently and effectively allocate their marketing resources in attracting these niche consumers. Social implications This study has contributed to the broader field of marketing research. Specifically, the current study offers the importance of understanding values transference of bicultural consumers and their behaviours in integrating into the mainstream gift-giving cultural context. Originality/value This study has contributed by offering evidence of how a minority consumer group formed complex acculturation realities within a gift-giving consumption context. This contribution can be counted as a step towards theoretical advancement in the field of acculturation and of understanding bicultural consumers.

Do all Chinese employees have the same cultural values? An exploratory investigation on differences in Chinese cultural values among state-, privately-, and US-owned firms

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 827-849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kitae Kim ◽  
Kwon Yoon ◽  
Bongsoon Cho ◽  
Longzhen Li ◽  
Byoung Kwon Choi
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cultural Value ◽  
Ownership Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Exploratory Investigation ◽  
Chinese Cultural Values ◽  
Business In China ◽  
Value Model ◽  
Ownership Types

Purpose – Using Hofstede’s cultural value model, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how Chinese employees’ cultural values differ according to firm ownership type such as state-, privately, and US-owned firms. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 367 Chinese employees working at firms located in Beijing. Findings – Results showed that while Chinese employees in state-owned firms scored the highest in collectivism, those working at privately and US-owned firms scored higher for individualism. The score for long-term orientation was also higher in state-owned firms than in privately and US-owned firms. However, contrary to the expectation, the scores for Chinese employees for power distance in state-owned firms were lower than in the others, while the scores for masculinity in state-owned firms were higher than for the others. Chinese employees in all three types of firms showed lower scores than reported in previous studies for uncertainty avoidance. Practical implications – This study contributes to a deepened understanding of how the cultural values of Chinese employees differ depending on firms’ ownership types, with significant implications for managers, who do business in China as they seek to establish management practices more closely aligned with the cultural values of Chinese employees. Originality/value – This study may be the first attempt to examine how Chinese cultural values differ according to various ownership types. It suggests that Chinese employees at privately and US-owned firms have different cultural values from employees at state-owned firms, even though all three groups of employees are Chinese.

scholarly journals Do Gen Zs feel happy about their first job? A cultural values perspective from the hospitality and tourism industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4017-4040
Author(s):  
Juan Tang ◽  
Cevat Tosun ◽  
Tom Baum
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chinese Cultural Values ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism Industry

Purpose To address Generation Z’s role in the emerging workforce, this paper aims to examine Chinese Generation Z’s subjective well-being (SWB) during their internship in the hospitality and tourism industry through the lens of Chinese cultural values. It explores the extent to which Gen Zs identify with Chinese cultural values and the influences of Chinese cultural values on intern students’ SWB which, in turn, predicts their future job intentions in this industry. Design/methodology/approach This paper proposes a normative model to contextualize the multi-dimensional interactions between Chinese cultural values, intern students’ SWB, and their future job intentions in the hospitality and tourism industry. A survey as the main data collection method was used with 400 respondents in Macau, China in testing hypotheses and analyzing the direct and indirect effects of these interactions. Findings The paper provides empirical insights into the way that Generation Z’s SWB is influenced by Chinese cultural values. Findings show that Chinese intern students’ average SWB in the workplace was above average. It also suggests that two cultural dimensions can be identified as playing a significant and salient role in shaping their SWB in the workplace as well as their future job intentions, namely, attitudes toward work and job-related face values. However, no significant relationships with the other three dimensions of CCVs were found to influence their SWB or future job intentions, namely, attitudes toward people, moral discipline and status and relationship. Research limitations/implications This research results may lack generalizability because the respondents chosen in Macau cannot be fully representative of Chinese Generation Z. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to widen the respondent base. Furthermore, cultural influences are tempered by many macro-contextual factors. Although this study focuses on unpacking Generation Z’s mental status from the level of national culture, other factors such as organizational considerations warrant future academic attention. Originality/value This paper addresses a research gap by identifying the influences of cultural values on the SWB of intern students which, in turn, affects their future job intentions in the hospitality and tourism industry.

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