Chinese History

In Chapter 3, Bissky gives us an overview of Chinese history. Many students have commented about the lack of attention given to China in our school system. I believe last year's group would agree with that assessment. Everyone wished they had more knowledge about Chinese history. Part of this neglect is understandable, after all the opening of China only occurred 30 years ago. The lack of interactions allowed us to ignore the role Western countries had in the Opium Wars and other transgressions in dealings with China.

After the opening, the event receiving the most attention was the Cultural Revolution. Until I started doing research about China I knew little about the precursor to the Cultural Revolution, the Great Leap Forward. Below are a couple of youtube clips on the Great Leap Forward. The information presented corresponds with what I've read on the topic.

As many have noted in the discussion postings, knowing more about Chinese history points out a committment to process sometimes to the detriment of outcomes. We see in these clips a people put in an impossible position. They have to meet unattainable goals or disappoint people in power. Their choices may not be ours, but seeing the choices they make when backed into a corner provides knowledge. Recognizing the deep-seated emphasis on process offers an explanation for what Westerns consider the "trappings" of business transactions. Respecting, if not understanding, the role of process increases the likelihood of postive outcomes in business opportunities.