Title: International Business Etiquette: Asia & The Pacific Rim
Published by: iUniverse
Release Date: December 3, 2002
Pages: 224
ISBN13: 978-0595248018
Buy the Book: Amazon

Overview

International Business Etiquette: Asia and the Pacific Rim is the ideal guide for establishing and maintaining relationships in Asia, and it is as well-suited to the first-time traveler as to the seasoned veteran. For quick reference, chapters are devoted to each of the countries covered and offer countless suggestions and sage advice that can help you get ahead make the deal and build relationships that matter.

Topics include:

• Proper greetings and introductions
• Business card etiquette
• Body language
• Questions to ask-and topics to avoid
• Meeting Manners
• The art of business entertaining and mealtime etiquette
• Special concerns for women doing business in Asia
• When tipping is appropriate and when it is not

Praise

“This book is a ‘must-read’ for anyone planning to travel to Asia to conduct business. It is informative, concise and easy to read.”
—Michael Chen, Auditor, Marriott International

“Gives a thorough understanding of the cultural requirements for doing business in this part of the world.”
—Timothy K. Dickerson, Training Manager, Lucent Technologies

“Anyone traveling for business or for pleasure must pack this book in their carry-on…helps you know what to expect the moment you step foot in these countries.”
—Ron Officer, President, Creative Group, Inc.

“Your Asian and Pacific Rim contacts will be very impressed you took the time to learn their customs, which should move business dealings along much faster.”
—Pat Cronenberg, CEO, Pier’n Port Travel

Excerpt

China

Business Conversation

Small talk is considered to be important prior to the start of a meeting; therefore, it is helpful to know topics that are considered appropriate. They include the weather, what you’ve enjoyed about your visit to China, your other travel experiences, and so on.

Questions that Westerners consider forward and even inappropriate are considered acceptable by the Chinese. Such questions may include your salary, your marital stats, and the number of children you have. If you prefer not to disclose such information, be indirect with your response. Be sure not to openly shun the questioner. This will spare him or her, and also those around you, from losing face.

Gift-Giving Etiquette

While it is not necessary to present gifts during your first few meetings, it is a good idea to go prepared with items that are representative of your city or country, such as good quality pens or a paperweight with your organization’s logo on it.

As in many other Asian countries, avoid giving clocks, watches, handkerchiefs, and white flowers s gifts, because these items are equated with death. Also stay away from scissors, knives, and other forms of cutlery, which re thought of as severing ties.

It is very important that gifts not be so expensive that you embarrass or oblige your Chinese host to respond in kind.

By going to a meeting with a gift in your briefcase, you will be prepared to reciprocate when you are presented with one. Gifts also will come in handy if someone has done a special favor for you.

The recommended color of wrapping paper is red.

When you present a gift to your Chinese client, recognize that it may be refused the first few times out of politeness. You also should go through the ritual of refusing a gift a few times before accepting it.

Once a gift is accepted, it should be opened in private rather than in front of the gift-giver.

If you are presented with eight of something, know that t may not have been by chance. Eight is considered the luckiest of numbers by the Chinese.