In this study, we test the impact of national origin on intentions to shame and to seek revenge in response to a normative conflict. As expected, Chinese managers showed a stronger desire to shame and teach a moral lesson compared to American managers. Contrary to expectations, Americans were no more likely than the Chinese to express a desire for revenge. Results also showed that Americans were more likely to choose a direct approach in response to the conflict, compared to the Chinese managers, and the Chinese managers were more likely to use an indirect approach. These data are consistent with previous research suggesting that shaming is a more common form of social control in more collectivistic compared to more individualistic societies (Creighton, 1990; Demos, 1996), but inconsistent with cross-cultural theories which suggest that interpersonal harmony is more important in a collectivistic culture (Leung, 1997; Markus & Kitayama, 1991; Triandis, 1988).

Western companies continue to invest in China, with many companies integrating their Chinese operations into their global strategies. These organizations, along with Chinese companies- whether private or state-owned-all need more-effective leaders.