CHINESE BUSINESS CULTURE and Etiquette Tips - China vs. The West - Ask Us Series EP 1

Summary

In this video, Michelle from Everyday Easy Chinese explores five key cultural differences between China and the West that can impact business interactions. These include the concept of 'face' (miàn zi), which emphasizes reputation and avoiding embarrassment, and the importance of long-term relationship building (guānxì). Other topics covered include gift giving customs, business formality, and dining etiquette. Michelle explains how understanding these practices can improve business success in China, highlighting the significance of respect, humility, and cultural awareness in social and professional settings.

Takeaways

• 😀 'Face' (Miàn Zi, 面子) is about maintaining reputation and respect. In China, avoid openly expressing negative feelings to prevent embarrassment.
• 😀 When offering a compliment, a Chinese person may humbly downplay it to maintain face, unlike in the West where a simple 'thank you' is common.
• 😀 Guānxì (关系) refers to the importance of building long-term relationships in China. Success in business often depends on who you know and the trust you've built over time.
• 😀 Business in China is less about quick networking and more about investing time to understand the connections and history of parties involved.
• 😀 Gift giving is a valued tradition in China, where gifts are often declined multiple times before being accepted, which is a polite formality.
• 😀 When offering a business gift, it's best to give in pairs, as two gifts symbolize luck and auspiciousness in Chinese culture.
• 😀 Business meetings in China are often more informal than in the West and may occur in restaurants or over shared meals.
• 😀 Western business attire and office settings are more formal compared to the relaxed, meal-based business meetings in China.
• 😀 Dining etiquette is very important in Chinese culture. Criticizing the food or refusing to try unfamiliar dishes can be seen as disrespectful.
• 😀 In Chinese dining, always observe the hierarchy during toasts. If you're in a superior position, raise your glass higher; otherwise, hold it lower.
• 😀 Always wait for the host to initiate toasts before eating or drinking at a business meal, especially when alcohol is involved.

Q & A

What does 'face' (miàn zi) mean in Chinese culture?

'Face' (miàn zi) refers to a person's reputation, dignity, or honor within society. It is crucial to maintain face in Chinese culture, as losing face can lead to embarrassment or a loss of respect. Maintaining face involves avoiding actions that might shame oneself or others, such as public criticism.

How does the concept of 'face' differ between China and the West?

In Western cultures, people are more likely to express their feelings openly, while in China, there is a strong emphasis on keeping emotions and thoughts private to protect one's reputation. For example, in China, if someone receives a compliment, they might downplay it to maintain humility and avoid appearing arrogant.

What is the significance of 'guānxì' in Chinese business culture?

'Guānxì' refers to the network of relationships that help facilitate cooperation and trust in Chinese business. Unlike the Western emphasis on individual skills and qualifications, success in China often depends on the quality and strength of personal connections built over time.

How does relationship-building in China differ from the West?

In China, building trust and long-term relationships is vital before engaging in business deals. Unlike in the West, where relationships might form quickly, in China, developing meaningful connections can take years, and it's important to understand the deeper context of these relationships.

What is the common practice of gift-giving in China?

Gift-giving is an important tradition in China, particularly in business settings. It's common for the recipient to initially refuse the gift as a sign of politeness, but they will usually accept it after a few refusals. Additionally, business gifts are often given in pairs, symbolizing good luck and fortune.

Why do Chinese people refuse gifts several times before accepting them?

Refusing a gift several times is a cultural norm in China that shows humility and politeness. It's a way to avoid appearing greedy or overly eager. The refusal is a formality, and after a few rejections, the recipient will typically accept the gift.

How does business formality differ between China and the West?

In Western cultures, business meetings are usually formal and take place in office settings. In contrast, Chinese business meetings are often less formal and may occur in social settings such as restaurants. The focus in China is on building personal rapport in a more relaxed environment.

What should you expect during business meals in China?

Business meals in China are an important part of the culture and often involve shared dishes. It’s important not to criticize the food, as the host has put thought into selecting the meal. Additionally, observing proper dining etiquette, such as waiting for the toast before drinking and following the lead of others at the table, is crucial.

Why is it important not to leave chopsticks upright in a bowl during a meal in China?

Leaving chopsticks upright in a bowl is considered disrespectful in China, as it resembles incense sticks placed in food at funerals, which is associated with death. It’s important to lay the chopsticks flat across the bowl when you're done eating.

What is the proper way to handle toasts at a business meal in China?

During a business meal in China, toasts are an important part of the social interaction. It’s considered impolite to drink before someone makes a toast. Also, the hierarchy at the table is respected; if you are of higher status, you should raise your glass higher than others, while those of lower status should hold their glass lower to show respect.