中国媒体博克

OK, so the global economy has tanked and you’re considering going to work for a local company in one of the world’s only safe markets – China.

But the reality is that fewer than 50 percent of foreigners who make the jump to Chinese companies survive. So here’s a tiny primer of what to expect and do, according to the Beijing office of a global research firm, first cited in the Asian Wall Street Journal:

1) The office culture is really different. Expect to feel some isolation. Learn to endure the loneliness.
2) Don’t come in with a heaven-sent air of superiority. The Chinese won’t see you that way.
3) Ask to report to top management. That will leverage your authority.
4) Read your leader’s style, and don’t contradict him or her.
5) Use the phraseology common to the new company.
6) Start with small steps.
7) Learn to play office politics – but without taking sides.

According to the report by Russell Reynolds Associates, many foreigners (and Chinese who have experience working in foreign companies) fail on returning to Chinese companies.

“A majority of these executives leave within a year of their arrival. This rapid turnover inflicts financial loss, lowers company morale and impugns the image of managers who advocated their hire,” the report says.