Par Cathy Wellings

Le pays le plus populeux au monde, la République populaire de Chine émerge aujourd'hui en tant qu'une des économies globales principales. La Chine est infamously connue comme pays d'étiquette et de cérémonies. Le caractère unique du Chinois est établi sur un sens fort de fierté dans leur histoire et culture antiques. L'arrangement les valeurs marchandes chinoises de base culturelles, morales et est primordial à n'importe quelle organisation voulant conduire des affaires en Chine rapidement de progrès d'aujourd'hui.

Culture chinoise - concepts et valeurs principaux

Guanxi - En termes littéraux, ce concept central dans la culture chinoise signifie des rapports de `' ou des raccordements de `'. Guanxi est un réseau des rapports raffinés favorisant la confiance et la coopération et pendant des siècles était la manière principale de la réalistion journalière charge. L'établissement d'un rapport sincère et de support basé sur le respect mutuel est un aspect fondamental de culture chinoise. Dans le monde des affaires, la possession du guanxi droit est cruciale pour assurer la minimisation des difficultés et des anéantissements qui sont souvent produits.

Mian-zi - Une question importante qui devrait être considérée dans toutes des interactions d'affaires avec le Chinois est le concept du mian-zi de `' ou du visage de `'. Le visage est une marque de fierté personnelle et forme la base de la réputation et du statut social d'un individu. Dans la culture chinoise' visage d'affaires d'économie', le visage perdant de `' et le `donnant le visage' sont essentiels pour des affaires réussies. Entraînant quelqu'un desserrer le visage par l'humiliation publique ou l'attribution inadéquate du respect aux individus dans l'organisation peut sérieusement endommager des discussions d'affaires. On the other hand, praising someone in moderation before their colleagues is a form of ‘giving face’ and can earn respect, loyalty and aid negotiations.

Keqi - The notion of keqi is based on the amalgamation of two Chinese words, ‘ke’ meaning ‘guest’ and ‘qi’ signifying ‘behaviour’. Together, this cultural concept advocates thoughtful, courteous and refined behaviour. In business terms, it is important to demonstrate humility and modesty as exaggerated claims of ability are viewed with suspicion and are likely to be looked into.

Confucianism - The recognized ethical belief system of Confucianism is based on the teachings and writings of the 6 th century BCE philosopher Confucius. Emphasis is placed on the concept of relationships and the elements of responsibility and obligation. This Chinese philosophy remains a vital cultural factor in the development of Chinese society and is still effective in Chinese business culture today in the preservation of surface harmony and collective good.

China has witnessed a history that spans over approximately 5000 years and has experienced periods of communism and Maoism, civil war, invasion and even bankruptcy. Since China first opened its doors to foreign investment and trade in 1978, the country has undergone immense political and economical change. Today, following her 2001 entry into the World trade Organisation, China offers a huge potential market for investment and sales with her main industry generated from iron, steel, coal, textiles, and petroleum. Those organisations venturing into business with China, however, will also need to consider the aspects of Chinese business culture and etiquette in order to fully succeed.

China business culture Part 1 - Working in China (Pre-departure)

• Working practices in China
o When doing business in China, punctuality is considered extremely important. Your Chinese counterparts will not keep you waiting; being on time is essential.
o It is rare that the Chinese will deal with people they don’t know or trust. Establishing a proper introduction with your counterparts is vital before entering into business.

• Structure and hierarchy in Chinese companies
o The hierarchical structures of Chinese society and business organizations are based on a strict observation of rank where the individual is subordinate to the organisation.
o People will enter the meeting room in hierarchical order, as the Chinese are very status conscious. Senior members generally lead the negotiations and will direct the discussion.

• Working relationships in China
o Long-term relationships are considered more valuable then hurried transactions.
o In Chinese business culture, the warm, hospitable character of your counterpart does not necessarily equal a positive outcome. Trust, based on a beneficial relationship is more important.
o The collectivist way of thinking is still important in Chinese business today and will influence many negotiations.

China business culture Part 2 - Doing business in China

• Business practices in China
o The exchanging of business cards in customary in Chinese business culture. One side should be printed in English and one in Chinese. You should present your card with both hands and with the Chinese side facing up. When accepting your colleague’s card study it carefully before placing it on the table, never in the back pocket, as this is extremely disrespectful.
o During negotiations, humbleness and patience is the key to success. The Chinese sense of time means that they use it knowingly and there is always enough.
o In most cases, initial meetings may be more of a social opportunity as oppose to a negotiation discussion.
o An important element before commencing a business meeting in China is to engage in small talk. Be prepared, as this may include quite personal questions.

• Chinese business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
o DO maintain eye contact with your interlocutor, avoiding eye contact is considered untrustworthy.
o DO address your Chinese counterparts with a title and their last name. If the person does not have a title, use ‘Mr’ or ‘Madam’.
o DO wait for your Chinese counterpart to initiate formal greetings. Handshakes are the most popular gesture.
o DON’T assume that a nod is a sign of agreement. More often than not, it signifies that the person is simply listening.
o DON’T show excessive emotion whilst conducting business, as it may seem unfriendly
o DON’T use direct negative replies, as they are considered impolite. Instead of saying ‘no’, answer ‘maybe’ or ‘I’ll think about it.’

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2006/7

Chinese Culture Quiz - True or false
1. When a Chinese friend says to you “Have you eaten yet?” he wants to invite you out for dinner.
2. When eating a Chinese meal it is customary to place your chopsticks standing up in the rice before starting.
3. In China white is the colour associated with death.
4. The word for clock in Chinese sounds similar to the expression ‘the end of life’ and should never be given as a gift.
5. At the end of a meeting, you are expected to leave after your Chinese counterparts.

Answers
1. False. He is simply asking you how you are and enquiring after your health.
2. False. This is a symbol of death used at funerals and should never be done.
3. True.
4. True.
5. False. You are expected to leave before them.

Cathy Wellings, Culture and Communication Manager at Communicaid