China Cultural Training

Doing business in China isn't like going on holiday: don't expect to get by with knowledge of a few words, and don't assume business is conducted in the same way universally.

But how can you properly prepare? There are many cultural training companies and schools which can help you. They offer cross-cultural grounding, bridging the translatory and protocolic gaps between nations and people.

Providing guidance in all areas of business and sociality, these cultural training companies are experts when it comes to negotiation training; management training; and diversity training. All training, of course, can be country-specific.

Tutorials can take many forms, so investigate which will be right for you and, if necessary, your employees.

Business Etiquette in China

China is a vast country, where sub-cultures and practices differ from place to place.

Mandarin Chinese is the language of business. You cannot assume Chinese firms will have English speaking staff. A translator or interpreter is essential.

You should:

• Avoid talking politics
• Be careful with gestures as they can convey different meanings in China
• Avoid embarrassing your hosts as the Chinese do not like to say no
• Not be offended by often intrusive questions relating to age, income or marital status
• Build close personal relationships to enable you to develop business partnerships

The formalities and informalities; the how d'you dos and how d'you don'ts. Etiquette is one of the foundations of modern civilisation, and business is no exception. A business blunder, in some countries, could mean the difference between a deal and disrepute. Again, its all about culture if not adopting, at least recognising and respecting the traditions and protocols of a people.

Etiquette in China is held in high-regard and, unfortunately, the slightest misconduct could be to your detriment. Here are a few things to remember and build upon:

Confucianism - A term particular to Chinese ethics and philosophy, Confucianism is the notion of harmonious relationships, and is probably the most important cultural protocol to refine. It promotes proper behavior through social obligation, loyalty and respect, thus ensuring a smoothness and balance in familial, societal and professional relations.

Face - Essentially the display and maintenance of a good reputation or, as the Chinese would like to refer to it, honour. Face is traditionally developed through experience, and is therefore represented by age. Face is all about action and word-of-mouth. All you can do to develop and preserve it is by following cultural protocol, best exemplified by the Confucian.