Chinese Business Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’t You Need to Know

Chinese Business Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’t You Need to Know

When interacting with Chinese businessmen or business partners, you are not only expected to be able to communicate in business Mandarin, but also practice proper Chinese business etiquette. This practice will not only help you build a better network with Chinese businessmen, but also exhibits respect toward their culture. Although business etiquette tends to have the same principle of showing appreciation toward the other party, it is important to note that Chinese business etiquette and culture might differ. Throughout this article, we will discuss how to practice Chinese business etiquette and culture to bridge a better connection with Chinese businessmen. 

The 5 Important Rules of Chinese Business Etiquette

Learning Chinese business etiquette is utterly important to help building relationships better with Mandarin speaking businessmen. Here are the 5 important rules in Chinese business etiquette to master before interacting with Mandarin speaking businessmen. These fundamental rules are deeply rooted in Chinese business culture and reflect the values professionals are expected to embody.

Respecting Hierarchy

Chinese businessmen have a huge emphasis on hierarchy, believing that respect needs to be practiced continuously. In terms of respect, higher hierarchy shows greater authority, having the power and rights to decide things, especially in regards to business decisions. Apart from decision making, hierarchy also plays an important role in introducing oneself and seating orders. When meeting with someone with a higher hierarchy rank from you, it is important to refer to them by their formal titles and surnames. 

Business Cards Etiquette 

Exchanging business cards is an inseparable part of building connection with others. This step is considered as the beginning of relationship building, exhibiting the willingness to collaborate further. When giving business cards, it is important to hand it with both hands to present it properly. On the other hand, it is equally important to store any received business card safely to show the willingness to maintain a strong bond within one another.  

The Art of Guanxi

Guanxi is the act of building personal connections with business partners to promote loyalty and long-term relationships. While trying to maintain great personal connections with Chinese business partners, it is important to avoid straightforwardness. A major role in guanxi is to take things slowly to build the relationship as natural as possible. Try planning outings and dinner with business partners to encourage trust. 

Dining Etiquette

In Chinese business etiquette, dining with Mandarin speaking parties frequently takes place during business meetings. This practice is often used to negotiate for a deal while maintaining formality. While dining with Mandarin speaking parties, it is important to let the host sit by the table head or facing the entrance. Adjusting seats based on hierarchy is a common practice, with the most important roles sitting near the host. Furthermore, it is also considered polite to leave a small amount of food at the plate to show appreciation toward the cook. 

Gift Giving Etiquette

Although giving the perfect gift can be tricky, one important rule to remember when preparing gifts for business partners is to avoid a few trinkets such as sharp objects, clocks, or black and white objects. These objects are considered rude and can harm relationships within one another. While considering a present, it is important to keep it professional while hinting at a personal touch that suits the business partners’ preferences. Another thing to keep in mind is to hand the gift after discussions are finished to avoid leaving an impression of trying to bribe others. 

Cultures to Remember While Interacting with Chinese Businessmen

Building strong and lasting relationships with Chinese businessmen requires a clear understanding of cultural values that impact their decisions and behavior. Although some common practices remain the same, it is essential to recognize that cultures differ significantly among one another. Here are a few Chinese cultures that need to be taken into consideration while maintaining a solid network. 

1. Colors

Colors often carry deep meaning and can significantly influence how someone perceives messages and gestures. When engaging with Chinese businessmen, it is important to be mindful of color choices. Here are a few color meanings to remember while interacting with Chinese business partners. 

  • Red is often associated with celebration and joy, it is considered to be the symbol of prosperity. However, it is important to note that the act of writing one’s name in red color is not recommended as red names are associated with death sentences.
  • Green is often associated with peace and harmony. It is suitable to build trust with one another. However, try avoiding the green hat as it is connected with unfaithfulness. 
  • Black is often avoided within the business industry as the color symbolizes bad luck and sorrow. 
  • White is another color that is highly linked to mourning since the color is mainly used during funerals.

2. Numbers

China has a huge emphasis on number symbolism, believing that a set of numbers are related to bad luck while others are considered fortune. Here are a few number symbols to consider while maintaining relationships with Chinese businessmen. 

  • 8 (八, bā) in Chinese has a similar pronunciation with 发 (fā) which can be translated as well-off. This is why the number 8 is often considered the luckiest number in Chinese culture, representing wealth and prosperity.
  • 6 is pronounced similar to the word “flow” that symbolizes the smooth flow of life. Similar to the number 8, this number also represents luck in life.
  • 9 has the same pronunciation as everlasting and is also highly associated with completeness. 
  • 4 is a common unlucky number as the pronunciation is so similar to the word death. This is why giving something with 4 in it is considered rude and should be avoided at any cost. 
  • 84 is also a number that needs to be avoided. Although 8 is associated with prosperity, pairing it with 4 can alter its meaning to accidents. 

Do’s and Don’t in Business Meeting: Master the Art of Business Chinese

Chinese business meetings are highly critical to ensure a deal. To have smoother negotiations during business meetings with Chinese businessmen, here are a few tips that can help you.

The Do’s in Chinese Business Meetings

  • Address people politely with their titles. Start from the oldest or the most senior position of the group. 
  • Prepare yourself in advance. Learn about your business partners to get a better understanding of their objectives.
  • Listen attentively and give subtle responses.
  • Use indirect communication while negotiating with the other parties.
  • Use Mandarin to help communicate smoothly with other parties.

The Don’t in Chinese Business Meetings

  • Don’t be too loud or direct with your communication style.
  • Don’t show up unprepared.
  • Don’t interrupt people with your own opinion. 
  • Don’t use too many gestures and avoid pointing fingers to others.

Conclusions

Understanding Chinese business culture and applying its  etiquette is highly recommended to build better trust from Chinese businessmen and showcases the willingness to collaborate further. Learning and applying business etiquette is not limited to learning business Chinese, but also showing respect toward other parties. To gather more accurate and comprehensive ways to practice business etiquette, visit us and start your learning journey to improve your business Chinese.