What do you see as the major differences between the Chinese business environment vs. the Western?
Thinking mainly of China vs German business environments (namely vendor supply chain management and negotiations).

It is okay if you are not that specific though.

I think I know the answers already, but thought I would ask any how. Among others, this is what comes to mind.

1) Seems to be that Westerners are more action orientated and want to arrive at a solution quickly.

2) Chinese are less confrontational.

You can add or elaborate as you see fit. [Hope you will add new insight]

Question

What do you see as the major differences between the Chinese business environment vs. the Western?
Thinking mainly of China vs German business environments (namely vendor supply chain management and negotiations).

It is okay if you are not that specific though.

I think I know the answers already, but thought I would ask any how.  Among others, this is what comes to mind.

1) Seems to be that Westerners are more action orientated and want to arrive at a solution quickly.

2) Chinese are less confrontational.

You can add or elaborate as you see fit. [Hope you will add new insight]

Answer

i think the wroking environment is more complex in china than in western. In order to get a deal , you need to pay some effort on other aspects like the heads and buliding your relationships with them. maybe it is considered as a corruption by some people ,but i think it is just the tradition. So perhaps it leads to the feeling that chinese are less action oriented. 
I dont know what the Germans are like ,but it seems they work more seriously .
In a state-owned company ,you need to understand the potential rules and spend more effort on other aspects like relationship with your boss.

Answer

Simple. The Chinese are corrupt from the top down.

Answer

I think Chinese are really business-minded. So.. I guess they are really wise in dealing business more on getting money.. while Westerners, I don't have any idea though...... but I guess they are strict in time management.. is that right?? ^^

Answer

I think the Chinese are smarter regulate business tactics, but the west is also not to be outdone.
so .......... there will be a fairly tight competition ....