35E ducation & culturE
Chine Business Meeting Etiquette
幼儿园中班儿歌最优美的句子I t is important to show respect to tho to
whom respect is due Ð this is one of the
ways in which you can show yourlf to be
honorable and in turn worthy of respect.
Respect should be shown to age, niority,
party membership, the history and traditions of
China, political nsitivities, the company, the
冬笋肉丝region … the list is almost endless. Stand up
图吧是什么when a nior person enters the room, offer the
豆腐皮怎么炒at of honor and be attentive even if the key
persons English is weak.
Business cards are always exchanged on
first meeting a new contact. Cards are held in
both hands when exchanging and then scru-
tinized in detail. It is best to have your card
洗碗的英文
韩信怎么玩printed in Chine on the rever and always
offer it Chine-side up. Treat the card with
great respect as the card is the man.
行政年度工作计划Handshaking is the norm but a Chine
handshake will tend to be light and lingering. As it is considered impolite to look people straight in the eye, it is customary to look down, lowering the eyes as a mark of respect.
It is common to be involved in a ries of meetings rather than one big meeting at which all major issues are disclod and assd. Meetings are about building relationships and exchanging information Ð it is rare for a deci-sion to be made within the meeting. Decisions will be made elwhere in connsus-style dis-cussions, which involve all the relevant people (including possibly the Party). As a result of this approach to meetings and their rial nature, patience is very definitely a virtue. Impatience will achieve nothing other than delaying things even more.
Although there is a large amount of well-documented corruption which takes place within the Chine business environment, the giving of gifts is endemic to Chine culture and has been for th
ousands of years. The giving and receiving of gifts is part of the ritual of business relationship development Ð and in a country where relations are placed firmly before business, gifts are therefore an important busi-ness tool. A mere thank you for a favor done is considered rude by the Chine.
Avoid expensive gifts, as this could be mistaken for bribery (a rious criminal offence) and always wrap the gift. If visiting an orga-nization, take one gift to prent to the whole group. Gifts are often refud two or three times before being accepted and, if wrapped, rarely opened in front of the giver.
By Vivian Zhang
