CHAPTER 8
Developing Cultural Intelligence in an Interconnected World
THE BULL IN THE CHINA SHOP
Barbara Bull, the American public relations officer of a Beijing hotel, was annoyed with Weixing Li, a Chinese staff member who had repeatedly turned up late.
“Do you know what you did wrong?”
His response was a blank stare.
“Do you know what you did wrong? Do you know why I am upset?”
Another blank look.
“Do you know what you did wrong?”
“Whatever you say I did wrong, I did wrong,” he replied.
Barbara was taken aback. What did he mean? “I want you to tell me what you did wrong!” she said.
“Whatever you say I did wrong, I did wrong. You are the boss. Whatever you say is correct. So whatever you say I did wrong, I admit to.”
This made her even angrier. ...
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