Premium Essay

Business Etiquette in China

In:

Submitted By ckelly
Words 3142
Pages 13
Business Etiquette in China
IMS 3310.006
Professor Zydorek

Mahir Modgil
Christian Kelly Saabiq Hossain
Marlee Kargou
Jose Moreno
Jeremy Liu
Matthew Liu

Ever since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, the United States’ exports to China have increased more than 500 percent. In addition, according to Business NH Magazine, New Hampshire’s first statewide monthly business publication, the United States Government estimates that by 2020, China’s middle class will grow to about 700 million people (Fierman 14). As a result, China presents unique opportunities for American businesses of all sizes. However, even though China’s business environment might offer great prospects, the challenge for American entrepreneurs is adapting to China’s business culture. In order for one to successfully acclimate to China’s business culture, China’s social values, specific business etiquettes, and common mistakes made by Americans need to be examined.
The first step in adapting to China’s business culture is understanding the social values that underlie Chinese social behavior. Chinese social behavior is reflected in 6 concepts: renqing, li, mianzi and lian, and guanxi and bao.
According to Allan Chan, the associate dean of the School of Business at Hong Kong Baptist University, renqing can be interpreted as meaning emotions or the way of interpersonal interactions (Chan 48). No matter how renqing is interpreted, the essence of renqing is showing appropriate emotions in relationships. Traditional Chinese culture is illustrated by limiting outward expressions of emotions. In its place, the Chinese express emotions in indirect ways by using high context nonverbal communication. By expressing emotions indirectly, one can preserve the other party’s feelings in cases of negative news.
In addition to showing the appropriate emotions, according to Chan,

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Chinese Business Culture

...is very different than the culture in the United States of America and business meetings require preplanning if they are going to be successful. * How should you handle the introduction, greeting, and handshaking? Although in the Chinese culture, a nod and slight bow is a general way of greeting, Chinese business men are comfortable with a handshake. Address the most Senior Chinese person in the room first, and introduce yourself as you shake hands. Remember that in the Chinese culture it is a sign of respect if they shake your hand softly and do not make eye contact. In Chine, the family name comes before the given name, and calling someone by his name is considered disrespectful unless you are close to the person. If the person’s name is Wang Lee, it is appropriate to address him as Mr. Want. If Mr. Wang is the chairmen of the organization, you would address him as Chairman Wang. (Chinese Business Etiquette, 2014) * How do you exchange business cards? Business cards are exchanged at every opportunity. Engraving your cards in gold and printing in Chinese on one side and English on the other side is encouraged. As with introductions, when you are exchanging business cards, remember to start from the senior most person in the meeting. When you receive a business card from a Chinese associate, accept it with two hands and read it before you place it in your pocket. (Chinese Business Etiquette, 2014) * How do you explain your position and your boss’s position...

Words: 630 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Blackberry Term Paper

...Local Customs for Business Etiquette in China and Brazil Submitted to DR. …. By Muhanned Al-Sharif Student at Prince Sultan College of Tourism Student #: 12-187 April 27th, 2012 Table of Contents I. Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1 II. Important Elements to know about when visiting any country to do business……………………………1 China III. Quick Background on China………………………………………………………………………………………………………..1 IV. Society and culture……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..2 V. Business Etiquette. Do’s and Don’ts in meetings………………………………………………………………………...2 Brazil VI. Quick Background on Brazil…………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 VII. Society and culture……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5 VIII. Business Etiquette. Do’s and Don’ts in meetings………………………………………………………………………...5 IX. Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 I. Overview: This report will give you a concise description of local customs when traveling for business purposes in China & Brazil. It discusses the aspects that are required in order to succeed in your business transactions and informs you of the negative actions that could affect your business and the future of the company. It is imperative for you to know the importance of knowing the countries local customs so that you don’t disrespect & insult your hosts and at the same time leaving with a good impression for yourself...

Words: 1336 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Chinese Culture

...Making Friends in China SGT Robert, Wade H. SFC Franklin, Jeremy ALC 728-12 15 September 2012 Making Friends in China I. Public Life Displays of affection Greetings Dining In a person’s home In a restaurant Business Bargaining Saving Face Gifting Meanings Taboos SGT Robert, Wade H. SFC Franklin, Jeremy ALC 728-12 15 September 2012 Making Friends in China As with any culture to be successful in China socially, one needs to understand the manners and etiquettes that the culture follows. Many cultures have changed greatly over the centuries, but China’s remains very similar to its roots around the family and authoritarian. Unlike western cultures, much of the Chinese etiquette continues to be very rigid. Understanding and putting into practice the manners and etiquettes of Chinese culture will help a person to create new friendships, rather than enemies, and be accepted by more people within the country. These manners and etiquettes cover behavior in public, dining, conducting business, and even gift giving. In public Chinese people are very formal in their behaviors. Public displays of affection such as kissing, hugging, making eye contact, or hand holding are strongly discouraged; however, hand holding amongst friends of the same sex commonly occurs. Personal space is given very little concern within China, especially during national celebrations when most people go out, and the streets become very crowded from the largest cities to...

Words: 1219 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

China

...China: Business Do’s and Don’ts Introduction In business, knowing traditions and customs of host countries is paramount when beginning or carrying out negotiations. I find one of our most consistent and influential competitors and business allies to be China. China has for many years been a major contributor in the role of technology. Chinese technology and manufacturers are a huge part of the international trading system in America. In this paper I will discuss cultural differences, negotiation tactics, traditional and non-traditional customs, and attempt to explain effective methods of communication in the business sector of Chinese culture. I will begin by comparing and contrasting the cultures of China and America, and continue, by implementing ideas for effective communication and ways of successfully conducting business with China. China has recently had an economic spike, and was reported in an article in the Huffington Post as doing better now than ever before: “China is still faced with many daunting challenges ranging from corruption to regional income gaps and environmental degradation. But China is indeed better than at any time in its modern history. The country is now the world's largest laboratory for economic, social and political experimentation. There is every reason to believe that China, which has a continuously adaptive political system, will reach its objective of becoming the world's largest economy in a decade's time -- with all the implications...

Words: 1882 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Business and Culture

...Johnson and myself as Mrs. Fowler. I will not attempt to introduce myself as it would be considered rude. We will wait for him to initiate a handshake at which time my boss will first shake his hand gently and then myself. How do you exchange business cards? Following the introduction it is expected exchange of business cards. It is important to have business cards that are printed on sides; one in English, the other in Chinese. These should include: Company Name, Personal name, title, fax and email. They should be clean, neat and printed in gold lettering. The exchange will occur one at a time standing up and holding the card on the corners with both hands with the Chinese side up. You will hand your card carefully showing him respect, you will show the same respect when accepting his card. Once I receive the card I will need to study it prior putting it on the table, showing interest by reading the details; if I had collected more than one business card, I would line them up in vertically in order of seniority going down on the table (NBC Universal, Inc, 2008). The culture coach informs me that they should never go into a pocket, get written on and that showing up without business cards could possibly cause irreparable damage to the business relationship. How do you explain your position and your boss’s position? Provide job description information to explain the positions and how they fit into the organization. Provide information about our educational backgrounds and experience...

Words: 807 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Tibet- a Cultural Profile

...topics of Tibet’s approach to business and Education. However, due to the occupation of China, Han Chinese language is now being used to conduct education and Business interactions. I will do my best to cover Tibet’s approach to both topics before and after the occupation. Han Chinese, not Tibetans, most often conduct business in Tibet. The Han argue that it is not in the Tibetan’s traditions or culture to start business enterprises. Most of the Tibetan’s are farmers or herders when the Chinese are used to doing business. Business etiquette in Tibet is similar to that in China, as the Chinese do most of the business in Tibet. Working hours are between nine o’clock in the morning and six o’clock in the evening with a one hour mid-day break. In regards to business meetings; appointments should be made in advance and punctuality is expected. Suits should be worn for business, and business cards should be printed with the Chinese translation on the back and should be presented with both hands. Once cards are exchanged, it would be rude for you not to examine it. Putting it in your back pocket is considered extremely disrespectful. Business meals can last for several hours and international visitors may be expected to drink to a number of toasts. It is also an advantage to have a tolerance for tobacco smoke. (“Tibet Business Etiquette”) The main exports in Tibet are; Livestock, traditional medicine, borax and other minerals, lumber and carpets. China also rents Tibetan land out...

Words: 1069 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Academic Credibility

...China Outline Time is roughly 4:22-4:45. I really want to make sure we do not go over the twenty min and have time for questions at the end. Can you guys time yourselves to see how long your parts are? Intro We live in a world where the communication of information is clear, not vague, and we can gain access to that material fairly quick and precise. With so much happening and how quickly it transpires, it changes our perception of thought. We consume so much time trying to find facts about the latest thing….. The latest broadcast….. Which country is on the edge of revolution or an ultimate increase in growth; or which one will have that everlasting influence on the world’s economy. Take China, for instance. The biggest study is about how China is thriving economically and about to turn into the next world power. Researchers are meticulously tracking economic developments and commercial data as a way to eventually thrive in its atmosphere. Reporters’ and experts from all over the globe are either persistently composing eager predictions or partaking in discussions about what China will do in the future. According to the Central Intelligence Agency, data shows that, following its entry into the World trade Organization, China offers a huge potential market for investment and sales with its main industry generated from iron, steel, coal, textiles, and petroleum. As for us, we are a part of Higher Global; we make investments that include branching out into other countries...

Words: 883 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

International Journal of Business and Managemen

...International Journal of Business and Management; Vol. 7, No. 16; 2012 ISSN 1833-3850 E-ISSN 1833-8119 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education Cross-Cultural Etiquette and Communication in Global Business: Toward a Strategic Framework for Managing Corporate Expansion Ephraim Okoro1 1 School of Business, Howard University, Washington, USA Correspondence: Ephraim A. Okoro, Department of Marketing, School of Business, Howard University, 2600–Sixth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20059, USA. Tel: 1-202-806-1545. E-mail: eaokoro@howard.edu Received: March 22, 2012 doi:10.5539/ijbm.v7n16p130 Abstract The expanding scope of business corporations in the first decade of the twenty-first century is drawing much scholarly attention, and the trend has been described as a fact of life that defies the stretch of human imagination. The concept of global economy has expanded consumer awareness, defined new standards and rules of operations, and increased the need for national and corporate interdependence. Multinational organizations are exploring opportunities around the world, demonstrating sensitivity towards cultural differences in order to gain from the proliferation and growth of international enterprise. Recent studies indicate that while some corporations compete successfully in the global marketplace, others have failed to sustain their competitive advantage because of cultural imperialism or inadequate acculturation of their managers on international assignment...

Words: 6775 - Pages: 28

Premium Essay

International Business Communication

...materials and services from suppliers in China, Japan, and South Korea. It was recommended that my company use an approach to business negotiations that provides a win-win for both parties. Management was also told they needed to know the background of the Asian negotiator and that they should use a “middleman” to help them with the negotiation. Because of your work in China, the vendor would like your advice in this business dealing. The intermediary stressed the importance of etiquette and social customs in addition to the win-win model. The first thing we need to to do is research the company and their culture etiquettes. Then I will need to find the right person to conduct the negotiation and train others members involve information that they will need to know when doing business with this company as to the do’s and don’ts and how to have a win-win business negotiation. Then we should send the company our business information with the person that will be conducting the negotiation rank within our company. This will establish a first step business approach before doing business with one another. When doing business with China, Japan and South Korea the U.S. vendor must know the social customs as well as each country etiquette for this will play an important role on business negotiation. One should present there company information to each individual that it is seeking business before scheduling a meeting. When looking to do business with one of these countries it is best...

Words: 798 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Differeniation by Culture

...| Differentiation by Culture | Professional Communication Midterm | | Miranda Fick | 2/22/2013 | | Communication is Essential Communicating is an essential part of human nature, and has been around since the first humans walked the earth. People are communicating on a constant basis through what they say, the way they walk, what they wear, their facial expressions, and even the way they communicate while we are sleeping. Communication can easily get misunderstood because many cultures and genders communicate differently. Things such as religion, age, first language and geographic location tend to make communicating with one another more difficult. Good communication skills are imperative in an everyday life setting, because knowing how to get your point across effectively so that your audience understands exactly what you are trying to say, helps close the communication gap among cultures and individuals. Non Verbal Communication Communication is an information process going on between at least two human communicators embedded in a context and a situation. This process can begin from the first impression using your nonverbal behavior and how uphold yourself. Non-verbal behavior is instilled in us and therefore difficult to manipulate. Cultural differences between the uses of non-verbal signals can easily lead to confusion over intentions and reactions. If one individual from another culture displays what we feel to be inappropriate non-verbal behavior, we have...

Words: 910 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

International Business Communication with Different Background

...in the world, they certainly have a different background, such as country, language, race, culture, religion, customs etc. People as a human being cannot live alone without others people. They must communicate with each other. Language is the way of communication. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to show to the people how to communicate with each other in different background especially in Global Business Communication. The expectation is the readers will learn how to using and understand the way people communicate, base on every aspect of their background. Business definition itself is a commercial activity engaged in as a means of livelihood or profit, or an entity which engages in such activities (WebFinance, 2012). In this paper, there will be the research and analyzing personal behavior and attitudes in a country and the relationship with others country. The countries that will be research and analyze are: Indonesia-Malaysia, Indonesia-China, Indonesia Singapore. Chapter II: Research The research divided into three groups: Indonesia-Malaysia, Indonesia-China, Indonesia-Singapore. Because those countries located in the same area that is Asia and also because those countries is Relationship-Focused Country, and there’s so much interesting about issue that happened in those countries, so that will be more challenge working on it. Indonesia-Malaysia Firstly this is more...

Words: 2537 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

India vs China

...Overview China and India provide vast opportunities for trade and investments in all major sectors. In the next few decades, China and India will join the U.S to become the three largest economies in the world. China and India will provide enormous upside potential for U.S. firms, as well as risks. Cultural System Doing business in a particular nation needs a multi-dimensional understanding of its culture and business practices. Understanding those differences and adapting to them is the key factor. India The Indian economy has been booming for the past few years. The country holds great promise for the future. The business culture of India is a reflection of the various norms and standards followed by its’ people. Indians have various cultural yardsticks, which extend to their business culture too. I found the following culture norms to be important: 1. “The ‘Namaste’ forms an important part of Indian etiquette and is generally used while greeting and saying good-bye. This gesture is performed by pressing the palms of both hands together (fingers up).” However, educated Indian men and women, who are acquainted with western customs, prefer shaking hands. Moreover, while greeting any individual use his or her title. To mark respect, you may also add a suffix ‘ji’ to the name of a person. 2. In India, companies follow a hierarchical system and the decision making is usually from the top to bottom. Business decisions could be at times time consuming, and International...

Words: 1286 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Business Etiquette

...Discussion Forums  2 Related Links  3 Guidelines for business etiquette  4 Essential business culture guides for the international traveller Discussion Forums Related Links [1] Contact Executive Planet Guidelines for business etiquette Executive Planet™ provides valuable tips on business etiquette, customs and protocol for doing business worldwide. Our guides are co-authored by experts in international business etiquette, who are available to answer your questions on the discussion board. Essential business culture guides for the international traveler Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada Chile China Colombia Denmark Egypt France Germany Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Ireland Israel Italy Japan Jordan Malaysia Mexico Netherlands Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand Turkey United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Venezuela Yemen The Executive Planet™ guides to doing business worldwide each contain the following articles: Let's Make a Deal - negotiating tactics, the value of connections, recommended business card style and content, business card protocol, sitting and presenting yourself in meetings, language for brochures and promotional material, pace of business, preferred presentation styles, final agreements...

Words: 442 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Doing Business in Japan

...“Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu The Faculty of Economics Master in Business Management, C1 Doing Business in Japan 2013 Introduction Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. The characters that make up Japan's name mean "sun-origin", which is why Japan is sometimes referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun". Japan is an archipelago of 6,852 islands. The four largest islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. Together, these four islands hold about 97 percent of Japan's land area. Japan has the world's tenth-largest population, with more than 126 million people. Honshū's Greater Tokyo Area, includes the de facto capital city of Tokyo and several surrounding prefectures. It is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with more than 30 million residents. Japanese culture has evolved greatly from its origins. Contemporary culture combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America. Traditional Japanese arts include crafts such as ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, swords and dolls; performances...

Words: 2275 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Country Analysis Greece

...Country Analysis - Greece Bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea in southern Europe,Greece is a country of mostly mountains with ranges extending into the sea as peninsulas or chains of islands. From wet winters, to hot and dry summers, greece is a popular tourist destination. With nearly 4.5 million people in the Athens area, Greece is populated with nearly 10 million people in which a parliamentary democracy exists. 300 people are elected whom form the parliament which conducts the legislative duties of the government.The political party collects approximately 151 seats in the parliamental duties of the administration. The president automatically becomes prime minster and then gets appointed to become cabinet ministers. The actual ‘president’ is elected by the parliament for a five year term. The current ‘chief of state’ is President Karolos Papoulias and the head of government is Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. As you are aware, Greece’s economy isn’t doing too well lately. Greece has a capitalist economy which means it has an economic system based on private ownership of capital. 40 percent of the countries GDP is accounted from a public sector. Tourism provides fifteen percent, in which we will discuss later. Between 2003 and 2007 the economy grew nearly four percent per year. This is partially due to the 2004 Olympic games which also resulted in an increased availability of...

Words: 1853 - Pages: 8