Working Abroad - China Cultural Briefing

It won't have escaped your notice that China is vying for position as the world's leading economic super-power. Improved international relations, government reforms and increased foreign investment make it an attractive location for international business.

 Awareness of Chinese culture will help communications and avoid ‘culture shock' when travelling. The ancient culture of the third largest country in the world, home to a fifth of the citizens of the planet, is fascinating and complex and there is much to learn. Here is just a brief overview;

Confucianism is a major influence permeating all of Chinese society. Revolving around the concept of harmonious relationships, it is manifest in an aversion to conflict, maintenance of proper behaviour and the preservation of ‘face' (honour or respect). Sincerity is valued above all qualities.

 It is important to be reserved and courteous when greeting in China. Here are a few tips to follow:

• If you are applauded as a welcome, return the applause 
• Greetings are formal and the oldest person is always greeted first 
• Handshakes are the most common form of greeting with foreigners (do not be overly vigorous when shaking hands as this can be interpreted as aggressive) 
• Many Chinese will look towards the ground when greeting someone 
• Address the person by an honorific title and their surname. If they wish to move to a first-name basis, they will advise you which name to use. 
• Be ready to laugh at yourself – the Chinese have a great sense of humour!

For much more information on business etiquette in China, see our guide, ‘Doing Business in China' – currently available to download for FREE. click here to subscribe to our newsletter worldwise.

Are you thinking of living and working abroad in China?

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Working Abroad - Business Link to China

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have recently launched 'LinkToChina' – the new UK-China business match-making project launched by the BCC and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (The Chinese Chamber of International Commerce).

Go to this link to find out more details:

http://linktochina.tvchamber.co.uk/

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Working Abroad - Relocation to China

Interested to find out more about what companies are saying about and doing when relocationg people to China.
The Cartus Survey Shows Global Relocation Assignments into China Continue to Grow.
Click to go to this great article from Cartus  Relocation to China

Are you thinking of living and working abroad in China?

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BRIC Countries

The BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China – have powered ahead economically over the past decade, but will they be able to take up the slack in the world economy from the US consumer?

See more at the Financial Times website click below:
http://www.ft.com/cms/9bae68fe-011c-11df-a4cb-00144feabdc0.htm

Are you thinking of working abroad in India or China?
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Are you going to be working abroad in China or India?

Do you want to be connected to whats going on in these countries?

Then click on the below link for articles from The Economist.
http://www.economist.com/countries/India/index.cfm

Would you like to know more about Chinese or Indian culture or living and working abroad in China and India?

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UK Trade links with China

To find out about UK/China trade links -  please read the article from UKTI below:
http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktihome/media/pressRelease/123397.html

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Chinese Culture - Communication Know-How

                  
                      COMMUNICATION:

• Bowing or nodding is the common greeting; however, you may be offered a handshake. Wait for the Chinese to offer their hand first.
• Applause is common when greeting a crowd; the same is expected in return.
• Introductions are formal. Use formal titles.
• Chinese will often use a nickname to assist Westerners.
• Being on time is vital in China.
• Appointments are a must for business.
• Contacts should be made prior to your trip.
• Bring several copies of all written documents for your meetings.
• The decision making process is slow. You should not expect to conclude your business swiftly.
• Many Chinese will want to consult with the stars or wait for a lucky day before they make a decision.
• Present and receive cards with both hands.
• Never write on a business card or put it in your wallet or pocket. Carry a small card case.
• The most important member of your company or group should lead important meetings. Chinese value rank and status.
• Develop a working knowledge of Chinese culture.
• Allow the Chinese to leave a meeting first.

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Chinese Culture - A Tale of Two Expats

A Tale of Two Expats - Great article in The Economist join the link here:
http://www.economist.com/node/17797134


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Chinese Cultural Know-How

As promised here is the 5th and final installment of information on Chinese Cultural know-how for 2010:

Chinese society and culture

Confucianism can be seen as a major influence that permeates the whole of Chinese society. It revolves around the concept of harmonious relationships. This is manifested in an aversion to conflict, maintenance of proper behaviour and the preservation of ‘face’, which roughly translates as ‘honour’, ‘good reputation’ or ‘respect’.
Chinese people value sincerity above all qualities. They admire sincerity, education, respect and frugality.

Confucianism: a Chinese ethical and philosophical system developed from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–478 BC). In Confucianism, human beings are teachable, improvable and perfectible through personal and communal endeavour especially including self-cultivation and self-creation.

In Chinese names, the surname comes first and the given names second. For instance, the basketball player Yao Ming should be addressed as "Mr. Yao", not "Mr. Ming".

In conversation, avoid controversial topics relating to China’s recent political history. Instead, ask a Chinese person about their culture, art and literature, or the recent economic growth of their nation.

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Chinese Cultural Know-How

As promised here is the 4th installment of information on Chinese Cultural know-how:


Socialising, eating and drinking:

Hospitality is an integral part of Chinese culture, and an invitation should be seen as a great honour.


• If you eat in a restaurant you should not offer to share the bill, but you will be expected to reciprocate. Tipping is technically illegal in China, and you will not ever be expected to leave anything.

• If you are invited to the home of a Chinese person and you cannot attend, be sure to explain why so that you are not seen as disrespectful.

• Arrive on time and remove your shoes on entering a Chinese home. Bring a small gift, and remember to eat well and compliment the food.

• Never eat the last piece from a serving tray, and wait for your host to start eating before you do. Learn to use chopsticks and try everything you are offered.

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Chinese Cultural Know-How

As promised here is the 3rd installment of information on Chinese Cultural know-how:

GIFTS:

• Gifts are traditionally given in China at New Year, weddings, births and birthdays.

• The way a gift is wrapped is almost as important as the gift itself. Gold and red are excellent choices. Avoid black, white or blue, as these symbolise funerals.

• Offer gifts with both hands. Don’t open gifts that you are given when you are still with the giver. You may refuse a gift three times before you accept it.

• In Chinese and other East Asian societies, a red envelope or red packet (known as Hóng Bāo in Mandarin and Lai See in Cantonese) is a monetary gift which is given during holidays or special occasions.

• Red envelopes are mainly presented at social and family gatherings such as weddings or on holidays such as the Lunar New Year. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is supposed to ward off evil spirits. A married person would not turn down such a request as it would mean that he or she would be "out of luck" in the New Year. In keeping with Chinese customs, newly wedded couples are also usually expected to be extremely generous with the amount offered in the red packets, so as to receive blessings for a blissful marriage.

• The amount of money contained in the envelope usually ends with an even digit, in accordance with Chinese beliefs; for instance 88 and 168 are both lucky numbers, as odd-numbered money gifts are traditionally associated with funerals. But there is a widespread tradition that money should not be given in fours, or the number four should not appear in the amount, such as 40, 400 and 444 as the pronunciation of the word "four" resembles that of the word "death", and it signifies bad luck for many Chinese. At weddings, the amount offered is usually intended to cover the cost of the attendees as well as a goodwill to the newlyweds. It is considered extremely rude to give a low amount of money on such an occasion.

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Chinese Cultural Know-How

As promised here is the 2nd area of information on Chinese Cultural know-how:



Gestures and body language:

• The Chinese are not keen on physical contact, so be sure not to pat or slap a colleague’s back.

• Body posture should always be formal and attentive, as it shows you have self-control.

• When business cards are exchanged, present and receive cards with both hands and take time to read the card you are given. This shows your respect.


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Chinese Cross-Culture?

I recently found this quote and thought that it summed up some of the complexities of why it is sometimes difficult for 'foreigners' to understand the Chinese....
Chinese historian Professor Yi Zhongtian is quoted as having said:


The Chinese people are frank yet tactful, honest yet sophisticated, suspicious yet gullible, stubborn yet flexible, unscrupulous yet loyal, advocate etiquette yet often appear unmannered, stand for the golden mean yet are extreme, value the quality of being thrifty yet like to parade their wealth, maintain traditions when convenient yet love to chase modern fashion, believe contentment brings happiness yet often daydream about becoming overnight millionaires, believe the word of the fortune teller yet lack affiliation to any religion, like to form groups yet often fight, love to be controversial yet know how to smooth things over, do not like to be meddlesome yet love to gossip, know how to “seize the day” yet always talk about taking life easy...

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Working abroad in China

China is currently in the press due to the current visit of the British Prime Minister and the events surrounding his visit. Some interesting cultural difference is being highlighted as part of the visit. We are wondering what cultural training David Cameron has received?
At expatknowhow we have been putting together a China Culture Guide which will soon be available on our website for download.
We believe that this guide will be a valuable resource for anyone that will be visiting or moving to live and work in China/Hong Kong/Macau.
Watch this space for more details...

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China Trade Show know-how

Tips when meeting someone Chinese at a trade show:

• Questions about a Chinese person's private life are acceptable when used appropriately; thoughtful questions and communication about family are considered good gestures that provide friendly talk and further business.  
• Use small talk as an opening before you move to your specific interest points.  
• Dress formally but don't over-dress, Chinese believe professional dress shows respect for all participants at a trade show.  
• Use colourful stands and attractive giveaways, which will draw more attention.  
• Act professionally when introducing yourself and exchanging business cards.  
• Don't be shy when mentioning your expertise, because Chinese worship authorities and experts.  
• Don't stand close and don't touch often, Chinese like to have private space.  
• Be friendly in crowds and queues. Chinese don't pay much attention to a slight unequal treatment once in a while.  
• 
  
  Don't take first reactions too seriously; you might get lots of interest and enthusiasm but still get no feedback afterwards.  
• Don't be too pushy with the follow-up, and don't expect feedback very soon. Chinese need a period of mutual understanding to cooperate with business partners.  

Tips for anyone Chinese who is planning to attend a trade show :

• Introduce yourself confidently and actively; give firm handshakes.  
• Try to be straightforward and get down to business faster.  
• Always smile and be prepared when people don't reply with passion.  
• Form a line to wait for your turn and don't jump in conversations between others.  
• Don't spend too much time in small talk and don't talk too much about your private life.  
• Avoid making promises too easily.  
• Give quick feedback if you are really interested in what you see or hear

Article taken from the Argonaut Blog -

http://blogs.argonautonline.com/