Throughout our time in Tianjin our group has had the opportunity to tour many different businesses. These tours have been a great learning experience that have pointed out many differences that exist between the United States and China. For example, after today's visits I noticed that companies in China define corporate social responsibility differently than in the United States.
In the U.S., corporate social responsibility means that a company must assume responsibility for its actions while also making a positive impact on things like the environment, community, consumers, and stakeholders. Our visits to local companies in Tianjin have taught me that corporate social responsibility is defined differently here in China. For example, when touring Tasly Co. on Tuesday, one of our group members asked a manager what they do to give back to their community. In response, the manager stated that they provide a 24 hour customer service hotline that individuals can call if a problem arises. A similar answer was given when we toured Master Kong Food Co. earlier today. Their informational video stated that they give back to the public by building facilities that individuals can tour to learn more about their company.
I found it interesting that neither of the companies mentioned improving the environment or educating individuals as a way to give back to their communities. It made me wonder whether a different term is used in China to account for these kinds of acts or if things like this just don't occur in the Chinese business world.
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