General English Assignment - Business Ethics

Alta Windiana
10-1A
NIM:2006100141
Date: 27 September 2006

Business Etiquette in China

Nowadays, business has entered global environment. There are cultures which influence manners and behaviors of the business people, and they are different from one country to another. Every businessperson should know the cultural values of the environment where they do their business. Those values become guidance for their actions, including their business manners.
In East Asia, including China, where most people are atheists, Confucianism is considered as their ‘religion’. Confucianism is about system of moral, political and social principles which form human character. The Confucianism conception affected how Chinese people behave in a business negotiation. Here are few of the Confucius’ teachings and how they influenced Chinese business etiquette:
• Hsiao (Family oriented)
Chinese have spirit of collectivism. They can’t distance themselves from their company. So they can’t make a decision quickly or without consulting to their member of the company.
• Li (Propriety, face)
It’s about public image. They always try to maintain their “face”. Avoid conversations which can cause humiliation or losing face such as death, divorce or politics. In a difficult situation, don’t shout or raise or your voice. Always handle any kind of situation delicately, without anger. If you want to refuse a request or an invitation, do it indirectly.
To give a person a face, we can give gifts. Just make sure we don’t give them things like a clock, handkerchief, something white or blue, or objects that came in a number of four, because those things have a connotation with death. It’s suggested that you wrap your gift in red or gold color.
Li also makes Chinese people have a ritualistic behavior and rules oriented. For example, in a banquet, don’t touch the food or beverage before the host.
• Guanxi (Relationship)
Chinese businessmen often place their own family or friends in an important position in their company. So when we conduct a business with them, we also have to know their family well. This principle is almost similar to Hsiao. It also means we have to maintain good relationship with the person, the company, or even the government.

But there are also other etiquettes that simply come from their habit or tradition. Before make a decision, Chinese often read signs from the stars or wait for a lucky day. They also rarely conduct a business in a Chinese New Year.
Most of Chinese people speak Mandarin, but there are other languages, such as Cantonese. English is not so widely spoken in China. Most Chinese names are three syllables long, and surnames come before given names. But they usually use their Western nickname in businesses.











From Various Sources