paper

Running head: WHILE IN CHINA 1

WHILE IN CHINA 7

While in China

Name:

Institution:

Abstract

An opportunity to have a foreign partner to oversee business in the foreign country is not one that should be taken lightly. Almeida Supplies, aware of the fact, sent me, along with a team of delegates, to oversee the meeting that would see the pilot investment kick off. Before leaving for china, it was necessary to understand the do’s and don’ts in the Asian country. With the facts at hand and known to every member of the delegation, it would be easy to interact with the partners in china without mishaps. The paper contains a brief introduction of why china was chosen as a destination and the cultural practices of the Chinese people to watch out for.

Globalization has opened doors to a lot of opportunities with many firms across the globe seeking to have investments in foreign countries. Foreign investment is not only useful as a source of extra revenue but is also a safety haven. In the event that the economy in the domestic country turns sour, there would be a source of solace for the company in the country in which the foreign investment is. As such, while choosing a foreign country in which to invest in, among other factors, the investor should consider how well the economy of the destination country is doing (Collins & Block, 2011). Following major research into markets and ease of doing business, Almeida Supplies settled for China as a destination for the company’s pilot foreign investment.

The decision to head east was based on the fact that China is not only a populous country, but also one that has become a hub for foreign investment. In the year 2014, for instance, foreign investment in the country increased by 4 billion from the previous year (Hannon, 2015). The case did not only happen within one year but, rather, started as early as 2002 (Worm, 2008). Almeida considered the fact that one must set up a business in an economy where he or she shall feel welcome to conduct the business in the case that he or she is to make any substantial profits. Once all the required arrangements were made, it was clear that there needed to be a partner in China to help the company run its business. Working with an individual who knows the needs of the Chinese people would help Almeida have an upper hand in the Chinese market compared to other foreign companies.

The delegation to China to meet the investment partner, however, has to be aware of the do’s and don’ts in the country if the meeting between them is to end up in a mutual understanding. An understanding of the cultural ways of the Chinese people is important in aiding the events of the meeting. The fact that the delegation would be dealing with people from an entirely different culture would call for them to know what is regarded and disregarded in the said culture. As the leader of the team, I made clear the do’s and don’ts while in china.

The Do’s

Punctuality is not only a necessary in the United States, but china as well. When conducting any form of business with a Chinese national, it is always important to arrive at the meeting place in time (Jinhong Internatonal, 2011). Punctuality is necessary as it shows the level of commitment to the course of the meeting. The fact that one has called the meeting means that the meeting is of importance to him or her. Late arrival would mean that in as much as the issue to be discussed is of importance, he or she has no much interest in the same. Punctuality has more to do with ethics than culture. It is not only in the Chinese culture that punctuality is considered a necessity in meetings, of whatever kind, but all across the globe. People would wish that the business of the meeting be conducted and finished so that they can attend to other of their duties. The delegation to meet the Chinese partner should, therefore, be time cautious.

It is always important that the Chinese people be addressed in their family names (Jinhong Internatonal, 2011). It is, hence, another do in the meeting. How someone addresses another means a lot to the addressee. In communication, it creates an impression if one just calls the person they are addressing in their first name, leaving out all titles. The Chinese do feel better if they are addressed by their family names and the titles attached to their names. Given that Almeida shall have the partners looking over the company’s investment, it is important to make a good first impression and create an environment where everyone at the table would feel welcome. Failure to do so would mean that the Chinese partner may not be comfortable enough working with Almeida. The same may be of dire consequences to the company.

Another of the do’s in china is that the delegates should ensure that they show an appreciation of the Chinese culture during their stay in the country. One of the ways of so doing is receiving whatever they are given with both hands and bowing slightly. According to the people of china, that is a show of gratitude and respect. It is in the company’s dictum to respect and appreciate all cultures in the business’ environment. The cultures in the United States are not very distinct from each other and, therefore, there has never been need to vividly demonstrate the same. China provides the platform to do so and it should be upon the sent delegates to ensure that they leave the Chinese counterparts wowed by their standards.

The above standards would not only guarantee cooperation from the investment partners it would influence them into doing the same while marketing the company. The people that the delegates interact with shall also spread the word that the company is one that can be trusted to deliver according to the interests of the people of china. It is only by so doing that a company can earn the trust of its consumers. Other than the do’s there are also some things that one can, unknowingly, find they doing that may go against the culture of another community. There are, as such, several practices that the delegates should try their best not to do.

The don’ts

Giving gifts to people is always a sign that one appreciates the person to whom he or she gives the gift. In china, however, there are some gifts that are considered as a sign of not wishing the recipient well. For instance, giving the gift o a clock o a Chinese, according to their culture, means that one wishes that the recipient dies soon. Conversely, care should be taken not to wrap any watch or clock in a gift wrapper and give it to any of the partners or any other Chinese national. The case does not apply to clocks only but hats as well. Receiving a green hat according to the Chinese culture means that the wife of the man who received it has not been faithful to him. If such a gift is received, the said partner who receives it may not show his discomfort but, all the same, he shall not be comfortable and may not keep the gift.

Other than the gifts, one should not immediately put a business card in the pocket if he or she is given one. According to the Chinese culture, pocketing a business card so hastily is rude. In the course of the stay in china, Almeida delegation to the country shall meet many business people with interest to work for, or with, the company. As such, there shall be exchange of many business cards with the potential business partners. Americans are, in most cases, in a hurry and, therefore, it would be logical for one to immediately pocket a business card upon reception of one. However, everyone, since we are all aware of the stakes, should try their best to read what is on the card before pocketing it. It may save the company from the loss of a client.

Conclusion

It is a known myth that the Chinese people are rather irrational and do not like foreigners (Chee & West, 2007). The fact that there have been so many foreign investments is in itself an assurance that it is only a myth. The delegation should, therefore, not feel intimidated as it interacts with the Chinese nationals in the country. However, just like anyone else, no one likes to be treated in an ill manner. The delegation should be respectful to the hosts and not do any of the don’ts. Everyone knows what to do and what not to but do not know what the price of doing or not doing the said do’s and don’ts is. No one should test the waters but, on the contrary, play by the books as much as possible. The company went through rigorous vetting before it could settle on the investors in question. As the leader, I shall ensure that the delegates make it work.

References

Chee, H., West C. (2007). Myths About Doing Business in China. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Collins R., Block C. (2011). Doing Business in China for Dummies. Chichester: John Willey & Sons.

Hannon P. ( Jan 29th, 2015). China Trumps U.S. for Foreign Investment. The Wall Street Journal. Feb 26th, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.wsj.com/articles/china-trumps-u-s-for-foreign-investment-1422550982

Jinhong International, your china business partner. (2011). Basic Business Etiquette of Dos and Don'ts in China. Retrieved from http://www.chinabizconsulting.com/china-business-etiquette-dos-donts.htm

Worm V. (2008). China: Business Opportunities in a Globalizing Economy. Denmark: Copenhagen Business School Press.