Business Culture of China
By: Meenakshi Gupta Anita Bansal Rohit kataria Anjali Purohit Manish Tripathi Neha Kumar Karan Pant
National animal
Introduction of China
Official name peoples Republic of China Population 1,324,655,000 Official Languages Chinese
Currency Yuan= 0.150094 U.S. dollars
Capital city Beijing
BUSINESS RELATION
Chinese business contacts are mostly referrals. The best prices and deals often come from a strong recommendation. Seniority is important in China Seniority is very important to the Chinese. Instead of addressing the other party as Mr or Mrs , it is always appropriate to address the other party by his designation, Director.
Meeting and Greeting
In China, meetings start with the shaking of hands and a slight nod of the head. Business meetings start on time and it is good practice to arrive at the meeting location early. Refreshments at Chinese business meetings usually consist of green tea.
Negotiation
The Chinese are tough and highly skilled negotiators. It is advisable to enter any meeting adequately prepared and with your key points firmly in mind.
Meetings should begin with the small talk.
Gifts
DO present your gift with two arms. DON'T give a Chinese person a clock as a gift. DON'T give sharp objects as gifts, such as knives or scissors. DON'T give anything in sets of fours. DON'T open the gift upon receiving it unless it is insisted upon. Instead, open it later. DON'T wrap a gift in white wrapping paper.
Business Card
Business cards are exchanged on an initial meeting. Make sure one side of the card is printed in the Chinese letters using gold ink. When giving out a name card or receiving one, ensure that you are stretching out with both hands with the card. When receiving a card place it in a case rather than in a wallet or pocket. Take ample stocks of business cards as almost everyone you meet will want to exchange one with you.
LUNCH/DINNER
Chinese believe that it is bad luck to leave even a single grain behind in a bowl. So, better finish all of the rice in your bowl. Avoid dropping chopsticks as it is also considered bad luck. Do not leave your chopsticks in a standing position in your bowl and do not tap your bowl with them. Smoking is common and if you smoke, offer cigarettes to others before you smoke.
Controversial Issues
You must not discuss about Taiwan . You must NEVER praise the Japanese or be seen to be good buddies with them. You must not praise Shanghai in front of natives of Beijing and similarly vice versa.
Dos and dont
o Always remove your shoe before entering Chinese home. o Be calm while dealing with officials especially during tense situations. Getting hyper or raising your voice will create an ugly and unhealthy situation for all. o Keep your glass below that of the eldest person in a group while toasting. The glass of the eldest person is always held high.
oShaking feet is a sign of bad luck in China.
oNever point a finger towards someone. Pointing someone with a finger is considered bad. Such gesture is used for pointing at dogs.
Business Attire
MEN In Chinese business culture, suits and ties are typically worn. It is important to wear conservative colors such as black, white, beige, or brown, as bright colors are considered inappropriate. For formal events, wear suits and ties, but not tuxedos. Tuxedos are not a part of Chinese culture. Jeans are typically worn for casual activities. Shorts are only acceptable when exercising. WOMEN Woman should wear conservative suits. Do not wear anything too revealing and keep to the conservative colors Wear flat shoes or low heels for everyday business. Jeans are typically worn for casual activities. Shorts are only acceptable when exercising.
Conversations and Networking
Chinese should be addressed with a title and their last name. Example: Mr., Miss, Madam, and then the last name. Many Chinese adopt an English name to make it easier for North Americans to address them. These names are usually odd-sounding because Chinese try hard to make their English name different from other common names. Study China. Learn about their culture, history, and geography. Chinese people appreciate this effort.
Make an effort to learn some words in Chinese, but make sure that you know when it is appropriate to use these words. Chinese people appreciate this effort as well.
Avoid negative replies. Negative replies are impolite. Instead of saying no, say maybe, even if you mean no. Chinese people do the same to you. If Chinese people say things like this is not a serious problem, or this is not a big deal, it usually means there is a problem. Expect to answer intrusive questions about your age, income, title, family status and other personal topics. If you do not want to answer a question, give a broad answer, but remain polite. It is very important to initiate small talk, especially to start conversations. Small talk topics could include weather, Chinese geography, Chinese Art, or positive experiences you have had in China or other countries.
SOCIAL CULTURE
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
GENDER RELATIONS
BEHAVIOR, ETIQUETTE AND VALUES
EDUCATION SYSTEM
PUBLIC EDUCATION
EXPANSION
UNIVERSITIES
