China Business

If you want to expand your business to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), you must know your people, the culture, etiquette and patriotism. Here are some tips on business etiquette in China.

People and Culture

China is unique in its culture and traditions. So if you are traveling, it is important to match the lifestyle of the country, its people, and embrace all it has to offer.

Modesty: People in China are extremely shy. Public displays of affection or even ahead are never here. However, it is common to see people in the same hand, sex. They are considered not as a couple, not just good friends.
Patience: Making decisions that would not take much time for that matter, can only take some time in China. The people here are about to feel every comfort and convenience with a decision that requires much patience worried.
Denomination: The Chinese never have. “Losing face” In other words, if a Chinese person is humiliated in public, a battle can only come out.
Humor: When it comes to humor, the Chinese are at the top of their game. However, sex-related humor should be avoided or politics.
Hierarchy: the Chinese are also the hierarchy and this is especially true in relationships. Remember, the positions held by the Chinese people, and remember to show respect when you are in the lower position, business-wise.

For travel in many parts of China, particularly among developed regions, ready to “observed”. As for the recording in terms of China to the camera, it is polite to get the consent of the people, when under the photo.

Dining Etiquette

The label of Chinese dining, you can get a little uncomfortable at first, but once you understand how they do things you enjoy Chinese food can be fun.

Note the following:

Lunch and dinner in restaurants can be quite loud, and smoking is allowed in the table. Over time one learns to use it.
The knives are absent from the table. You can find chopsticks, spoon and bowl of soup. While the use of the stick, it is recommended that you do not point them in the direction of a person, you should not stand in the bowl of rice. Such a step is an indicator of the incense is burned at funerals.
Pork, poultry or fish is such that it is very soft and easy to remove from the bones with chopsticks ready.
With a common tax base should use a clean spoon or the end of the stick is made to be wrong in your mouth.
Be prepared as a guest at a meal, for surprises. You will find that your host has commanded much more to consume than you eat. Only “to save face.” Another way to prove the hospitality is to serve you even if you do not ask to be served.
According to Chinese custom, the host pays for the meal. This includes a meeting place for friends. However, it is always polite to offer to pay. It is not uncommon for two people fighting to find paying for a meal.
If you are invited to a meal prepared, served, while being the “guest of honor.” You should do the same if you asked your host for a Chinese meal.
The use of chopsticks is pure joy to your host China. However, if you are not comfortable with them to the silverware on the table, floor, if there is one.
It is recommended that you never start a meal during the conversation to issues related to business. Let your Chinese partner to the topic. Talk Weather in the country, sights, places of interest, your previous visits, art and music, and the compliments on the food and the atmosphere of the restaurant give about before talk about the subject company. The use of terms such as “Red China” or “China” should be avoided.

Top

TP used to be an illegal practice before 1980. Today, the things have changed dramatically. Drivers, tour guides and porters in hotels and maids do not expect a tip for good service. But in the local restaurants, it is not customary to tip the accounts include a service charge of 10 to 15%.

Dress Code

If you attend a meeting, men should wear a suit and tie. Avoid bright and colorful ties. Loud, bright colors to give your lack of respect for your employees. Smoking are unknown in China.

Women should avoid low necklines and stick to light colors like white, beige and brown. Apartment to meet business meetings, while the heels are perfect for a formal meeting.

In terms of leisure clothing, jeans are acceptable for men and women in a relaxed space. However, the shorts should be avoided when you are exercising.

Business Card Etiquette

During the presentation of your business card, remember, both hands and bow slightly forward to use. Make sure your card is printed in Chinese, with the title of your work printed on the front. This includes the willingness to conduct business in China.

Give Gifts

Presenting gifts to business partners in China practice and should not be taken lightly. Here are some tips for gifts:

Buy gifts before traveling, not to forget anybody.
Present the gift in front of everyone and make sure that the recipient knows that the company is not true.
Do not take a picture during the presentation of a gift.
You should also bear in mind given the nature of the gift, according to the hierarchy.
The value of the donation would lead to moderate somewhat in the top of the suggestion of corruption.
Objects like white flowers, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, knives, scissors, and watches should not be given as gifts because she considered unlucky.
A pair of something that is an indicator of the harmony, craft or hobby in your country or a pen something regarded as a gift.
Gifts should be in black paper, packaged white or blue, as they relate to the funeral. Yellow packaging with black writing is a symbol of death, which should also be avoided.
Gold, silver and red are the colors of happiness.

Communication

While keeping the communication with your Chinese business partners in the eye as follows:

Do not jump in: After a question, expect your partner to respond. He or she may take some time. You do not need to fill the void of silence.

Not to give: Giving in is an old tradition and is practiced today.

Get your own interpreter with a private interpreter is beneficial because you know the mistakes in the translation, or what you missed out after a meeting.

Addressing labels: .. When addressing your Chinese partner, you must do so by calling “Mr, Miss, or Ms.” followed by their surnames as they present themselves, their name is usually first introduced to get the correct pronunciation is also important. Slang and jargon should be seen as simply a business meeting to be dismissed.