Mar. 12, 2010 -- A research group consisting of Chinese and German economists and psychologists once conducted psychological tests on Chinese and German employees at a certain business,according to a German media report.
The latest psychological research indicated that there are great differences between the reactions to praise and criticism of Chinese and German employees. Chinese people are very sensitive to criticism and can usually bring negative impacts while German people do not show emotional ups and downs in the face of criticism and they will become energetic when receiving praise.
The research group also found that there are things to which German employees will react positively towards while Chinese employees will react dully. In some cases, German employees will react negatively while Chinese employees will show soaring enthusiasm for work.
The experts finally concluded that the impact caused by external factors on people's psychological state differs in different cultures. In Chinese culture which focuses on harmony, praise is a kind of spiritual encouragement while being criticized is usually considered a shame. This is the reason why Chinese employees remain calm when being praised but are very sensitive to criticism.
But German employees are rarely praised by their superiors. In the western world where individuality is thought of highly, German employees often face public criticisms. Therefore, they are used to dealing with criticism, and criticism does not easily frustrate or depress them. But if they are praised, they will show tremendous enthusiasm at work.
Julien comes from France and she says that the Chinese people born in the 1980s have been pampered and cannot bear criticism.
"In China, we should know which generation we are talking to. The post-1980s generation cannot tolerate criticism at all, but the pre-1980s generations are extremely capable of accepting criticism. The children of the post-1980s generation are all 'little emperors' in China, and even in the U.S. and Europe. Their personalities are too strong and they are too sensitive. Therefore, when you are talking to them, you need to be very careful. The Chinese culture quite emphasizes 'harmony.' Even when you are wrong, they will not blame you directly but will point out your mistakes in a delicate way. But in Europe, people are frank. They will directly tell you when you are wrong, and they can still be friends after apologizing to each other," said Julien.
Risteard O'Deorian, who comes from Ireland, said, "Criticism in a company is necessary and unavoidable and is also an effective measure because when you are criticizing people, you are not attacking them but rather guiding them. In my opinion, criticism only means a form of guidance and suggestion in the eyes of westerners. It is only that your superior wants you to be much better. But in China, criticism is a totally different thing. In China, criticism means that you are not good and does not mean any suggestions. The only suggestion is that you do as I tell you to do, or you are responsible for the consequences."
