Do's and Don'ts.
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Keyword: do's & dont's |
There is no proven formula for what one should or should not do in order to communicate successfully in China – or anywhere, for that matter. However, below are some guidelines to give an idea of some things that should be taken into consideration, or better avoided.
Remember though: Not only culture is a deciding factor for interpersonal differences. There are also always the personalities of the persons involved, as well as the current situation, to take into account. Blindly following Dos and Don’ts can help to a certain extent, but one shouldn’t be discouraged if things don’t work out as expected. With open eyes and an open mind, things will go much more smoothly.
Dos:
Do bring gifts when invited to someone’s house (see Etiquette link for what not to bring).
Do have business cards (in English and Chinese) made and always keep some on hand. Always give and receive them with both hands.
Do take the time for small talk when getting to know someone.
Do carry a passport with you at all times (it’s the law for foreigners).
Do offer food and drinks to others first before serving oneself.
Do learn Chinese. Friends and business partners alike will greatly appreciate – and praise – a foreigner’s efforts to learn their language. It will also make getting around town, ordering food, and going shopping much, much easier.
Do do research on Chinese culture, etiquette, customs, history and business practice. Becoming familiar with the host culture is the first step towards successful communication and personal satisfaction when living abroad, no matter where one ends up.
Don'ts:
Don’t criticize anyone in front of others (this causes him/her to lose face).
Don’t get frustrated when business deals take a long time or when things just seem so much less organized. First establishing a personal relationship with a business partner is extremely important for business to run smoothly in China.
Don’t be alarmed when asked personal questions (such as age, marital status, number of children, etc.), even in a business situation. Again, establishing a personal relationship is vital.
Don’t begin discussions about taboo topics, such as the Tian’anmen incident or Tibet.
Don’t show affection in public. The Chinese do not usually hug or kiss when greeting or saying good-bye. Couples rarely show more affection in public than holding hands.
Don’t stick chopsticks upright in the rice bowl (sign of death).
Don’t give clocks, handkerchiefs, flowers, or knives as gifts (see Etiquette link).
Don’t give tips as it’s considered an insult by most.
Don’t assume that a silent moment in a conversation means that it’s necessary to jump in and say something. The Chinese are much more comfortable with silence than most Westerners. It could just mean that the other party is trying to gather his/her thoughts. Be patient and learn to wait a little longer than normal.
Don’t bow when greeting someone. Although this practice is still common in, for example, Japan, in China it is no longer prevalent, especially in communication with Westerners.