Doing business in China can be a cultural maze for the unsuspecting business person. The rate of Chinese business development has been swift, and the lack of understanding on business culture in China has led to numerous problems that could be avoided by a basic knowledge of world business culture. (home)
China has one of the most complex business cultures in the world. It’s a country full of small symbolic gestures, hierarchies and ancient customs. Chinese business culture has a number of important elements. Handshaking is the norm, with a Chinese handshake tending to be light and lingering. It is customary to look down, lowering the eyes as a mark of respect. As all relationships are unequal it is important, if you wish to appear honourable, show respect to age, seniority and educational background. (meetings)
There are a number of things to consider when doing business in China. When doing business in China, business cards are always exchanged on first meeting a new contact. Cards are held in both hands when exchanging and then scrutinised in detail. It is best to have your card printed in Chinese on the reverse and always offer it Chinese-side up. Treat the card with great respect, as the card is the man. (Meetings)
One of the most visible changes to the human landscape of China over the past ten years has been the change in dress code. Gone is the standard unisex Mao jacket and trousers in blue or green and these have been replaced by a much more western style of dress - especially in the commercial and urban areas. Many men now wear suits and ties and women tend to wear skirts and blouses of a modest cut.
It is advisable to have smart business attire with you when visiting China. Be aware of the vagaries of the Chinese climate, which veer from sub-tropical to freezing and dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Wealth is admired, so wear good quality clothes, watches etc. if you want to impress - but don't be overly ostentatious. (dress)
Unless you speak Chinese, (Mandarin being the most common as well as the official dialect), it can be difficult to do business in China without the aid of a translator. English language levels are very patchy and although a layer of fluent English speakers exists, the layer is quite thin and levels fall away very quickly. Communicating in China can, therefore, be a slow, laborious activity and fraught with constant dangers in terms of misunderstanding and mistranslation. Don't assume comprehension. Cover the same ground several times and constantly check for understanding. (Communication)
Article by Keith Warburton, CEO of worldbusinessculture.com
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