Introduction
China and Canada differ slightly in their business etiquette. To succeed in running a business in the two countries, one needs to have clear understanding of their business etiquettes. Canadians and Chinese diverge slightly with respect to how they conduct themselves during business meetings.
Besides, they differ in how to conduct themselves when sharing food with business associates. Personal contact is very critical in China than in Canada. To operate a business in China, one has to “establish and maintain good relationship with key business contacts and relevant government officials” (Seligman, 1999, p. 34). This paper will discuss the differences in business etiquette between China and Canada when conducting and attending meetings and sharing meals with business associates.
Attending and conducting meetings
Seligman alleges, “In general, business meetings in China follow the same format as those in Canada, albeit with a bit more rituals” (1999, p. 37). The Chinese and the Canadians require people to keep time during business meetings.
People are advised to arrive at the venue early enough so as to have time to interact with all the attendants. In China, only the top management staff and government officials wear formal outfits during meetings. Other staff has the liberty to wear casually when attending to business meetings. According to the Chinese, individuals who dress formally appear to be serious and respectful.
During summer, the Chinese allow men to dress casually for official business meetings. Men are allowed to wear short-sleeved or polo shirts (Seligman, 1999). On the other hand, Canadians are conservative when it comes to dress code. They prefer wearing dark-colored suits when attending to business meetings. Besides, women are required to remove facial piercing and cover tattoos when going for business meetings (McDonald, 2004).
Canadians prefer addressing people with Mr. /Mrs. /Ms. followed by their surname, especially if they are meeting individuals for the first time. Besides, they encourage people to use a person’s title (McDonald, 2004).
Conversely, the Chinese value seniority and encourage people to address others using their title. Besides, one is supposed to give his or her name, name of the company, and the position that one holds in the company during introduction. Chinese begin by giving the name of the company followed by title and their name when introducing themselves (Seligman, 1999).
Like the Canadians, Chinese also shake hands during a meeting. However, while the Canadians might be aggressive in their handshakes, the Chinese are non-aggressive. One of the major problems that arise during handshakes is when to decide to let go the handshake. At times, an individual may prolong the handshake if he or she enjoys the contact (Seligman, 1999). Canadians use handshake to express their trust in the other party. Additionally, one may avoid shaking hands if he or she has a genuine reason (McDonald, 2004).
Dining etiquette and food
At times, business partners may decide to hold business meetings during meals time. McGregor alleges, “As with business meetings, food and seating are determined by the hosts” (2007, p. 67). In China, the host is responsible for directing all the business associates during meals.
One cannot eat before the host does. The same case applies in Canada where business associates attending to a meeting have to wait for a signal from the host before they start eating. Chinese are generous in serving food. They serve a lot of food to visitors during business meetings. One is permitted to rebuff food if he or she has dietary problems. However, people are advised to sample all the food offered as a symbol of civility (McGregor, 2007).
Chinese and Canadians serve wine, together with food during business meetings. The Chinese may serve their local wine during the meetings. However, in many occasions, they provide strong distilled alcohol for toasts. On the other hand, Canadians do not have a specific drink that they prefer.
Therefore, they can serve any wine during business meetings (McDonald, 2004). In China, no one is allowed to drink from the toasting glass, unless it is during a toast. In Canada and China, the host pays for food and drinks served during the meetings. However, the Chinese demand that the host does not pay for meals in the presence of the guests. One is supposed to wait for the guests to leave before paying.
Alternatively, the host may organize with another person to settle the bill on his or her behalf while he or see sees the guests off. In Canada, the host closes the banquet officially by thanking all the attendants. This does not happen in China. The host ends the banquet in an informal manner, where he or she thanks the attendants briefly and leaves the room without saying a word (McGregor, 2007). A person with limited familiarity with the Chinese culture may find this to be anomalous.
Conclusion
Business etiquette plays a significant role in strengthening business ties. China and Canada have similar business etiquettes, even though they differ in some areas. The two countries are sensitive to time during meetings. In China, only the top leaders are expected to wear official suits while other staff has the liberty to wear casually.
Canadians prefer wearing dark-colored suits during business meetings. Both countries prefer addressing people with their titles. Chinese prefer serving their local wine during business meetings while Canadians can serve any wine. The Chinese do not allow people to drink from the toasting glass, and no one is supposed to eat or drink before the host. Additionally, they end their business meetings informally.
References
McDonald, M. (2004). The Canadian research strategy for applied ethics: a new opportunity for research in business and professional ethics. Journal of Business Ethics, 11(1), 569-583.
McGregor, J. (2007). One Billion Customers: Lessons from the front Lines of Doing Business in China. Manitoba: Free Press.
Seligman, S. (1999). Chinese Business Etiquette: A Guide to Protocol, Manners, and Culture in People’s Republic of China. New York: Grand Central Publishing.