In her address to about 50 operators in Wanaka at a ''Preparing for China Workshop'' yesterday, Ms Amy Adams, of Occam Consulting, explained the psychological and cultural differences between the Chinese and more ''laid-back'' New Zealanders.
While the Chinese were known for being academically competitive, it was less well known they were competitive in every situation.
''It's finding the right house, it's finding the right spouse, it's finding a good job, it's getting ahead in that job. It's everything. There's so much stress.''
Ms Adams, an American who spent 15 years in China, said that competitiveness was behind some Chinese behaviour, including their enthusiasm for negotiating a better deal.
''They try really hard to gain an advantage.''
She said being competitive was a consequence of living in a country where there were too many people and too few opportunities.
Hierarchy and ''face'' were very important to the Chinese, she said, and on occasions when they felt their position was not being respected, they could well display ''tactical anger''.
Mrs Adams said in contrast to a gradual build-up to a loss of temper, ''tactical anger'' was sudden and loud.
''It's not appropriate for us but, for the Chinese, it is a tool ... to deal with problems.
''They are using anger as a tactic to get what they want.''
In response to jokes about the standard of driving exhibited by some Chinese tourists, Ms Adams said she believed they were the best drivers in the world but they were out of their ''comfort zone'' on the open road.
''In the cities they are so much better than you are. They are very, very aware of everything going on.''
On her tour of the South Island, Ms Adams has given 25 workshops and has one more to complete, in Tekapo.
