Proper decision-making in Chinese culture means consulting others before deciding—even when you have clear authority to decide alone. This isn’t just politeness; decisions made without consultation are seen as procedurally flawed regardless of their outcome. Consultation gathers information, builds buy-in, distributes responsibility, and shows respect for those affected.
Expect decision processes to include genuine consultation phases where input is gathered and considered. When you’re consulted, take it seriously—your input is expected to actually influence the decision, not just be collected.
When you’re deciding, consult those with relevant knowledge, those who’ll implement the decision, and those who’ll be affected. This takes time, which is part of proper process. Decisions that skip consultation may be faster but they lack legitimacy and support. Build consultation into your timelines.
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