Monday, February 5, 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.

Making small talk at the beginning of a meeting is often seen as a friendly gesture. In some cases, this time might also be used to network or plan for future meetings. Whatever the case, it is important to keep the conversation simple and avoid political discussions in which there could be mass differences of opinion.

Delays are often common when working with China as asking for extensions to extend deadlines is often standard practice. For, the Chinese often feel that in doing so the country gains an advantage in the process. As such, accepting these delays without mentioning deadlines is often greatly appreciated.

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.

While there are business meetings year round, the most favorable time for these events is between April and June and September and October. For, these are the least busiest times of year for the Chinese. As such, it is often best to schedule meetings during this time of year. In China, operating hours are from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening on weekdays, often with a two hour break from noon to 2 in the afternoon. At which time everything shuts down from telephones to elevators.

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.

While it can often be a friendly gesture to speak a few words of Chinese, be sure the meaning is correct. If not, the wrong interpretation could cause a business meeting to end before it begins. At the very least, it could place all attendees in a very uncomfortable situation.




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