Asian Business Etiquette
商务礼仪 / ビジネスマナー
China and Japan
Cross-Cultural Competencies
1
Agenda
1. The Concept of Saving Face
2. Business Meeting
1.
2.
3.
4.
Set-Up
Arrival / Greating
Seating / Discussion
Business Card / Meishi
3. Gifting
4. Things to Avoid
Cross-Cultural Competencies
2
The Concept of Saving Face
big fundamental of asian culture
Social
Standing
Reputation
Influence
Dignity
Honor
FACE
While losing face will lower one‘s standing in
the eyes of others, saving or even better
building face will raise it.
Cross-Cultural Competencies
3
The Concept of Saving Face
Asian police arrests a westerner by mistake. Innocence is proven
fast, but police cannot release him immediately due to police chief
would lose face.
Your asian friend introduces you to his peers by saying you are
from Aachen, the capital of North-Rhine Westphalia. By correcting
him that actually Dusseldorf is the capital, you would cause him
lose face.
There has been an accident and injured people are lying on the
street. Asian would pass by pretending not seeing them. Providing
first aid but the man/woman dies or takes major damage anyways
would cause a loss of face.
Cross-Cultural Competencies
4
The Concept of Saving Face
Tips for Saving resp. Giving Face
Avoid pointing out someone‘s mistakes. Especially in front
of others.
Always give sincere compliments. Of course when they are
due but if not, give them anyways.
Refuse a gift politely one time and then eventually take it
with both hands.
Bending the truth is common in Asia. Do not point anyone
out for lying.
Cross-Cultural Competencies
5
Setting up a Business Meeting
Japan
• Provide an agenda with time management
China
• Send as much information as possible in advance.
Details about the to be discussed topics but also
background information about your company.
• Chinese do hesitate to confirm place and time of the
meeting....