Cross-cultural trust building in B2B markets a communication strategy model derived from Chinese SMEs

This thesis examines how a Chinese small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) can build trust with Western clients through culturally informed communication in inter-national B2B settings. Based on a case study of a textile adhesive film supplier, the re-search explores three interconnected dimension...

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Main Author: Lin, Yan
Other Authors: Humanistis-yhteiskuntatieteellinen tiedekunta, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kieli- ja viestintätieteiden laitos, Department of Language and Communication Studies, Jyväskylän yliopisto, University of Jyväskylä
Format: Master's thesis
Language:eng
Published: 2025
Subjects:
Online Access: https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/103562
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author Lin, Yan
author2 Humanistis-yhteiskuntatieteellinen tiedekunta Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Kieli- ja viestintätieteiden laitos Department of Language and Communication Studies Jyväskylän yliopisto University of Jyväskylä
author_facet Lin, Yan Humanistis-yhteiskuntatieteellinen tiedekunta Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Kieli- ja viestintätieteiden laitos Department of Language and Communication Studies Jyväskylän yliopisto University of Jyväskylä Lin, Yan Humanistis-yhteiskuntatieteellinen tiedekunta Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Kieli- ja viestintätieteiden laitos Department of Language and Communication Studies Jyväskylän yliopisto University of Jyväskylä
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description This thesis examines how a Chinese small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) can build trust with Western clients through culturally informed communication in inter-national B2B settings. Based on a case study of a textile adhesive film supplier, the re-search explores three interconnected dimensions of trust-building: symbolic clarity, behavioral reliability, and value alignment. These dimensions reflect different types of cultural expectations and communication challenges. The study draws on interviews, internal documents, and real business incidents to show how misunderstandings often arise from unclear technical language, differing contract norms, or unspoken value gaps. In response, the company adjusted its documents, governance practices, and sustainability narratives to better match client expectations. The findings show that trust is shaped not by a single action, but through ongoing efforts across multiple are-as of interaction. The research also connects these practical strategies with key inter-cultural theories and trust development models. It suggests that growing technical complexity makes culturally adaptive communication even more important. This study provides both theoretical insight and practical tools for SMEs that aim to enter or expand in culturally distant markets.
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spellingShingle Lin, Yan Cross-cultural trust building in B2B markets : a communication strategy model derived from Chinese SMEs Intercultural Communication (maisteriohjelma) Master's Degree Programme in Intercultural Communication luottamus kulttuurienvälinen viestintä viestintä pienet ja keskisuuret yritykset yritysmarkkinointi liike-elämä kulttuuri
title Cross-cultural trust building in B2B markets : a communication strategy model derived from Chinese SMEs
title_full Cross-cultural trust building in B2B markets : a communication strategy model derived from Chinese SMEs
title_fullStr Cross-cultural trust building in B2B markets : a communication strategy model derived from Chinese SMEs Cross-cultural trust building in B2B markets : a communication strategy model derived from Chinese SMEs
title_full_unstemmed Cross-cultural trust building in B2B markets : a communication strategy model derived from Chinese SMEs Cross-cultural trust building in B2B markets : a communication strategy model derived from Chinese SMEs
title_short Cross-cultural trust building in B2B markets
title_sort cross cultural trust building in b2b markets a communication strategy model derived from chinese smes
title_sub a communication strategy model derived from Chinese SMEs
title_txtP Cross-cultural trust building in B2B markets : a communication strategy model derived from Chinese SMEs
topic Intercultural Communication (maisteriohjelma) Master's Degree Programme in Intercultural Communication luottamus kulttuurienvälinen viestintä viestintä pienet ja keskisuuret yritykset yritysmarkkinointi liike-elämä kulttuuri
topic_facet Intercultural Communication (maisteriohjelma) Master's Degree Programme in Intercultural Communication kulttuuri kulttuurienvälinen viestintä liike-elämä luottamus pienet ja keskisuuret yritykset viestintä yritysmarkkinointi
url https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/103562 http://www.urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:jyu-202506165374
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