Chinese Etiquette - [website] Published: 31st of Jan 2011 by: (c) Staff Training Staff Reporter
China, with its enormous population and rapidly expanding economy,
is now strengthening its ties to South Africa with a formal invitation to join the BRIC group of large emerging economies.
As you know by now, being a member of the BRIC group will see increased trade and communications between SA and Brazil, Russia, India and China, and that means that we as South African business men and women will need to understand how business is usually done by these countries so we aren’t caught off guard.
The last three blog entries have covered corporate etiquette and protocol in Brazil, Russia and India, and have outlined various customs and practices that are common in these countries.
Chinese etiquette, while far more definitive than Indian etiquette, for example, is also far more complex, and without care it can become easy to inadvertently offend your Chinese partners.
The key point to remember is that in business the Chinese like things to be formal. The more formal the better, in fact.
This also means that doing business with the Chinese tends to be a lengthy process, with much preamble and formality preceding the actual business meeting. This doesn’t take the form of dining either (which is common in some other cultures) as the Chinese draw bold lines between business and socialising.
When establishing a meeting with a Chinese businessman you should give one to two months notice and all preliminary dealings should be done via an intermediary. This will provide an opportunity for a formal introduction after which you should outline your intentions of the meeting.
Chinese businesses prefer to deal with companies they are familiar with so it is advisable to be patient while these relationships are formed.
Losing your temper, being late and poor etiquette are all reasons for a deal with the Chinese to collapse.
Even the use of certain colours in you presentations can work against you during negotiations as different colours mean different things in China. It is suggested that you only use black on white for your presentations, alternatively research the Chinese colour charts and their meanings thoroughly.
It can also seems like nothing has been said in some Chinese discussions, but we suggest you pay careful attention none-the-less; it may turn out to be important. (We all know the ancient Chinese wisdom quotes - and who has not read the Art of War
The main language spoken in China is Mandarin and the following phrases would be acceptable to use:
‘Ni hao’ – the standard ‘hello’ greeting, literally meaning ‘you good’.
‘zaijian’ – the standard good bye
‘Xiexie’ – thank you
‘Bukeqi’ – you’re welcome
‘Duibuqi’ – I’m sorry
Remember that in China you are seen as a representative of your company as opposed to an individual and thus every move you make reflects on the business. You need to bear this in mind every minute you are in Chinese company.
