Research on Effects of Covid-19 in Chinese Business Negotiation

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic hit the whole world unexpectedly, the connection between people was cut, and people had to adopt a new method to interact. This paper focuses on techniques used to conquer obstacles due to the pandemic and how Chinese businessmen preserved their culture at the same time. Combining the traditional way of negotiation with the new methods is also a topic worth negotiating. The whole world can see how Chinese businessmen rapidly adapt to the new environment. Since this is an unprecedented crisis and topic to discuss, the theme of this paper is not found in much research. Hopefully, the findings in the paper will guide negotiators throughout the world. A pause button has been pushed on the global economy; China was also estimated to suffer a plunge in the economy. However, this paper offers an alternative guess that China is overgrowing after COVID-19 is mainly under control. There is little research done on this abstract topic of negotiation after the pandemic. Thus, this paper primarily cites articles from before the pandemic as an introduction to the Chinese negotiation style and uses qualitative first-hand from the survey. Representatives in the survey have abundant experience in negotiation and conducting business in China. The survey results suggest positive expectations from businessmen in China, and the younger the group surveyed, the more likely they are to adapt to the new ways to negotiate. The findings in this paper can be a lighthouse for future study in acceptance and application of the use of novel methods developed during the pandemic.