As Zimbabwe and China trade surpassed the USD One Billion mark in September 2016, making the two countries important trade partners, there is need for the Zimbabwean entrepreneur and executive to understand basic business etiquette with the Chinese.
With increasing globalization comes the need for more and more people to do business with the Chinese. As a result, many in the Dig Mandarin audience seek to improve their business vocabulary.
While language is important in bridging an intercontinental relationship, the cultural expectations and etiquette behind the language are even more essential. Developing insights into the Chinese business culture and social etiquette of China will help you avoid miscommunication and potential misunderstandings. When it comes to Chinese business etiquette, there is just one overarching rule: When in China, do as the Chinese do!
Chinese people are very time conscious, avoid being late, even by 30seconds just avoid it. Chinese people can show up even an hour prior to the scheduled time. Everything around them evolves around time. When hosting Chinese, when it’s midday make sure lunch is served and when is 6o’clock make sure you are serving them with supper. Everything around them evolves around time even their eating habits.
If the Chinese your host, know the language capabilities of your hosts beforehand. Have your own language consultant if your hosts know little English. Have a detailed proposition of the value of your company and product. Have Chinese-language materials to share with your hosts. Chinese businesses often meet with numerous foreign businesses seeking to establish relationships. So capture their attention at the first meeting to secure follow-up. The host will take the lead, and you will likely have a name card or designated seat based on your role in your company.
A formal meeting will start with the senior member of the hosting party introducing himself/herself and colleagues, then stating his/her position on the matter in question. The leading member of your party should then do the same. Subordinate members of the Chinese party will not usually speak unless asked to do so by the most senior person; your observance of the same protocol will have the advantage of conveying who is in authority and who may have special expertise.
Business often gets conducted during meals. As with business meetings, food and seating are determined by the hosts. Follow cues from your hosts to begin or wait to be invited. There may be cold dishes placed on the table when you are seated.
While wine can be preferred at banquets, the Chinese may offer strong distilled alcohol called baijiu for toasts. There may be many toasts during a meal. Never drink from the toasting glass except during a toast. Under normal circumstances, the Chinese will not push you to drink. Eat something before the toasts begin. If you cannot or do not drink for medical or personal reasons, this is respected but you should advise your host of this beforehand. Do not start eating before others, especially the elders and seniors as rank is very important in Chinese culture.
Do not finish all your food. Otherwise, the Chinese people at the table will think you are still hungry and that they did not feed you well enough. This could result in them continuing to add food to your plate. Never stick your chopsticks straight into your bowl. This action is reserved for funerals, so it is very really offensive to a table of live persons. Furthermore, never tap your bowl with your chopsticks as this is associated with begging.
Even if you don’t believe in superstitions, be respectful of Chinese superstitions and try to operate within a few rules. The main superstitions are associated with numbers and colours. For example, the number 4 is considered unlucky, while the number 8 is very lucky. The colour red is a preferred colour, while white represents mourning. Avoid wearing a white dress to a dinner outing, for instance.
At the end of the day, Chinese business people (especially those in the younger generation) are understanding and respectful of cultural differences. They do not expect foreigners to be fully accustomed to their traditions.
However, having a basic grasp of Chinese business etiquette and culture can not only impress your Chinese colleagues, counterparts, and clients but also help you build stronger working relationships with clear and smooth communication.
The Author: Eng Sarudzai Chakuparira
Sarudzai Chakuparira is a multi-skilled reliable and talented graduate of Tianjin University of Technology and Education in China, BSc Degree in Electronic and Information Handling Engineering.
She is experienced in Chinese and Language, and capable of analysing network and programming problems as-well as recommending solutions.
Sarudzai Chakuparira a well-mannered, articulate lady is aware of multicultural issues and able to rise to challenges remaining aware of professional rules and boundaries.
Engineer Chakuparira being fluent in spoken, written, oral Mandarin and English was able to be a Chinese children English teacher at Smart Kids, teaching children from 5-9years from 2011-2015.
She was also the Minister of Culture (GUAST- General Union for African Students in Tianjin from 2012- 2015 a union with 250 African students at that time). Former Minister of Culture Sarudzai Chakuparira also taught at Korean International School teaching 10-17 years old.
From 2015 she became a graduate engineer trainee and mandarin consultant for Pinnacle Communications in Abuja Nigeria. Sarudzai Chakuparira was responsible for receiving engineering plans, designs and circuit diagrams for projects as-well as ensuring compliance with safety requirements and Nigerian and International standards.
Engineer Chakuparira was the language bridge between the Nigerian and Chinese Engineers, she provided professional translation on big projects for Pinnacle Communication.
Upon her return from Nigerian late 2016 to date, Engineer Chakuparira has been managing and providing a professional translation and interpretation service to Chinese construction workers onsite and offsite.
Sarudzai Chakuparira is capable of translating of documents and letters from Mandarin to English and English to Mandarin, conducting face to face and telephone translation services, leading translation, and public relations.
Sarudzai Chakuparira is Co-Founder and Editor of Daily Report, and an executive at the Zimbabwe China Business Council.
