Introduction
International etiquette is mandatory for successful business interactions. Before transacting any business, it is important to understand the cultural expectations of the parties involved in the process. There is no universal or comprehensive set of core etiquette guidelines because each county embraces its unwritten code of business behavior. Due to globalization and unparalleled expansion of trade, it is important to appreciate cultural diversities by embracing regional and international communication.
Executives, employees, and managers must invest in increasing their information resources and understanding of international business etiquette and manners. Despite the existence of various dialects in China, most of the business transactions incorporate English. The communist form of government in China promotes atheism and Confucianism as religious practices that influence the social, economic, and political phenomena. This paper discusses the business culture etiquette in China.
Relationship and communication
The Chinese often dislike engaging in business deals with unfamiliar entities (Vollmer par. 8).
They prefer business notification written in their native language explaining the history of the company that aspires to partner in business together with the products and services that the corporation offers. Messages must be official especially when addressing individuals who occupy higher positions.
Proper communication attracts innovation, builds the team morale, and enhances the management of employees through the provision of constructive feedback and comprehension of personal goals.
Additionally, trading relationships with China are not gender biased, but it takes considerable duration to mature such associations due to the inherent bureaucracies.
Business meetings etiquette
To strike a favorable business deal with the Chinese, face-to-face meetings are preferable as opposed to telephone and written forms of delivering information (Vollmer par. 11).
The body language and movement must be conscious and individuals ought to be calm, controlled, and collected through attentive and formal body exposure. During the Chinese business meetings, suitable dressing code and punctuality are vital requirements.
In cases where business engagement entails legal or technical issues, it is essential to avail of interpreter and written materials. Business meetings assist in building a good rapport with prospective clients and often involve the directors and senior management.
Benefits affiliated to improving performance, development of organizational culture and employee satisfaction and retention are key concerns during the meetings.
Etiquette in business negotiations
Companies must designate the senior-most people as their spokespersons during introductory activities.
The trading deliberations take place at a slow pace while the set agendas undermine any other discussions. Business negotiations are process-based, and they are subject to the development stages of trade relationships (Neidel par. 7).
The final verdict of business deliberations with the Chinese takes extended periods due to reconsideration, lack of urgency, and requests for simultaneous negotiations.
The negotiations of the corporate are conducted by the human resource department during the processes of hiring employees and when dealing with vendors.
Giving gifts and exchanging business cards
When doing business with the Chinese, offering cards are an acceptable entrepreneurial culture. The cards are written in one language on one side and the traditional Chinese language on the other.
The professional title of the company has to be incorporated to create a prestigious distinction with other enterprises.
The business cards are used as marketing tools, helps the company to remain focused on its objectives, and promote professionalism by creating the initial impression of the company’s brand.
The rewards are construed differently when they are offered in the absence of a witness or a good reason to avoid corruption allegations (Spegele par. 12). The preferred tokens are not monetary but items of beauty.
Conclusion
In the current global economy, international business etiquette is fundamental to creating and maintaining lasting trade relationships. Adequate information on cultural diversities is necessary to ensure the success of multinational business activities. The business culture etiquette in China entails effective negotiations that are vital in resolving organizational disputes.
The communication within the organization allows for efficient relations between the management and the employees and develops team spirit through collaboration. Company meetings aim to discuss ways of improving profitability while maintaining the satisfaction of workers.
Works Cited
Neidel, Betsy. “Negotiations, Chinese Style.” China Business Review 2010. Web.
Spegele, Brian. “China Anticorruption Cases Have Quadrupled Since 2013, Study Says.” The Wall Street Journal 2015. Web.
Vollmer, Sabine. “Business Etiquette in China.” Journal of Accountancy 2012. Web.