By Alex Cureton-Griffiths

For most foreigners, networking with Chinese can be a little tough. Well, thanks to a question we posted on LinkedIn Answers, we’re hoping to make things a little clearer. In brief:

They’re not that different

People often get so caught up in the differences that they fail to see the similarities between Chinese and western cultures. Just be yourself and don’t worry about skipping across the cultural minefield. Just as most of us would go easy on any local who made a social faux pas without knowing, local Chinese aren’t going to bite your head off if you accidentally put your foot in it. Read the rest of “What the Chinese Want You to Know about Networking” or post a comment

By Elaine Winters

Are you responsible for preparing print, interactive electronic or visual materials for a client base that is marketing, selling or teaching to other parts of the world?

Those questions and the answers apply to everyone. In a global economy, these are equal-opportunity challenges.

It is becoming increasingly necessary for those who are responsible for the transmission and interpretation of information to educate themselves about what is expected in different cultures.

As you already understand, educating ourselves about other people means much more than knowing how to order the appropriate dish in a restaurant when entertaining clients from out of town.

Moving around the world professionally — virtually or physically — is a wonderful personal expansion tool; it can become far more productive when coupled with genuine cross-cultural interest. As always, the devil is in the detail.

If you are fortunate enough to be working in a Read the rest of “Headed for China? Cultural Considerations” 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.

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

 After twenty-five years of management experience with Johnson & Johnson (J&J), Bristol Myers-Squibb and Quadra Logic Technologies, (QLT), I became a “corporate refugee,” a middle-aged, middle manager who was downsized in the recession of the ’80s. There were thousands of us walking around in a daze. After years of education and successful corporate performance, we were out on the streets.

Read the rest of “China Chapter Two” or post a comment >>