Business in China

DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA

Appearance

• Conservative suits for men with subtle colors are the norm.

• Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses.

• Subtle, neutral colors should be worn by both men and women.

• Casual dress should be conservative as well.

• Men and women can wear jeans; however, jeans are not acceptable for business meetings.

• Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chinese businessmen.

Behavior

• Do not use large hand movements. The Chinese do not speak with their hands. Your movements may be distracting to your host.

• Personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is highly inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public.

• Do not point when speaking.

• To point, do not use your index finger, use an open palm.

• Avoid acts that involve the mouth; most everyone uses toothpicks; they just cover their mouth while doing it.

• It is illegal to give gifts to government officials; however, it has become more commonplace in the business world.

• It is more acceptable to give gifts either in private or to a group as a whole to avoid embarrassment.

• The most acceptable gift is hosting/paying for dinner.

• Quality writing pens are considered favored gifts.

• The following gifts and/or colors are associated with death and should not be given:

o Clocks

o Straw sandals

o A stork or crane

o Handkerchiefs

o Anything white, blue or black

• Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host.

• As a cultural courtesy, you should taste all the dishes you are offered.

• Never place your chopsticks straight up in your bowl; this will remind your host of joss sticks which denotes death.

• Do not drop the chopsticks; it is considered bad luck.

• Do not eat all of your meal; the Chinese will assume you did not receive enough and are still hungry.

Communication

• Bowing or nodding is the common greeting. Wait for the Chinese to offer their hand first. Most handshakes are...