Does the Chelsea Flower Show represent a uniquely British forum for doing business?
YES
Nick Byrne
The Chelsea Flower Show is one of those uniquely English events that people either admire or are puzzled by. Certainly, compared to the way business can be conducted in China, there are differences. China has a long tradition of hospitality, which has been translated into a more Western concept of corporate hospitality. Personal contact and trust are paramount. But whether a meal is presented as a lavish banquet, or served in a cosy neighbourhood restaurant, the aim is to get a feel for the person behind the corporate title. And if getting to know the other is the goal, then the event must be intimate enough to facilitate this process. The notion of guanxi (mutual trust and meaningful exchange) is more easily achieved in a focused setting than at a large event. Nevertheless, the Chinese, like anyone else, will appreciate an event as wonderful as Chelsea.
Nick Byrne is UK director of the Confucius Institute for Business at the LSE.
NO
Omar Merlo
Social events like the Chelsea Flower Show represent a valuable and universal opportunity for business. They allow people and organisations to cultivate social capital. Social capital can be just as important as physical and human capital for economic success. Value can reside in positive emotions linked to social relationships, like respect, friendship and trust. Social relations have productive benefits because the goodwill we earn is a valuable resource. Therefore, even the simplest and most informal opportunity to connect, share ideas and build relationships can generate significant value. And the benefits of nurturing social capital are universal. Many social events around the world, whether the Melbourne Cup Day race, the White Turf race in St Moritz, or Chinese New Year in Shanghai, are valuable opportunities for developing social capital.
Dr Omar Merlo is assistant professor of marketing at Imperial College Business School.