Americans routinely mangle Asian handshakes. It's quite simple, actually when you are in China, Hong Kong , Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, or South Korea, you can shake hands. But avoid direct eye contact during the handshake, and don't shake very hard or very long. your host may bow to you. The more senior you are, the deeper the bow. You may also bow. The bow is a sign of mutual respect.
The Philippines is the exception here. Don't bow, but do make direct eye contact.
Business cards
The exchange of business cards must be made properly. Business cards should be printed in English on one side and in your host's language on the other. In China, the card should be printed in black or gold ink. you should always present only pristine cards.
When you present your card, you do so with both hands, native language side up and readable to your host. When you receive a card in return, study it, thank the person, and place the card gently in your jacket pocket.
Names and Titles
Last names and professional titles are used across Asia. Don't be afraid to say that you are a professional if you are one.
Meetings
Meetings begin more or less on time in Japan, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, and in the Chinese population of Indonesia. In Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, meetings are less likely to start punctually.
In china most of your junior Chinese business associates will arrive early. You do not have to start the meeting ahead of time. They are there in case you need anything.
Business Attire
Your default business wardrobe is conservative business dress, with suits, ties, and tie-up shoes for men, and conservative suits and dresses for women. Because of their warmer climates, some leniency in dress is to be found in Vietnam, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, and Hong Kong. But even in these countries, be conservative and avoid flashiness of any kind.
Dining and Entertaining
You'll find that Asians love to entertain in bars and restaurants and that the food is exquisitely flavored, prepared, and presented.
In China and Hong Kong, expect a banquet - long meal with innumerable courses served one after the other. Arrive on time and get ready to eat. Take something from every serving dish, even if it's only a little amount. But never clean your plate - symbolically, the magnificence of the meal means that you can't finish it.
In Japan, you will be hosted to an evening of eating and drinking. Let your host order and enjoy something from each platter. Don't refuse to eat sushi or sashimi - (both of which involve raw fish) - you'll insult your host. Drink your beer or sake slowly - you host will fill your cup every time its empty.
Koreans entertain both at home and at restaurants. Arrive on time if you're going to a private home, and bring a small gift. If you're invited out to a night on the Town, be appropriately grateful, for your host is probably planning to spend a lot of money.
The Filipinos style of entertaining is to invite you to a private home, where you and a gaggle of your host's friends will enjoy a lavish meal.
No comments:
Post a Comment