In America time is a limited resource: “time is money” – everyone knows that especially if you’ve had to deal with American doctors, dentists, lawyers…
A Chinese proverb states the opposite: “When God made time, he made plenty of it”. In China time is used to build a relationship & trust. Having said that, Chinese will typically be punctual for meetings since they regard another person’s time as precious.
In Singapore (or Germany, Switzerland & some other countries), don’t be late for a meeting.
Can you see how these different attitudes to time may lead to a business conflict?
Read more: http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5018498,00.html