Need to Know Basis / Information is Power

This should be a running theme. I think I will develop some hypotheses as topics for observation and discussion, and then write on them from time to time. They should represent the view of a westerner who is trying to understand and appreciate PRC / Shanghai culture.

So far at Fudan, I have observed the withholding of information. Denying entrance to Uni. Denying accomodation. Hiding room availability. Not telling us where to go, or what time to be somewhere, but telling us that we need to be there. Not telling us that our 6 month course is actually little over 4 months. Not telling us our timetable - will classes really be mornings only? Will they really start at 8am each day?

Some of this I believe can be complacency and disregard for students. I remember how in the UK students are quite happy to queue and be messed about, as they have all the time in the world. So I don't think Chinese culture is to blame for all of this.

But I do think there's a definite aspect of non-communication here. It's like the nurses telling me in the medical exam to wait for the bus. No telling me where the bus is taking me, what will happen to be on the other end, or how long it will take - because all I need to know is that I should sit and wait for the bus.

On the power side - I understand that information such as how to shortcut highly beauraucratic processes or barriers, requires the use of favours through connections to get things done. Clearly the world of favours keeps people sweet, and quite possibly is a barrier to making life generally less beauraucratic.

Any comments / other opinions / personal observations?