By Hubert Hopkins

1. The traditional Chinese “handshake” consists of interlocking the fingers, waving them up and down several times. This greeting is rarely used today (except during festivals, weddings and birthdays of the elderly), instead using the Western-style handshake. A slight bow should often accompanies the handshake, but do not bow from the waist in the style of the Japanese. The Chinese prefer a gentler handshake than the firm grip expected in Western cultures. Physical contact other than a handshake is highly discouraged unless you know someone quite well.

2. Chinese names are “reversed” from Western names. The surname is said first and then the given name. For example, Bruce Lee’s name in Cantonese is Lee Siu Lung. Lee is his surname and spoken first, and the given name (Little Dragon) is spoken second.

Professional, social, and family titles always follow the name as well. Dr. Wong would be Huang Yi Sheng (Huang Doctor). Likewise, Xiansheng (Mr.) and Taitai (Mrs.) are said after the surname. Never call someone by only his last name, and unless specifically asked, do not call someone by his first name; always address your Chinese associates by their surname followed by their title. Also, never address anyone as “Comrade.” Read the rest of “Top 10 Chinese Business Culture "Dos" and "Don'ts"” or post a comment

Doing business is all about communicating. And China happens to play by its own rules in this. An authority on this subject is Marc van der Chijs. In 1999 he moved to China for Daimler Chrysler and now, eight years later, he owns two successful internet companies and is managing partner of China Bay. The secret to his success? Building relations: “Don’t send your sales manager to China with the mission to ‘come back next week with a contract’. For sure he will be back with a contract, but one which won’t be of much use.” Read the rest of “Tai Chi communication” or post a comment