Eleventh Global Studies Conference

Abstract

Traditional rituals are often used to define culture and provide characteristics of a country’s idiosyncrasies and stereotypes; however as the world moves to a more global marketplace these behaviours may be no longer bound by the borders that define them. Traditions either die and morph into a more standardised global business behaviour, or, disperse so they are no longer contained by the boundaries of their inception. This paper introduces findings from a qualitative study into the lingering and often growing use of Feng Shui in contemporary business. Chinese restaurants from across four countries are examined to demonstrate the lingering impact these lost traditions have on daily business practice and the importance they play in the creation of value for the business owners who practice them. Restaurant owners from China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Australia demonstrate how these ritualistic behaviours bring them value and the importance the Feng Shui Master plays as the new management consultant in South East Asia.