Confucian Personality: A Study of Chinese Immigrant Entrepreneurs in Japan
Yuzhe Jalen Wang
Canadian International School Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Publication date: August 25, 2025
Canadian International School Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Publication date: August 25, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025I25
ABSTRACT
Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs play a notable role in the host country's economy, yet the effect of cultural traits like Confucian Personality remains unexplored for immigrant Chinese entrepreneurs while it has been studied in China. This study examines how Confucian values Guanxi (social networks), Renqing (relationship orientation), and Mianzi (social reputation) along with entrepreneurial traits such as risk-taking and creativity, influence business satisfaction among Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs in Japan. A Chinese-based questionnaire platform was used to collect data from 45 entrepreneurs with various backgrounds. Regression analysis shows that risk-taking positively correlates with business satisfaction, while Renqing surprisingly showed a negative correlation with business satisfaction. Guanxi, Mianzi, and creativity were not significantly associated with satisfaction. The study emphasizes the importance of cultural context in assessing entrepreneurial characteristics. As this is an ongoing study, additional research with larger samples is essential to validate and elaborate on these preliminary findings.
Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs play a notable role in the host country's economy, yet the effect of cultural traits like Confucian Personality remains unexplored for immigrant Chinese entrepreneurs while it has been studied in China. This study examines how Confucian values Guanxi (social networks), Renqing (relationship orientation), and Mianzi (social reputation) along with entrepreneurial traits such as risk-taking and creativity, influence business satisfaction among Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs in Japan. A Chinese-based questionnaire platform was used to collect data from 45 entrepreneurs with various backgrounds. Regression analysis shows that risk-taking positively correlates with business satisfaction, while Renqing surprisingly showed a negative correlation with business satisfaction. Guanxi, Mianzi, and creativity were not significantly associated with satisfaction. The study emphasizes the importance of cultural context in assessing entrepreneurial characteristics. As this is an ongoing study, additional research with larger samples is essential to validate and elaborate on these preliminary findings.
