Decoding Relationships between Chinese Merchants and Batswana Shop Assistants: The Case of China Shops in Gaborone

Abstract

As part of China's growing presence in Africa, many Chinese merchants have set up shops in Botswana. Due to government regulations, these merchants are required to hire locals as assistants. However, Chinese shopkeepers, who seem to be motivated by the spirit of Confucian capitalism, have work expectations that are not shared by their Batswana shop assistants. Chinese merchants view their Batswana shop assistants as having poor work ethics, whilst Batswana assistants view Chinese merchants as exploiters of cheap labor. In this research, through participant observation and in-depth interviews, the voices of approximately 90 Chinese employers and 20 Batswana assistants were recorded. The research reveals a lack of organizational commitment and interpersonal trust. Similar to the situation in many other African countries, linguistic and cultural differences have led to disputes, tension, and a toxic work environment. In the rush for investment and employment opportunities, important social and cultural orientations have been neglected and the gap has been filled by pre-conceptions and prejudice.