China and Bulgaria: So Far and So Close. The Authentic Energy of Cultural Proximity
China and Bulgaria: So Far and So Close. The Authentic Energy of Cultural Proximity

Author(s): Antoaneta Daneshka
Subject(s): Politics, Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Business Economy / Management, International relations/trade
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: international business; China; national culture; comparative management; intercultural competence
Summary/Abstract: Despite the many obvious differences, China and Bulgaria share common cultural fundamentals, providing for a fertile ground for successful long-term meaningful relationships between the people of both countries. Undoubtedly cultural similarities create inroads for mutually satisfactory business relationships as well. At first glance, China and Bulgaria are so distant from one another. Situated in different continents, at a distance of almost 7000 kilometers, representatives of different races, speaking so different languages. However, all these dissimilarities may prove to be outweighed by the aspects of culture, shared by both countries. The paper presents cross-cultural analysis of both countries, based on the framework of cultural divides as suggested by Richard Gesteland. To that end, literature review and analytical reasoning are used. The elaborations lead to the conclusion that although spotted at a distance on the cultural continuums, what is ‘desirable’ in both countries is quite close in the perception and interpretation of the Chinese and Bulgarians. That cultural proximity heralds trustworthy, emotionally comfortable and productive relationships which to beused to the advantage of both countries.

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