Business Ethics in China
Business ethics is not just a set of rules that dictate how to behave on business meetings. In extreme situations, it is the key to the success in negotiations, but its ignorance can cause failure of the entire undertaking. Especially when parties that attempt to cooperate are different culturally and mentally, as in the case of 'western countries' and the Middle Kingdom.
Social bond as a base for successful business
Chinese entrepreneurs are characterized by pro-social approach. This means that for the counterparties of the country it is very important that before business there would strong social bonds created between them. Such process is slow and the investments are long-term one. It will take a lot of time for Chinese to fell in one’s company as a family. However, one can accelerate this process by hospitality, conversations on private topics and simple gestures, like using words: "Make yourself at home."
It is worth to establish a close relationship with a potential business partner in China for another reason. In the culture of the Middle Kingdom, in contrast to the view prevailing in the countries of Western Europe, effective cleverness and cunning are the qualities desirable in a good businessman. Lies that enable to achieve the goal, are not seen as immoral behavior, improper or unethical. However, such an approach in relation to the relatives, as family and friends are not permitted. Therefore, through closer ties with Chinese partners one can count on the full and honest cooperation.
Refusal = rudeness
One of the most surprising and dangerous traps one can fall into when conducting business negotiations in China is the belief prevailing in that culture, that the refusal is an expression of rudeness. Therefore, from the potential Chinese partner one will never hear the words, "no", "disagree", "do not like your idea". The rule is: the more reverently and with greater joy your potential partner is saying goodbye to you after the visit, the less
Social bond as a base for successful business
Chinese entrepreneurs are characterized by pro-social approach. This means that for the counterparties of the country it is very important that before business there would strong social bonds created between them. Such process is slow and the investments are long-term one. It will take a lot of time for Chinese to fell in one’s company as a family. However, one can accelerate this process by hospitality, conversations on private topics and simple gestures, like using words: "Make yourself at home."
It is worth to establish a close relationship with a potential business partner in China for another reason. In the culture of the Middle Kingdom, in contrast to the view prevailing in the countries of Western Europe, effective cleverness and cunning are the qualities desirable in a good businessman. Lies that enable to achieve the goal, are not seen as immoral behavior, improper or unethical. However, such an approach in relation to the relatives, as family and friends are not permitted. Therefore, through closer ties with Chinese partners one can count on the full and honest cooperation.
Refusal = rudeness
One of the most surprising and dangerous traps one can fall into when conducting business negotiations in China is the belief prevailing in that culture, that the refusal is an expression of rudeness. Therefore, from the potential Chinese partner one will never hear the words, "no", "disagree", "do not like your idea". The rule is: the more reverently and with greater joy your potential partner is saying goodbye to you after the visit, the less