Asian Business Etiquette

1. Asian Business Etiquette Tina Fong Stacy Zhang

2. Introduction • Importance of Understanding culture • Attire and Appearance • Behavior • Business Card Etiquette – Japan, China, and Korea • Conclusion and Takeaways

3. Attire and Appearance • Dress is according to status • Casual Dress is never appropriate

4. Men’s and Women’s Attire • Men: Dark and Conservative attire • Women: Conservative also, little or no accessories, absolutely no pants (very offensive), low heeled shoes

5. Proximity appropriate inappropriate

6. Behavior • Keep your hands to your sides and don’t have them in your pockets • Don’t stand with legs crossed over • Don’t lean against objects or walls • Do not stare and do not make eye contact; In Japan, this is considered rude • Do not sit in a way that shows the soles of your shoes • Sit on the edge of a chair or sofa to show respect • In Japan, avoid making the “ok” sign since this means money and could be interpreted negatively

7. Behavior Continued • In Japan, avoid pointing because it is viewed as very rude • In Japan, it is offensive to blow your nose in public. Make sure to excuse yourself to the bathroom • Be cautious of facial expressions, smiling can either mean joy, sadness, anger or embarrassment in Japan • The Japanese are not uncomfortable with silence. You should be patient and give them their silence. Do not try to fill in the void • The Japanese see guests all the way to exits, and wait until they are out of sight • In many Asian cultures, they view work as a group effort rather than individual effort

8. Business Card • In any business travel, arrange to have business cards printed in English and the local language on the other side. • Presentation of yourself to businesspeople in Asia is culturally different from dealing with American businesspeople

9. Japan • You do not need to wait to present your card • Hold card with both hands so they can read your name • Then bow, and say your name • If presenting yourself to more than one person, be sure to start at highest rank downwards. It is disrespectful to present yourself to lower ranked people before higher rank • Never put cards in wallet or pocket • Always bow in return

10. China • Present your card before asking for others’ cards • In both China and Japan it is polite to accept cards with both hands • It is rude to put the card away immediately • Bow in return to show respect

11. Korea • Present your card before asking for other’s • When receiving a business card, nod your head in respect and to thank them for the opportunity to meet them • It IS appropriate to put the card away immediately because it would be impolite or ignorant to look at the card for too long • Nodding is especially important for senior workers and high ranked businesspeople • Always nod in return

12. Key Things to Remember • Dress appropriately and conservatively • Show respect • Prepare business cards and consider having them printed in local languages as well as English • Before traveling, learn key phrases and words: Please, Thank You, etc. • If in doubt, always do research about the culture to know customs and avoid inappropriate or rude behavior