University of Vaasa - Vaasan yliopisto

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high degree of trust they place in those in leadership. Leadership, in this respect, not
only comprises the top management of the company, but also the government leaders,
since the top management actually tries to maintain good relations with the
government leaders. The decisions that leaders make could be considered as credible
thus few are doubtful of them. In comparison, Danish companies did not seem to
portray a strong affinity to government directives; rather they seem to respond more
to market needs.
It is then not surprising that Chinese companies seem to demonstrate a sense of duty
towards the government, which also translates from the feeling of responsibility one
has for its country. This behaviour is observed through the responses of the Chinese
companies which seem to share the government’s common aim to eradicate poverty,
which is part of the government’s effort in creating a harmonious society. This could
be due to China’s socialistic roots, in that decisions made by individuals should be
for the common good; putting the collective needs above any individual’s. This is
largely due to the responsibility companies feel in helping the country to reach its
goals. This was not observed in Danish companies which appear to be more
concerned with societal needs.
The findings are compiled below:-
Table B: Summary of the cultural norms and behaviours observed
in Chinese and Danish companies.
Chinese Organizations Danish Organizations
1. Large power distance discourages 1. Small power distance encourages
employee participation.
employee participation.
2. Top-bottom approach where decisions 2. Bottom-up approach, where decision
are made by top management level. making is sometimes done in
collaborative groups.
3. Collectivistic and nationalistic. Put 3. More individualistic in pursuit of
more focus on CSR projects that are profits but retains collectivistic behaviour
aligned with government policies. such as seeking consensus in decisionmaking.
4. Trust in labour unions and government 4. Trust in participative democracy
decisions.
process of making decisions.
5. Companies are influenced strongly by 5. Companies are not influenced strongly
government on the direction of
by government on the direction of
companies in CSR.
companies in CSR.
6. Labour unions are extensions of
government, thus is also a powerful
influence in CSR development.
6. Labour unions are not influential at all.
7. Have a stronger sense of
7. Have a stronger sense of
duty/responsibility to the government, by duty/responsibility towards society, by
pursuing its goal towards harmonious improving the environment, not solely to
society.
achieve government aims.