Business is an extremely important part of modern China’s national industry. Businessmen groups refer to the spontaneous businessmen communities organized around geographical locations and united by the ties of kin and fellow friendship that help and support each other. Because of the differences in geography, history, culture and economy, different businessmen have formed their own business expertise and style with some general unifying characteristics. This phenomenon is known as the “Culture of Businessmen Groups” by academic circles. Here is the brief introduction of the five groups:
Zhejiang Businessmen Group
Habitation: Wenzhou, Ningbo, Taizhou, Hangzhou, etc.
Character/Trait:The “Wenzhou Pattern”.
They made their fortune by hard work and diligence as their scattered family workshops gradually grew into modern private enterprises.
The spirit:
Be diligent and pragmatic in starting a business
Be brave in making changes
Work together as a team
Keep promises and be trustworthy
Persist in innovation
South Jiangsu Businessmen Group
Habitation: Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, etc.
Character/Trait: Collective ownership
The spirit:
Take actions earlier than competitors and preempt all rivals
Be all-embracing and all-inclusive
Be pragmatic and give priority to efficiency
Guangdong Businessmen Group
Habitation: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Shunde, Zhongshan and the Pearl River Delta
Character/Trait: They are bold, pragmatic, smart and flexible. They are good at trade, and they have close relationships with capital from Hong Kong, Macao and other overseas sources. They also attach great importance to strategic marketing and products.
The spirit:
Wealth comes from action
Pursuit of innovation and novelty
Emphasis on commercial culture
Shandong Businessmen Group
Habitation: Qingdao, Weihai, Yantai, Ji’nan within Shandong province, etc.
Character/Trait: These entrepreneurs are deeply affected by the state-run model and their businesses are closely tied to the government.
The spirit:
Have a good sense of openness and conservativeness
Be benevolent and human-centered
Do favors and give aid to the masses
Benefit from the collective
Keep up with the times and pursue self-improvement
South Fujian Businessmen Group
Habitation: Quanzhou, Zhangzhou, Xiamen, etc.
Character/Trait: Only hard work will lead to success. Most businesses are family-owned.
The spirit:
Be sensitive to the changes of the situation
Take actions in line with the trend
Do not fear risks
Strive for success
Support teamwork
Be forthright and loyal
Love one’s country and homeland
Repay obligations to the homeland
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