APPLICATIONS OF ANTHROPOLOGY IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT: LOCALIZATION WITH CHINESE CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

Management research focuses on the study of business related events and processes. It emphasizes cultural values and culturally related issues in the realm of the business world. Anthropology, as a social and behavioral science, has a unique tradition in terms of studying cultures deeply, and as such is one of the fundamental pillars of management science. Anthropological methodologies play an influential role in directing the practice of business. Having provided important guidance to the practice of business, the research methods of anthropology, especially ethnography, are now widely applied to the world of business. This paper offers an initial exploration of intrinsic relations between anthropology and business management, discusses the development and application of interdisciplinary business anthropology, and probes the pathway to localize the application of anthropology in business administration in China.