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Chinese Business Etiquette 101 China is one of the oldest civilizations in the World, you have A LOT to learn. Click here to learn more!

The Chinese people are renowned for their impeccable manners wherever they go.

They expect people to adapt to their culture when they visit China.

Call them intrusive if you must but that’s their way of asserting their presence or dominance wherever they go. This is right on their part, as one should always learn to respect the culture

and law of the place where they reside.

Appearance

Men should wear conservative suits with the natural and subtle colors. You should have a matching tie as well. The shirt and suit color

should be of contrasting styles.

Women should never wear high heels or short-sleeved blouses. You should know that exposing

too much if skin is not advisable in China. In fact, the Chinese frown on you if you expose too

much.

In case you wear casual attire, you should wear subtle and neutral colors. Both men and women can wear jeans,

but never for any formal business meetings.

Behavior and Manners

If you ever notice a Chinese man speak, you would have noticed that he would not use hand movements. You should follow the same practice and avoid using your hands when speaking in China. The host

may consider it as a distraction. It is advisable to avoid personal contact.

You should make it a point never to touch a woman.

You should never point while speaking. In case you feel the need to do so, you should use your open palm instead of the

index finger.

Never put your finger into your mouth as long as you are in China. The Chinese consider it improper for anyone to do

acts involving the mouth.

Gifting is a very common occurrence in business all over the world. However, in China,

it is illegal to present gift articles to Government officials. However, nowadays

people do present gifts. In case you have to do so, you can do so when in a group. One of the

best gifts would be a banquet. You can gift high-quality pens too.

You should note that you should never present the following gifts as the

Chinese associate them with death. They are clocks, handkerchiefs, straw

sandals, a stork or crane as well as anything in blue, black, or white color.

The Chinese expect the guest to arrive on time always. In fact, you can arrive before time also. You should make a point of never discussing business

during meals. You should remember that the host makes the first move.

It is a matter of courtesy that you should taste every meal

on offer. You may find several courses in a meal. You can sample each one of them.

You should be careful of dealing with chopsticks. You should hold them in the appropriate way.

You should also place the chopsticks on the plate in a fixed manner. Placing them straight in the

bowl is not advisable as the Chinese consider it as an evil omen signifying death. Similarly, you

should avoid dropping your chopsticks, as it constitutes bad luck.

You should never empty your plate while eating. The Chinese consider that you are not

satiated and still feel hungry. A woman usually, does not drink while having meals.

Tipping the waiter is not the practice. However, they have adapted to the Western

culture and do tip their waiters now.

Chinese Business Communication

When Chinese people greet you, they usually bow or nod.

Nowadays, they offer handshakes too. However, you have to wait for

the Chinese to make the first move.

Applauding when greeting a crowd is common. It is good manners on

your part if you respond by applauding back. As far as possible,

one should use formal titles for introductions.

Maintaining punctuality is very important in China. You should take up

an appointment before any business meeting. The business etiquette

demands that you make all contacts prior to the trip. You should have all the

documents with you in person.

The Chinese take slow business decisions but the decisions are almost always instrumental.

This is the main difference between the Chinese business etiquette vs American. The

Chinese people are superstitious. They usually, would like to consult their stars before making any business decision.

While exchanging business cards, you should use both hands while presenting

as well as receiving them. You should make it a point not to write anything on

the business card. You should carry a card case with you. Using the wallet to

store the card is not advisable.

The Chinese place great emphasis on rank as well as value. Hence, it makes

more sense, if the highest ranked person amongst your group chairs the meeting. You should have knowledge

of the Chinese working culture.

While leaving the meeting, you should always allow them to leave first.

BonusClick on the link below to read the full blog post.

http://blog.laowaicareer.com/chinese-business-etiquette-do-you-know

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