Asian Business Etiquette Tina Fong Stacy Zhang

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

Attire and Appearance ► Dress is according to status ► Casual Dress is never appropriate

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

Proximity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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