Chinese culture Essay

1. Executive Summary product line today is becoming more(prenominal) prevalent and it is common to travel around the dry land for duty dealings. In ordinate to clinch a traffic deal with parties of other countries, it is essential to do some research ab come out of the dummy upt the country first. This testament provide comminuted information about their ancestry tradition, etiquette issues and other factors that go outing allow easier espousal of Singaporean business persons. China being the largest populated country of 1. 3 jillion, with an argona of 9,600,000 squ ar kilometers, has a long history, unique culture and a wide variety of distinctive impost and traditions.She has been attracting foreigners to invest as there atomic number 18 plentiful resources and labour market, which are significant in business dealings. Besides the factors that are menti championd above, other factors play essential roles as healthy. Guanxi and Mianzi are the foremost factors that Chinese businessmen take into account. Other factors include supply for Chinese business meetings, friendship of the Chinese Lijie, much(prenominal)(prenominal) as non-verbal intercourse and social relationships. Also, the Chinese banquet consisting skirt etiquette together with drinking and toasting. at that place will also be gift- give, such as what should be considered to fix and what should be subjugateed. Last but not least, different ways to perform with the Chinese for the best solution should be taken into consideration. In conclusion, having the knowledge of the Chinese etiquette will better help unmatched to succeed in clinching more business dealings. At the akin time, it also helps wizard to render the culture and customs of Chinese. Therefore, this will not only do angiotensin converting enzyme costly for business purposes, but also encourages common to a lower placestanding amongst countries.2. basis The multitudes Re mankind of China, has a lar gest population of 1. 3 billion and a gross domestic product of US$2393 billion. Thus, it has been eyed by many business executives due to its big market share and a large family of labour which provides many business opportunities. In order to carry out business transactions efficiently with the Chinese, it is central for us to know what the prohibitions, customs and taboos are in China. By understanding these, we will be more prepared to conduct business with the Chinese. 2. 1 Meeting the Chinese.To begin with, the Chinese are very particular about first impressions. They prefer to be introduced formally to the great unwashed as they are reluctant to strike up conversations with people they are unfamiliar with. A proper handshake will be most appropriate upon introduction. If one is being introduced to a group, immortalise to shake everyones hands. Also, stand up throughout, when being introduced or when presenting self. attempt introductions with his/her name, followed by the companys name and specify the country that he/she is from. 2. 2 Business Cards.It is polite to use two hands to determine both corners when presenting business humor and to part it so that it is legible to the recipient. turn up to have one side of the card being translated and print the Chinese letters using gold ink as this is an auspicious colour. It will be respectful to spend a few seconds reading the card upon receiving it and helps in re instalmenting ones name. It is demeaning to put it at once into your pocket without glancing. If it is a sit-down meeting, place the card on the table so that one can look at it. 2. 3Conversations.Most Chinese like to engage in conversations concerning topics which they have knowledge on, such as weather, geography, Chinese cuisine, Chinese scenery and landmarks. Topics related to politics should be avoided. put down ad hominem questions with a little humour if uncomfortable. The Chinese would very much compliment the country of or igin. However, accepting praise outright is not considered as good etiquette for them. Instead, one is expected to deflect compliments and pretend it is unworthy of receiving them. 2. 4 Greetings Surnames come first when addressing a Chinese.In business situations, one will seldom concern themselves with a Chinese persons prone name. It is advisable to get straight how one should address someone at the first meeting. For business purposes, it is traditionally acceptable to call a Chinese by the surname, together with a title such as Managing conductor Toh. 2. 5On the tele telephone Although Chinese whitethorn make arrangements through the phone, most Chinese prefers character-to-face meetings. On the telephone, the standard greeting is the word wei, which means how-do-you-do or are you still there in Mandarin.Chinese often do not furnish any identifying information upon answering the phone hence it is good to verify that one has reached the governing body he/she think to dial. 3. GuanXi Relationships Personal relationships play a vital part in the business world of Chinese. Chinese businessmen do not rush into discussions and negotiations, as they want to get familiar with their business partners before doing business. This is known as Guanxi, which means relationships. It is the network of relationships among various parties that cooperate together and support one another.Before doing business, Chinese will extend hospitality to demonstrate their respect for others and appreciation of the finer things in life so as to intermit their visitors. There will be small talk during the first rise day, where Chinese learns about his visitor and goals. The stilling during the welcome banquet, they would learn more as foreign visitors will open up during casual talks. Also, the visitors may visit the residence of their acquaintances from other organizations and bring some gifts as it is important for building and creating Guanxi.Gifts like foreign cigarettes a nd quality wines are acceptable, which will be discussed more at the later part of the report. Trust is built during such situations and Chinese would then be more comfortable to work with them. Relationships are not only between companies but also personal levels. Establishing a sincere, supportive relationship based on mutual respect is a fundamental aspect of Chinese culture. In the world of business, possessing the right Guanxi is crucial for ensuring the minimization of difficulties and frustrations that are often encountered and it is also important to any lucky business strategy in China.4. Mian Zi prospect Face, also known as Mianzi, is a mark of personal pride and forms the basis of an individuals reputation and social berth. Having face means having a high status in the eyes of ones peers, and is a mark of personal dignity. It is a prized commodity, which can be given, lost, taken away or earned. Face to a Chinese, holds more importance and encompasses a greater part o f life. In order to establish all important interpersonal relationships, face essential always be created and maintained at all times.Losing face may be caused by, for example, public insult, chastisement or contradicting someone in earlier of another, and also, by ourselves, such as losing temper or losing your own go in public. Furthermore, rescinding an order can also be constructed as losing face. This is wherefore Chinese leaders would rather follow the policies even if there are events that prove them that it is irrelevant. Causing someone to lose face through public humiliation or inappropriate allocation of respect to individuals within the organization can seriously damage business discussions.On the other hand, laudatory someone in moderation before their colleagues is a form of giving face and can earn respect, loyalty and aid negotiations. Nevertheless, face is so important that it is justification for spending money even if the Chinese is not very rich. Money that m ay be set aside for pinch use may be used for buying gifts or accessories sort of because of face. 5. Lijie- Art of Politeness Being polite is a type of primary courtesy one should possess. In China, personal feelings and hint of criticism should not be dealt with publicly as it force cause public superfluity and unpleasantness.A glass of tea that is automatically set out in front of arriving guests is how the Chinese allows the guest to feel comfortable and appear gracious. 5. 1 Surface harmony Surface harmony is an essential skill because the world of Chinese etiquette is very insensitive to unpleasant genuine feelings as it concerns bailiwick of face. To the Chinese, things are done more for show than for substance for example, address are tools which they use to maintain pleasantness at all times, even when it is not entirely felt. Surface harmony is disturbed when one expresses his/her disagreement.Therefore, it is aware to remain quiet and give face as it might conduce in sabotage, subversion or revenge as the Chinese are well capable of such actions. 5. 2Intermediaries Intermediaries can be utilizable in communicating something unpleasant to the Chinese, and they help to ask questions, as preservation of face and surface harmony is considered highly important to Chinese. Intermediaries are highly useful in negotiations as they provide back channels for information that might prove too sensitive or risky. However, anger may be expressed directly for strategic purposes.5. 3 Social relationships Chinese wipe out their social relationships by an imaginary lick that surrounds them. Relatives, friends, neighbours, classmates and co-workers are within the circle. These people have relationships with one another and hence, bear some sort of obligation. Chinese tend to go all out for them, be it putting themselves at great inconvenience or even ethically questionable circumstances. The rest of the world, whom a Chinese treats like a stranger, remains outside of the circle to whom with no particular obligation. 5. 4 Non-verbal communication.Chinese have various non-verbal communications. Firstly, Chinese tends to have a shorter social distance compared to many western cultures, for example, a Chinese friend might stand a little close to you for comfort or breathing directly into your face when talking to you. Furthermore, if one steps backwards, his/her Chinese counterpart may advance accordingly. When dealing with a Chinese, particularly the older ones, one should not touch a member of the opposite sex you do not know extremely well as other types of physical contact can be misinterpreted.However, it is state to be perfectly acceptable for Chinese to be physical with members of the same sex. Traditionally, Chinese are seldom demonstrative with the opposite sex in public. Therefore, foreigners should keep in mind that they are well advised to avoid more passionate forms of contact besides holding hands with a companion. During a conversation, one should not slink down in chairs as they are deemed disrespectful. Furthermore, some Chinese will avoid meeting ones eyes or smile. This is a sign of shyness or keeping feelings to themselves. Thus should not be confused with insincerity, unfriendliness or anger. suppress is a virtue for it represents reflection or a sign of politeness. Gestures such as come here by curling index flick upward, okay sign with thumb and forefinger forming a circle, and shrugging of shoulders showing I dont know may not be silent by the Chinese. Nodding or shaking of head, thumbs-up and clapping of hands for applauding are universally accepted gestures. 5. 5 shipway to reject a Chinese Rejecting people or saying no can result in losing face, therefore the Chinese devised a number of methods of refusing without saying no.Ways to reject are, saying to grant the wish would be inconvenient as it means there are political problems associated with fulfilling a request, or it is under con sideration or being discussed. This generally means that something is unlikely to happen. some other way is to blame someone else for the roadblock by finding a scapegoat. Lastly, a Chinese may tell a lie such as inventing a story to get out of the uncomfortable position in which a person feels placed. 11. References and Acknowledgements 1. De Mente Boye. (2004).Chinese etiquette & ethics in business. capital of Massachusetts McGraw-Hill. 2. Scott D. Seligman. (1999). Chinese Business Etiquette a guide to protocol, manners, and culture in the Peoples Republic of China. United States of America A Time Warner order 3. About. com China Online (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http//chineseculture. about. com/od/businessculture/Chinese_Business_Culture. htm 4. Communicaid global communication doing business in China. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http//www. communicaid. com/chinese-business-culture.asp 5. Chinese Culture. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http//www. ch inese-culture. net/ hypertext mark-up language/chinese_business_culture. html 6. Kwintessential- Language and culture specialists (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http//www. kwintessential. co. uk/ pagan-services/articles/china-business-culture. html 7. Chinas GDP grows 10. 7% in 2006. (January 25, 2007). ChinaDaily. com. cn. Retrieved on June 25, 2007. from http//www. chinadaily. com. cn/china/2007-01/25/content_792311_2. htm 8. Economy economical Structure & Trends.(2006). Retrieved on June 20, 2007. http//china-europe-usa. com/level_4_data/eco/042_3. htm 9. China Business etiquette, manners and cross cultural communication. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 15, 2007. http//www. cyborlink. com/besite/china. htm 10. China Business & Travel Etiquette. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 15, 2007. http//www. crazycolour. com/os/china_02. shtml 11. Business Card Etiquette by Neil Payne. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 15, 2007. http//www. sideroad. com/Business_Etiquette/business-card-etiquett e. html.