Doing Business in China
From all the experiences we have had so far in working for our client, conducting interviews, and collaborating with different people for work, I have observed some interesting business etiquette followed in China.
1. Formal Dinner:
Check that out - we had the opportunity to indulge in some really lavish formal Chinese dinner/lunch experiences with the client. I really liked the way the tables were laid out, and also the special arrangements to place chopsticks on the side. (Note: only chopsticks and spoons - no forks and knives). I also thought it was interesting that we were served unpeeled peaches and bananas and roasted peanuts as snacks in a 'formal' dinner. Oh and the best thing learnt - the Chinese way to raise a toast. Believe it or not, but that night, every person on the table walked around and went up to every other person individually to raise a toast! So if there are five people at a dinner, you raise a toast individually a total of 20 times! (do the math). This style was also a good way to exchange business cards, I realized. After every toast or 'ganbei' (meaning: bottoms up), our glasses were refilled with the liquor, so basically we had a continuous supply of liquor (and ganbei) throughout the meal. Respecting hierarchies, the seating arrangement around the table is also as per everyone's position and title.
2. Business Cards:
Business cards are indeed exchanged by holding the card with 'both hands'. @Prof. Roush: Yes, we made sure that we accepted the cards politely with both hands, took a few seconds to read the cards, and DID NOT place the cards in the wallets in the back pockets.
3. Conducting Meetings:
I have to say, that every meeting we attended, was well organized, coordinated, timely, and with set agendas. Business cards were exchanged before every meeting. We had interpreters to facilitate effective communication between parties, since meetings were conducted in Mandarin. Having interpreters around and attending business meetings being conducted in Mandarin was a very unique experience and a different challenge in itself. Also, all attendees were constantly served Chinese tea during meetings.
4. Building Relationships:
The Chinese attach a lot of significance to developing and nurturing business relationships and so make proactive efforts towards building them. Also, it is always good practice to develop an intermediary contact to overcome challenges in business dealings.
I am glad to be experiencing a different business culture. More on lessons learnt and lessons taught - in the next post.
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1 Comments
I'm thrilled that you were laying attention when I shared that!