Chinese Business Etiquette Review
Chinese Business Etiquette
"A guide to protocol, manners, and culture in the People's Republic of China"
-Scott D. Seligman
Overview
Scott Seligman illustrates the opportunities to excel and the possibilities to not communicate properly and to offend. Each chapter is split into various scenarios or brief history. It ranges from gift giving to a business meeting. This book shows the way to act, respond, eat, joke, the reasons they do certain things, etc. It shows how there are so many cultural differences between Chinese and Americans, in the past and currently. Somehow in 250 pages I am given assurance on my abilities in a foreign country.
After reading Chinese Business Etiquette I feel that I will be able to survive a business/school trip to China. This country holds so much power right now, with current growth and even more potential. Since China is the one of the fastest growing business markets, with this book’s information, anyone can be a step further in their success in this country.
Students traveling to China should read this book or a book with similar content. Business people should read this, as some time in their career they will be faced with someone from China or travel to China. They may also learn of better ways for their corporations American protocol. People interested in learning how other countries perform in the business world should pick this book up, as well. Anyone with any interest in China or business should learn the tools in this book that can help them succeed in life. If some of these Chinese protocols, like the way they put their guests on such a pedestal, were used in America, the person implementing them would be perceived as more polite. Unlike a novel, this book is truth and informative. No one can refuse themselves an opportunity to expand their horizons.
Where Seligman excels
Chinese Business Etiquette was very informative. Each chapter showed a different protocol, scenario, or cultural distinction that allows the reader to understand the reasons or ways Chinese do business. Through few examples and much fact, Seligman gets right to the point and allows the reader to envelope as much knowledge as possible in a shorter length.
Since China is a highly “homogeneous society with little tolerance for deviation from generally accepted norms of behavior” (7), this book emphasizes the places where there is no room or where there is some room. Chinese do not like to be embarrassed or told something negative in someone else’s presence because it ruins their “face”. The issue should be mentioned to an intermediary instead so that neither party’s face is destroyed. This is an issue that has never changed. People can also lose face on their own (i.e. a public outrage). China has become more liberal on its historical protocol as it ages.
This book tells of etiquette that no business person should go without. Do not leave your chopsticks in your rice when finished. Let the host put your food on your plate and always leave some or they will think that you want more. Try everything at a dinner banquette, or explain why you cannot, because you will be viewed by your host as rude. Do not call people by their last names; they go by their first names. People do business with people that they have a relationship with, or they know someone who does. Most importantly, in my view and Americas (I think), is to be on time. These are a few of the items Seligman goes further into and allow the reader to get a taste of Chinese etiquette.
Seligman also discusses reasons behind things the reader might not understand. Chinese are socialized at birth to not show expression on their face. Some people might see this as rude; however, this book explains that it is merely part of Chinese culture. The example on saving face might seem peculiar to others. A boyfriend did not understand why things were weird in his relationship. It wasn’t until the girlfriend’s friend explained they were breaking up and broke up with him (69). Intermediaries are used for all conflict and complaints. The fact that most Chinese do not respect public property and you will see a home horrible from the sidewalk to the entryway and gorgeous on the inside is different. In America there a lot of people that try to “keep up with the Joneses” and the fact that people will allow the outside to be destroyed because it is not their responsibility or the way people will take a public piece and use it themselves is strange. Here things are seen differently and instead of a shock with arriving in China, Seligman explains beforehand.
A few more good points that Seligman expressed were that people will stare if you are weird looking, or a six foot blond. No one gives to beggars and they will only ask foreigners because they don’t know better. If a foreigner displays some sort of Chinese custom, they will be regarded highly.
This book goes into much detail with fewer examples to urge the reader to use their imagination. The points and manners mentioned are essential to be successful in China and to not be outcaste. Any little knowledge shows effort and puts you above other foreigners in China’s business world, and boosts you that much further.
The summary of key points at the end of each chapter was essential because there was so much information in each section. This also allows a person to reference back to certain protocols in the future.
Where Seligman falls short
This book is hard to critique because it is more of a reference book than a story. Seligman weighs different aspects more heavily. I took this as they were more important but others could just be annoyed why they were mentioned more. He discusses the issue of saving face many times. There were very few examples which allowed your mind to run wild, but also allowed the reader to not stay focused and interpret incorrectly.
There was such an emphasis on the banquet and meeting seating that it intimidates. The drawings make it easier to see; however, instead of giving each exact placement and explaining what to do if people were not there, Seligman could give a brief statement that would allow you to merely be familiar. Rank was also discussed and how we should be able to identify who is who. To me this is an impossible task and should not have been mentioned. Certain topics in this book only confused the reader instead of benefiting their endeavors.
I think this book enlightens us with so much information; however, it should compare and contrast to America to allow people to understand better. It was forwarded by Kapp, United States China Business Council, which shows a US connection. Allowing a reader to connect and touch home might encourage more of an understanding and awareness.
Thoughts
Chinese Business Etiquette was like a textbook, but more informal. I learned so much about Chinese etiquette in such a short amount of time. I feel this material could not have been taught more efficiently. Each chapter enlightens more. A few protocols I have heard, but this book goes into so many and explains each.
Each protocol, manner, and cultural area mentioned will make your brain tick. I was dumbfounded by some of the things Chinese find important and others that we are less formal about. Going by their first name in China would be considered rude in America. Most of America cares about the less fortunate and charity, while Chinese culture does not, according to this book. We both do not like to lose face.
China has so much power in the Business world and this book shows how important it is to act or do certain things to save you from embarrassment. Relationships are important in the Chinese business world and those wanting to do business need to not ruin the relationships they have or will possibly hold in the future. This book is truly a “guide” to doing business in China, and also shows the importance of doing your homework before going to a foreign country and assuming you know something. “When in Rome, do as the Romans,” is an important lesson to remember anywhere, whatever you do. You do not want to play football wearing a ballerina outfit doing the splits on the turf, just as you do not want to go do business in China acting unlike anyone else.
This book feeds anyone’s mind that reads it and opens the door to many more opportunities.
"A guide to protocol, manners, and culture in the People's Republic of China"
-Scott D. Seligman
Overview
Scott Seligman illustrates the opportunities to excel and the possibilities to not communicate properly and to offend. Each chapter is split into various scenarios or brief history. It ranges from gift giving to a business meeting. This book shows the way to act, respond, eat, joke, the reasons they do certain things, etc. It shows how there are so many cultural differences between Chinese and Americans, in the past and currently. Somehow in 250 pages I am given assurance on my abilities in a foreign country.
After reading Chinese Business Etiquette I feel that I will be able to survive a business/school trip to China. This country holds so much power right now, with current growth and even more potential. Since China is the one of the fastest growing business markets, with this book’s information, anyone can be a step further in their success in this country.
Students traveling to China should read this book or a book with similar content. Business people should read this, as some time in their career they will be faced with someone from China or travel to China. They may also learn of better ways for their corporations American protocol. People interested in learning how other countries perform in the business world should pick this book up, as well. Anyone with any interest in China or business should learn the tools in this book that can help them succeed in life. If some of these Chinese protocols, like the way they put their guests on such a pedestal, were used in America, the person implementing them would be perceived as more polite. Unlike a novel, this book is truth and informative. No one can refuse themselves an opportunity to expand their horizons.
Where Seligman excels
Chinese Business Etiquette was very informative. Each chapter showed a different protocol, scenario, or cultural distinction that allows the reader to understand the reasons or ways Chinese do business. Through few examples and much fact, Seligman gets right to the point and allows the reader to envelope as much knowledge as possible in a shorter length.
Since China is a highly “homogeneous society with little tolerance for deviation from generally accepted norms of behavior” (7), this book emphasizes the places where there is no room or where there is some room. Chinese do not like to be embarrassed or told something negative in someone else’s presence because it ruins their “face”. The issue should be mentioned to an intermediary instead so that neither party’s face is destroyed. This is an issue that has never changed. People can also lose face on their own (i.e. a public outrage). China has become more liberal on its historical protocol as it ages.
This book tells of etiquette that no business person should go without. Do not leave your chopsticks in your rice when finished. Let the host put your food on your plate and always leave some or they will think that you want more. Try everything at a dinner banquette, or explain why you cannot, because you will be viewed by your host as rude. Do not call people by their last names; they go by their first names. People do business with people that they have a relationship with, or they know someone who does. Most importantly, in my view and Americas (I think), is to be on time. These are a few of the items Seligman goes further into and allow the reader to get a taste of Chinese etiquette.
Seligman also discusses reasons behind things the reader might not understand. Chinese are socialized at birth to not show expression on their face. Some people might see this as rude; however, this book explains that it is merely part of Chinese culture. The example on saving face might seem peculiar to others. A boyfriend did not understand why things were weird in his relationship. It wasn’t until the girlfriend’s friend explained they were breaking up and broke up with him (69). Intermediaries are used for all conflict and complaints. The fact that most Chinese do not respect public property and you will see a home horrible from the sidewalk to the entryway and gorgeous on the inside is different. In America there a lot of people that try to “keep up with the Joneses” and the fact that people will allow the outside to be destroyed because it is not their responsibility or the way people will take a public piece and use it themselves is strange. Here things are seen differently and instead of a shock with arriving in China, Seligman explains beforehand.
A few more good points that Seligman expressed were that people will stare if you are weird looking, or a six foot blond. No one gives to beggars and they will only ask foreigners because they don’t know better. If a foreigner displays some sort of Chinese custom, they will be regarded highly.
This book goes into much detail with fewer examples to urge the reader to use their imagination. The points and manners mentioned are essential to be successful in China and to not be outcaste. Any little knowledge shows effort and puts you above other foreigners in China’s business world, and boosts you that much further.
The summary of key points at the end of each chapter was essential because there was so much information in each section. This also allows a person to reference back to certain protocols in the future.
Where Seligman falls short
This book is hard to critique because it is more of a reference book than a story. Seligman weighs different aspects more heavily. I took this as they were more important but others could just be annoyed why they were mentioned more. He discusses the issue of saving face many times. There were very few examples which allowed your mind to run wild, but also allowed the reader to not stay focused and interpret incorrectly.
There was such an emphasis on the banquet and meeting seating that it intimidates. The drawings make it easier to see; however, instead of giving each exact placement and explaining what to do if people were not there, Seligman could give a brief statement that would allow you to merely be familiar. Rank was also discussed and how we should be able to identify who is who. To me this is an impossible task and should not have been mentioned. Certain topics in this book only confused the reader instead of benefiting their endeavors.
I think this book enlightens us with so much information; however, it should compare and contrast to America to allow people to understand better. It was forwarded by Kapp, United States China Business Council, which shows a US connection. Allowing a reader to connect and touch home might encourage more of an understanding and awareness.
Thoughts
Chinese Business Etiquette was like a textbook, but more informal. I learned so much about Chinese etiquette in such a short amount of time. I feel this material could not have been taught more efficiently. Each chapter enlightens more. A few protocols I have heard, but this book goes into so many and explains each.
Each protocol, manner, and cultural area mentioned will make your brain tick. I was dumbfounded by some of the things Chinese find important and others that we are less formal about. Going by their first name in China would be considered rude in America. Most of America cares about the less fortunate and charity, while Chinese culture does not, according to this book. We both do not like to lose face.
China has so much power in the Business world and this book shows how important it is to act or do certain things to save you from embarrassment. Relationships are important in the Chinese business world and those wanting to do business need to not ruin the relationships they have or will possibly hold in the future. This book is truly a “guide” to doing business in China, and also shows the importance of doing your homework before going to a foreign country and assuming you know something. “When in Rome, do as the Romans,” is an important lesson to remember anywhere, whatever you do. You do not want to play football wearing a ballerina outfit doing the splits on the turf, just as you do not want to go do business in China acting unlike anyone else.
This book feeds anyone’s mind that reads it and opens the door to many more opportunities.
posted by victoria brown at 11:11 PM
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