Business Customs, Protocol and Etiquette in China

doing business in ItalyLearn about doing business in China, business protocol, business customs and etiquette in China. Discover the best way to conduct business meetings and make business presentations in China. Get practical tips on gift-giving and business entertainment. Study the relationship building process, cross-cultural management, negotiating tactics and much more.


Business Customs and Protocol in China


Major Topics:

Cultural values, Relying on a judicial system, Protecting business relationships in China, Mutual understanding, Preventing financial and operational problems in China, The Chinese concept of face, Sincerity, Honesty and integrity, Interdependence, Personal obligation, Training management people in China, Greetings and Names, Social gatherings, Collecting information, Corruption

Introduction:

To develop a successful relationship in China, partners must spend time together and develop a sense of mutual interdependence and obligation. This is a practice most Americans are very uncomfortable doing. However, if you do develop guanxi, if you do take the time to develop a mutual obligation, corruption can often be avoided. There are many levels of obligation that partners can establish. For example, training management people in new engineering techniques could be done in China. Or, on another level, it could be done at a different factory in the Pacific Rim. A third level would be to bring those people to the United States for training. Be aware that training Chinese professionals in the United States may not always accomplish your objectives. Chinese managers are sometimes unwilling to share their newly-acquired knowledge with those back home. Their special knowledge provides them with a more esteemed status which they may try to keep. You must make it clear that the manager needs to share the knowledge when he or she returns to China. Doing this, however, is not always easy. ....... Receive the full text


Business Entertainment and Gift-giving in China


Major Topics:

Verbal and written invitations in China, Arriving according to rank, Engaging in conversation with the Chinese, Seating arrangements in China, Discussing business during the meal, Making appreciating remarks in China, Toasting and liquor, Good standby toasts, Welcoming speeches in China, Reciprocating, Table Manners, The order of courses, Serving the guest of honor, Concessions to Western sensibilities in China, Chopsticks, Thanking your host, Business gifts, The value of a gift, Gift wrapping, Hosting

Introduction:

Business is not discussed during the meal, but a skilled business person will allude to business indirectly and listen for clues or tips. Make appreciative remarks about the food throughout and at the end of the meal. Beware of praising food you do not like in an effort to be polite or it may be served to you at all subsequent banquets. Avoid criticizing China or mentioning Taiwan. Toasts are an important feature of Chinese banquets. Liquor, usually maotai, is served for toasting. However, it can be too strong for many Western palates. It is acceptable to toast with anything, even water. Chinese toasts are chin chin or gambei. Good standby toasts are to the longevity of our business relationship and "to the friendship of our companies. Do not clink glasses. The host, possibly followed by the co-host, offers a welcoming speech and a toast to honor the guests shortly after the meal begins. The guests should accept the gesture graciously...... Receive the full text


Business Resources


All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce
93 Beiheyan Dajie, Beijing 100006
Chairman: Huang Meng Fu
Tel: (86-10) 6513-6677 Fax: (86-10) 6513-1769
www.acfic.org.cn

China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
China Chamber of International Commerce
1 Fuxingmenwai Street, Beijing 100860
President: Wan Ji Fei
Tel: (86-10) 8807 5000 Fax: (86-10) 6801 1370
www.ccpit.org

American Association for Manufacturing Technology
Rm. 2507 Silver Tower
2 Dongsanhuan North Road
Chaoyang District, Beijing 100027
Tel: (8610) 6410-7374, 6410-7375/76 Fax: (86-10) 6410-7334

American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing
James Zimmerman Chairman
Michael Barbalas, President
Suite 1903 China Resources Building
8 Jianguomenbei Avenue
Beijing 100005
Tel: (86-10) 8519-1920; Fax: (86-10) 8519-1910
Website: www.amchamchina.org

Hong Kong Logistics Association
http://www.hkla.org.hk/

U.S.-China Business Council
Robert Poole, Director of China Operations
CITIC Building, Room 1001
Beijing 100004
Tel: (86-10) 6592-0727 Fax: (86-10) 6512-5854