Personal Reflection paper

Me: What advice would you give to someone who aspired to your position?

Henry: It is extremely important to be sensitive to people of various backgrounds especially the Chinese since the Chinese economy is growing and they will become one of the biggest economies in the future.

Me: How does the national culture affect the design and management of your organization?

Henry: As a business owner with a Chinese background, it is important to be sensitive to your customers at all times. A look, a sign, or a comment may mean many different things during a conversation. It is extremely important to not miss those signs during a conversation. Another important thing to be watchful for is the value of relationships. Harboring great relationships is the key to success with any Chinese organization, the Chinese value the relationships greatly and it is important to take your time in building up relationships with your clients.

Me: What is the difference between Chinese clients versus American clients?

Henry: Through my experience, I have come to find that American customers have often valued the nature and basis of business contracts while the Chinese customers definitely have taken a heavier emphasis on relationships as a whole. Trust is a big deal in the Chinese society and in business; it was no different as well.

Me: what specific skills do you believe a global executive needs, and how would you suggest

Developing them?

Henry: It is important to have basic international etiquette training before doing businesses with the Chinese. International travels are definitely a huge plus since knowing something in your head is one thing, it is definitely another to experience the culture and to see how people interact with one another. Through my experience in dealing with the Chinese, it was definitely very helpful in observing my clients and by seeing how they interact with one another provides great insight as to clues as to how I would need to deal with them.

Me: What is one example on the difference in business dealings between the Chinese and American?

Henry: For an example, during a business meal it is common for the Chinese to wait until the food is on the table for everyone before starting a meal. The stress on the importance of eating together symbolizes the oneness in unity on business. It is also common for Chinese businessmen to continue business dealings throughout the meal. Meanwhile, American businesses this is not as emphasized on importance versus the content of the conversation itself.

Me: how long did you live in china and what was your position?

I have lived in Shenzhen China for about half a year as the APAC Sales Manager and I have travel between Hong Kong, Donguan, Shanghai, Beijing, and Taiwan totaling 4 years throughout various roles in my career including my own business.