In this section: Business Culture in China
China:
- Tip 1
- Guanxi, or personal relationships are of vital importance when doing business in China. Do not underestimate the importance of the relationship building process.
- Tip 2
- People are comfortable building relationships with honourable people who show respect to those to whom respect is due.
- Tip 3
- As all relationships are unequal it is important, if you wish to appear honourable, to show respect to age, seniority and educational background.
- Tip 4
- Managers tend to be directive, which reflects basic Confucian concepts of the hierarchical nature of society.
- Tip 5
- In return for loyalty, the boss is expected to show consideration and interest in all aspects of a subordinates' life.
- Tip 6
- There are often close relationships between senior management of a company and local party officials.
- Tip 7
- It is important that you do not make people 'lose face' in front of their group. Always respect seniority and do not openly disagree with people.
- Tip 8
- Do as many favours for people as possible - debts must always be repaid.
- Tip 9
- Business cards should be formally exchanged at the beginning of meetings. Treat the business card with great respect, as the card is the man.
- Tip 10
- Meetings are often long and seemingly without clear objectives. Very often the meeting is an exercise in relationship-building and the aim of the meeting is to move the relationship, rather than any specific business task, forward.
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