A drawback of my, in itself interesting profession, is that I encounter a lot of lying in my daily work. Contrary to popular believe it is not so much the lawyers that do the lying. Although I have to admit lawyers are generally not easily persuaded to part with information, let alone the truth, I prefer to think of what we do as skilful editing of the information to fit a certain version of the truth. No harm in that. That is what lawyers are paid to do.

But in order to edit the information, you will have to obtain the information first. And that is not as easy as it may sound. First there is the filter of the client’s…

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Tomorrow is the start of the Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival. This festival starts on the first day of the first lunar month (on the Chinese calendar) and it ends on the fifteenth day of this month. This period is traditionally full of celebrations, family visits, special foods and fireworks. It’s one of the more important Chinese festivals and everybody will take the time to celebrate, especially during the first three days of the festival.

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By Ting Zhang 

As UK companies seek to take advantage of China’s growing commercial prominence, recruiting and keeping employees is becoming more of an issue; particularly with the increase in forged CVs and Diplomas.

Stories in the press make fairly frightening reading. The China Daily did a test and discovered that out of 3,000 diplomas, 800 had been forged. It also revealed that a Harvard PhD can be bought for as little as $100.

Elsewhere, the practice of ‘Qiangshou’, where people sit exams for other people for a fee, is also on the rise. Read the rest of “Caution is the key in Chinese recruitment” or post a comment

Living in a Chinese Family

It was one thing to work with Chinese people, have Chinese friends and Chinese clients, but one of my most enriching experiences was living as a member of a middle-class Chinese family.
 
For two years, I was married to a wonderful, beautiful and successful Shanghainese businesswoman, Michelle, who had a seven-year-old daughter.

All I had heard about and read about the Chinese culture, I was able to experience from the inside. Family, friends and health awareness are integral parts of their culture.
 
There are no nursing homes in China. Confucian philosophy dictates the relationship between the son and his parents. It is expected that the son will look after his parents in their old age. A room is set aside for the eventual occupation of his remaining parent in the son’s home. Because of the one-child policy, sons are Read the rest of “China Chapter Eight: China Experience” or post a comment

Ernie Tadla

Food is important in all cultures, but in China, it plays a paramount role as the tool for face and guanxi.

Business eating is where guanxi is established. To get to know another person and to build trust, eating together is necessary. The Chinese don’t eat at their desks, and they don’t rush out to the nearest fast-food joint. It is a specific time for talking and getting to know the other person. Typically, business is not discussed. That’s done during the many business meetings.

The business banquet is the pinnacle of guanxi building, celebrating, and or honoring guests. Read the rest of “China Chapter Seven: Dining in China” or post a comment