When Chinese and Canadian companies come together, whether it’s through a merger, joint venture or another arrangement where cultures will be meshed, tackling the cultural differences is critical. Culture isn’t about comparing the mission statement and vision of the two companies, which can often appear very similar; it is a sense that you share the same values.

The essence of culture is reflected in a company’s management and daily practices. For instance, are decisions made locally or offshore? Are they made by a senior person or by consensus? If merging cultures is not properly addressed, challenges in cultural integration can lead to frustration among employees and result in reduced productivity.