Business Etiquette in Asia

Asia has rules of business etiquette that international colleagues should know.

Asia produces many exports, such as textiles, automobiles and electronics, that are beneficial to consumers around the world. So professionals from other parts of the world should know the basics of etiquette before doing business on the continent. Being aware of how to greet businesspeople and conduct yourself during meetings is essential, and it will help to establish a favorable business relationship.

Professional Greetings

It is acceptable for professionals to shake hands when in Asia. However, the handshake should not be extremely firm or very lengthy. It is also not proper etiquette to make eye contact during the greeting, as this is seen as a sign of disrespect in Asia. Bowing is also an appropriate form of acknowledgment in Asia; if an Asian host bows to an international colleague, returning the bow is necessary and shows respect. The more professional rank a person has, the deeper the bow should be. The only Asian country where there is an exception is the Philippines--it is not proper to bow, and it is acceptable etiquette to make eye contact when greeting a professional in the Phillippines.

Business Cards

When doing business in Asia, treat business cards with careful regard. Present your card to a businessperson with both hands. When you receive a card, it is proper etiquette to thank the professional, study the card, and then place the card in your jacket pocket or a business card case. Business cards should be printed both in English and in the native language of the Asian country you are visiting. The native language side should face the recipient when presenting the card. Have the cards printed in black ink. If traveling to China, business cards printed in gold are acceptable.

Meetings and Professional Titles

Punctuality is highly respected in Asia; in countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam or the Philippines, it is more acceptable to be a few minutes late, but this should not be abused. In China, it is common for the junior executives who will attend the meeting to arrive early. This does not mean that the meeting needs to start early--the junior executives are there to attend to the international professionals in case anything is needed before the start of the meeting. In Asia, refer to colleagues by their professional titles and last names. Businesspeople from other countries should not feel uncomfortable stating that they are professionals if they hold a specific title (i.e., manager, judge, PhD), and want to be referred to as such.

Business Attire

Men and women should dress conservatively when in Asia. Men should wear suits in black or navy blue, along with a modest-patterned tie and lace-up shoes. Women should avoid wearing pants; a skirted business suit in black or dark blue is ideal. Excessive accessories are frowned upon for both genders, and it is proper etiquette for women to wear low-heeled shoes to the office.

Dining and Entertaining

It is common for Asian professionals to invite international colleagues to dinner or a "night on the town" after a successful business meeting. Professionals from other countries should be on time for these events as well. A banquet-style meal is the norm in areas such as Hong Kong and China--it is proper etiquette for everyone at the table to take a little food from each dish; guests should never completely clean their plates, as to signify how magnificent the meal is. In the Philippines or Korea, it is common to be invited to an Asian professional's home. It is appropriate to bring a small gift such as flowers or chocolates to the home of the host; be prepared to have a large meal.

References

• Pasadena ISD: Business Etiquette in Asia
• Cyborlink: Asia