asian business etiquette

7/30/2019 Asian Business Etiquette

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Asian BusinessEtiquette

Tina FongStacy Zhang


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Introduction

Importance of Understanding culture Attire and Appearance

Behavior Business Card Etiquette Japan, China, and

Korea

Conclusion and Takeaways


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Attire and Appearance

Dress is according to status Casual Dress is never appropriate


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Mens and Womens Attire Men: Dark and Conservative attire Women: Conservative also, little or no accessories,

absolutely no pants (very offensive), low heeledshoes


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Proximity


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Behavior Keep your hands to your sides and dont have

them in your pockets Dont stand with legs crossed over Dont lean against objects or walls Do not stare and do not make eye contact; In

Japan, this is considered rude Do not sit in a way that shows the soles of your

shoes Sit on the edge of a chair or sofa to show respect In Japan, avoid making the ok sign since this

means money and could be interpreted negatively


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Behavior Continued In Japan, avoid pointing because it is viewed as very rude In Japan, it is offensive to blow your nose in public. Make

sure to excuse yourself to the bathroom Be cautious of facial expressions, smiling can either mean

joy, sadness, anger or embarrassment in Japan The Japanese are not uncomfortable with silence. You

should be patient and give them their silence. Do not try tofill in the void

The Japanese see guests all the way to exits, and waituntil they are out of sight In many Asian cultures, they view work as a group effort

rather than individual effort


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Business Card

In any business travel, arrange to havebusiness cards printed in English and thelocal language on the other side.

Presentation of yourself to businesspeoplein Asia is culturally different from dealingwith American businesspeople


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Japan

You do not need to wait to present your card Hold card with both hands so they can read your

name

Then bow, and say your name If presenting yourself to more than one person, be

sure to start at highest rank downwards. It isdisrespectful to present yourself to lower ranked

people before higher rank Never put cards in wallet or pocket Always bow in return


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China

Present your card before asking for others cards

In both China and Japan it is polite toaccept cards with both hands

It is rude to put the card away immediately

Bow in return to show respect


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Korea

Present your card before asking for others When receiving a business card, nod your head in

respect and to thank them for the opportunity to

meet them It IS appropriate to put the card away immediatelybecause it would be impolite or ignorant to look atthe card for too long

Nodding is especially important for senior workersand high ranked businesspeople Always nod in return


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Key Things to Remember

Dress appropriately and conservatively Show respect Prepare business cards and consider having them

printed in local languages as well as English Before traveling, learn key phrases and words:

Please, Thank You, etc.

If in doubt, always do research about the cultureto know customs and avoid inappropriate or rudebehavior

asian business etiquette

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