Thursday, January 18, 2018

Knowing And Understanding Chinese Business Culture Facts

By Kevin Schmidt


Whether attending a local meeting or one in another country, there are often behaviors which are appropriate and those which are not. When doing business with China, it is important to know Chinese Business Culture Facts. For, while some behaviors are commonplace, there are others which are quite different. Whatever the case, it is important to remain calm and maintain composure. While, showing a faint smile and using kind words is often the expected greeting.

Whether passing out documentation or presenting a slide show, it is extremely important that the individuals involved in presenting the information be prepared. When preparing documents and slides, it is important only use black and white ink. For, colors hold a number of different meanings when it comes to Chinese culture.

Most often, small talk at the beginning of a meeting is enjoyable and appreciated. While this is the case, it is important that all cell phones be silenced during presentations and that no talking take place. For, unlike talking in church, school or work in other locations, there can be stiff penalties while doing so is also less than professional.

While working with China, delays are common and need be expected. For, most often when working against deadlines, the country will request an extension. For, the Chinese feel in doing so the country gains an advantage and has some control over the process.

Since Chinese people enter the room in hierarchical order, it is important that others attending a meeting do the same. Otherwise, it can often be assumed that the wrong individuals have the most power. As such, that individual will most likely get the most attention and respect in the meeting and throughout the process, which at times can create a great deal of confusion on behalf of attendees.

Business meetings often take place throughout the year in China. At the same time, most businesses prefer to do business in Spring and Fall. For, these are often the least busiest times. In addition, there are strict working hours of 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday with a two hour break between noon and 2.

Handshakes are an acceptable form of greeting. While this is the case, there are some people whom dislike this type of contact. As such, it is always appropriate to allow the Chinese to make the first gesture when it comes to handshakes or contact of any manner.

Most often, business personnel prefer to be referred to properly with title of position and last name. For example, Chairman, President and other titles followed by the last name of the individual. While this is the case, it is never appropriate to use the term comrade is it identifies oneself as being pro-communist.

Being friendly, speaking a phrase or two in Chinese, nodding, all can be positive attributes before or after an event or meeting. When desiring to speak Chinese, it is important to understand the meaning behind the worlds. Otherwise, attendees might not only be embarrassed but a meeting can often be over before it begins if anyone is offended in a negative way.




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