Chinese culture Essay Example for Free

Chinese enculturation Essay1. Executive Summary affair today is becoming more than universal and it is usual to travel around the world for personal line of credit serve upings. In order to clinch a argumentation deal with parties of other countries, it is essential to do some research about the commonwealth start. This pass on provide critical in realiseation about their duty tradition, etiquette issues and other factors that volition allow easier acceptance of Singaporean business persons. China existence the largest populated country of 1. 3 billion, with an argona of 9,600,000 square kilometers, has a long history, unique culture and a wide variety of distinctive customs and traditions. She has been attracting foreigners to invest as there are plentiful resources and labour market, which are crucial in business dealings. Besides the factors that are mentioned above, other factors play essential roles as well. Guanxi and Mianzi are the foremost factors that Chine se businessmen take into account. Other factors include preparation for Chinese business meetings, knowledge of the Chinese Lijie, such as non-verbal communication and social relationships. Also, the Chinese banquet consisting table etiquette together with drinking and toasting.There will excessively be gift-giving, such as what should be considered to give and what should be avoided. Last but not least, different ways to negotiate with the Chinese for the best theme should be taken into consideration. In conclusion, having the knowledge of the Chinese etiquette will better help one to succeed in clinching more business dealings. At the aforesaid(prenominal) time, it also helps one to understand the culture and customs of Chinese. Therefore, this will not alone do one good for business purposes, but also encourages common understanding amongst countries.2. Introduction The Peoples Republic of China, has a largest population of 1. 3 billion and a GDP of US$2393 billion. Thus, it has been eyed by many business executives out-of-pocket to its big market share and a large pool of labour which provides many business opportunities. In order to carry out business proceedings efficiently with the Chinese, it is important for us to know what the prohibitions, customs and taboos are in China. By understanding these, we will be more prepared to conduct business with the Chinese. 2. 1 Meeting the Chinese.To begin with, the Chinese are very particular about first impressions. They prefer to be introduced formally to concourse as they are reluctant to strike up conversations with people they are unfamiliar with. A proper handshake will be most appropriate upon introduction. If one is be introduced to a group, remember to shake everyones hands. Also, stand up throughout, when being introduced or when presenting self. Begin introductions with his/her name, weded by the companys name and specify the country that he/she is from. 2. 2 Business Cards.It is polite to use two hands to hold both corners when presenting business card and to position it so that it is legible to the recipient. seek to stick out one side of the card being translated and print the Chinese letters using gold ink as this is an auspicious colour. It will be wonderful to spend a few seconds reading the card upon receiving it and helps in remembering ones name. It is demeaning to put it straight off into your pocket without glancing. If it is a sit-down meeting, place the card on the table so that one can look at it. 2. 3Conversations.Most Chinese like to engage in conversations concerning topics which they have knowledge on, such as weather, geography, Chinese cuisine, Chinese scenery and landmarks. Topics related to politics should be avoided. Dismiss personal questions with a slight brainpower if uncomfortable. The Chinese would often compliment the country of origin. However, accepting praise outright is not considered as good etiquette for them. Instead, one is expec ted to deflect compliments and wee-wee it is unworthy of receiving them. 2. 4 Greetings Surnames come first when addressing a Chinese.In business situations, one will seldom concern themselves with a Chinese persons given name. It is advisable to get straight how one should address someone at the first meeting. For business purposes, it is traditionally acceptable to call a Chinese by the surname, together with a title such as Managing Director Toh. 2. 5On the telephone Although Chinese whitethorn make arrangements through the phone, most Chinese prefers opposite meetings. On the telephone, the standard greeting is the word wei, which means hello or are you still there in Mandarin.Chinese often do not furnish any identifying information upon answering the phone hence it is good to verify that one has reached the organization he/she intended to dial. 3. GuanXi Relationships Personal relationships play a vital part in the business world of Chinese. Chinese businessmen do not rush in to discussions and negotiations, as they want to get familiar with their business partners before doing business. This is known as Guanxi, which means relationships. It is the network of relationships among various parties that cooperate together and support one another(prenominal).Before doing business, Chinese will extend cordial reception to demonstrate their respect for others and appreciation of the finer things in life so as to soften their visitors. There will be small talk during the first full day, where Chinese learns about his visitor and goals. The tied(p)ing during the welcome banquet, they would learn more as foreign visitors will open up during casual talks. Also, the visitors may visit the residence of their acquaintances from other organizations and bring some gifts as it is important for building and creating Guanxi.Gifts like foreign cigarettes and quality wines are acceptable, which will be discussed more at the later part of the report. Trust is built during s uch situations and Chinese would then be more comfortable to work with them. Relationships are not only between companies but also personal levels. Establishing a sincere, supportive relationship based on mutual respect is a fundamental aspect of Chinese culture. In the world of business, possessing the right Guanxi is crucial for ensuring the minimization of difficulties and frustrations that are often encountered and it is also important to any successful business strategy in China.4. Mian Zi character Face, also known as Mianzi, is a mark of personal pride and forms the basis of an individuals reputation and social status. Having face means having a high status in the eyes of ones peers, and is a mark of personal dignity. It is a prized commodity, which can be given, lost, taken away or earned. Face to a Chinese, holds more importance and encompasses a greater part of life. In order to establish all important interpersonal relationships, face must always be created and maintain ed at all times.Losing face may be caused by, for example, public insult, chastisement or contradicting someone in front of another, and also, by ourselves, such as losing temper or losing your own control in public. Furthermore, rescinding an order can also be constructed as losing face. This is why Chinese leaders would rather follow the policies even if there are events that prove them that it is irrelevant. Causing someone to lose face through public humiliation or inappropriate allocation of respect to individuals within the organization can seriously damage business discussions.On the other hand, praising someone in moderation before their colleagues is a form of giving face and can earn respect, loyalty and aid negotiations. Nevertheless, face is so important that it is justification for spending money even if the Chinese is not very rich. Money that may be set aside for emergency use may be used for buying gifts or accessories instead because of face. 5. Lijie- contrivance of Politeness Being polite is a type of basic courtesy one should possess. In China, personal feelings and hint of criticism should not be dealt with publicly as it aptitude cause public embarrassment and forbiddingness.A glass of tea that is automatically set out in front of arriving customers is how the Chinese allows the guest to feel comfortable and appear gracious. 5. 1 Surface harmony Surface harmony is an essential skill because the world of Chinese etiquette is very insensitive to unpleasant genuine feelings as it concerns matter of face. To the Chinese, things are done more for show than for substance for example, manners are tools which they use to maintain pleasantness at all times, even when it is not entirely felt. Surface harmony is disturbed when one expresses his/her disagreement.Therefore, it is advised to remain quiet and give face as it might result in sabotage, subversion or revenge as the Chinese are well capable of such actions. 5. 2Intermediaries Intermedia ries can be useful in communicating something unpleasant to the Chinese, and they help to ask questions, as preservation of face and surface harmony is considered highly important to Chinese. Intermediaries are highly useful in negotiations as they provide back channels for information that might prove too sensitive or risky. However, anger may be expressed directly for strategic purposes.5. 3 Social relationships Chinese manage their social relationships by an imaginary circle that surrounds them. Relatives, friends, neighbours, classmates and co-workers are within the circle. These people have relationships with one another and hence, bear some sort of obligation. Chinese tend to go all out for them, be it putting themselves at great inconvenience or even ethically questionable circumstances. The rest of the world, whom a Chinese treats like a stranger, remains outside of the circle to whom with no particular obligation. 5. 4 Non-verbal communication.Chinese have various non-verba l communications. Firstly, Chinese tends to have a shorter social distance compared to many western cultures, for example, a Chinese friend might stand a little close to you for comfort or breathing directly into your face when talking to you. Furthermore, if one steps backwards, his/her Chinese counterpart may advance accordingly. When dealing with a Chinese, particularly the older ones, one should not touch a member of the opposite sex you do not know extremely well as other types of physical tangency can be misinterpreted.However, it is said to be perfectly acceptable for Chinese to be physical with members of the same sex. Traditionally, Chinese are seldom demonstrative with the opposite sex in public. Therefore, foreigners should keep in mind that they are well advised to avoid more passionate forms of contact besides holding hands with a companion. During a conversation, one should not slink down in chairs as they are deemed disrespectful. Furthermore, some Chinese will avoid meeting ones eyes or smile. This is a sign of shyness or keeping feelings to themselves. Thus should not be confounded with insincerity, unfriendliness or anger.Silence is a virtue for it represents reflection or a sign of politeness. Gestures such as come here by curling top executive finger upward, okay sign with thumb and forefinger forming a circle, and shrugging of shoulders showing I dont know may not be mum by the Chinese. Nodding or shaking of head, thumbs-up and clapping of hands for applauding are universally accepted gestures. 5. 5 Ways to reject a Chinese Rejecting people or reflexion no can result in losing face, therefore the Chinese devised a number of methods of refusing without saying no.Ways to reject are, saying to grant the wish would be inconvenient as it means there are political problems associated with fulfilling a request, or it is under consideration or being discussed. This generally means that something is unlikely to happen. Another way is to blame someone else for the roadblock by finding a scapegoat. Lastly, a Chinese may regularize a lie such as inventing a story to get out of the uncomfortable position in which a person feels placed. 11. References and Acknowledgements 1. De Mente Boye. (2004).Chinese etiquette ethical motive in business. Boston McGraw-Hill. 2. Scott D. Seligman. (1999). Chinese Business Etiquette a guide to protocol, manners, and culture in the Peoples Republic of China. United States of America A sequence Warner Company 3. About. com China Online (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http//chineseculture. about. com/od/businessculture/Chinese_Business_Culture. htm 4. Communicaid global communication doing business in China. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http//www. communicaid. com/chinese-business-culture.asp 5. Chinese Culture. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http//www. chinese-culture. net/ hypertext mark-up language/chinese_business_culture. html 6. Kwintessential- Language and cultur e specialists (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http//www. kwintessential. co. uk/cultural-services/articles/china-business-culture. html 7. Chinas GDP grows 10. 7% in 2006. (January 25, 2007). ChinaDaily. com. cn. Retrieved on June 25, 2007. from http//www. chinadaily. com. cn/china/2007-01/25/content_792311_2. htm 8. 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