Contrary to common belief, the Chinese don't walk around town challenging
each other to a Kung Fu match! But wait... ever heard of Bra Study? Yes,
women's bras. Well, apparently its a major in some local universities. Oh, and
they take internet addiction very seriously over there, so much that they have
treatment camps for internet zombies! But that's just a tip of the iceberg and
the marvels that await you in the People's Republic of China.
The 2008 global economic downturn saw the rise of China as an economic giant and it has continued to grow into a lucrative destination for expatriates and professionals looking for fresh career starts in a foreign country. In fact, world economists foresee China surpassing the US as an economic power house by the end of 2016. Much of the country's economic growth is driven by local demand and not exports; thanks to the 1.3 billion+ current population count. This positions China as not only a great place to live, but to work as well.Maybe you would be surprised to learn that the larger population is still composed of rural dwellers and farmers. Probably the reason why the world's largest economy is still struggling with finding enough local human capital to fill the fast growing "white-collar" job vacancies.
But with such a crowded country, why would you even want to go there? Oh, and the air pollution thing... The truth is that yes, Shanghai and Beijing could possibly be the leading cities in air pollution and thick blinding smog but this is only experienced in few industrial cities. And while it is estimated that a third of the air pollution in San Francisco might actually be blamed on China, the rest of the country is full of fresh air and open beautiful skies and its very common for "town people" to step out of the city for some air in the mountainous countryside or rice field plains.
The society is guided by two main philosophies; the principles of "Face" and "Relations or Connections" that will both be discussed further later in the article. Everything else seems to be an extension of these two; you lose face, you lose everything. This is the only country in the world where a CEO can face death for getting involved in fraud! Things get even weirder, if you're rich enough (and lucky enough to escape the firing squad...), you can pay some poor chap who looks like you to serve your prison sentence.
Everything from the celebrations and customs to arts, food, and the general way of life is simply mind blowing. Perhaps it is important to note here that although the Han form the largest population in China (900 million+) with some communities having less than 2, 000 people, the customs and traditions may vary from one geographic location to another... it's a big country with well over 55 geographically sub-divided ethnic communities. However, the major religion still remains Buddhism but the 35 million people estimated to be still living in caves up in the mountains are not necessarily all practitioners of Buddhism. The national language is Mandarin Chinese (with geographical dialects...) and some of the major national celebrations include the 15 day Spring Festival where dancers wearing dragon costumes dance all over the streets and put on a spectacular fireworks show as part of the long parade to mark the beginning of the Lunar Year.
Did you know it is taboo to fight in public? You rarely find people fighting or arguing in public (although a few parliament sessions have degenerated to fists... you can Google for the funny clips). This vice is considered one of the fastest way to lose face and connections in China. It's not very smart to break the law in public especially in a country with a mobile van to execute mobile "on-the-spot" death penalties.
When it comes to fashion, well, just check the tags and labels on your clothes or shoes right now... one of your attires or accessories is probably made in China! This means you can expect to find everything from what's trending on the global fashion industry to limited designer editions to wild and out of this world. There's probably not that much of a difference in dressing from what you're used to in your current country or city of residence.
Let's just say that life is relatively easy for the honest hard worker and it's hard to miss or lack anything if you have the money or means... this is true for all modernized economies all over the world right? Speaking of hard work, many people moving to China will probably need a job and China is rife right now for professionals as well as men and women with high practical skills.
Ignorance is not something you can afford when it comes to doing business in China; learn your Chinese and possibly perfect it, brush up on your Chinese history, try a few traditional recipes, build and increase your "face", and finally learn how to make lasting connections... This almost guarantees a successful run in the Chinese professional labor market.
Despite the fast growing number of local "Generation Y" employees and employers in the current labor market, the underlying Chinese cultural fabric still holds firm. This generation has grown up in a more liberal ("Westernized") environment with video games and loud music and the internet and a considerable number has even studied in European or American Universities.
You might find it very easy to interact or get along with such workmates as they may be more open to the confrontational Western way of doing things and the capitalistic focus on making money and supporting a good life for their nuclear families. This is in contrast to the Chinese way of observing traditional values where "Face" and functioning in the "group" is key. However, don't let that fool you, the traditional Chinese way of life and pride in their centuries old culture is not about to change any time soon.
Everything you've ever heard about the conservative and laid back Chinese culture is true. From social interactions to handling yourself in formal gatherings and office etiquette to addressing elderly workmates or conducting yourself at company dinners, it is very important for you as a foreigner to learn these few cultural facts. This will save you a lot of unnecessary or unintentional friction with employers and fellow employees while in the workplace thus help you make a smooth transition as well as fit in a bit faster.
Remember, everything is about Face (Miàn zi pronounced as Mian-tze), Relations (Guanxi pronounced as guanhsi), and how you build on both in all your interactions inside and outside the office. Guanxi and Miàn zi can be gained, increased or lost and they also weigh heavily on your success in the office environment and life in China as a whole.
The rule of law is that you must look presentable and sharp around the office otherwise you may lose face in front of your colleagues or business partners . Although the dress code is not very strict in many workplaces, here are a few Do's and Dont's when it comes to office dressing.
For women, suits and dresses or skirts and a shirt are fine. Common sense dictates that no professional woman needs advice when it comes to shoes; however, keeping the heel below 3 inches for work shoes is recommended. It's probably not a good idea to make your boss and everyone else look up to you!
Women of course must remember not to wear any skirt or dress that' too revealing. And please, do not feel the need to be overly "Chinese" and show up to work in a Kimono. Dressing skimpily for women can quickly make you lose respect and hence lose face.
Hold the door for the elderly as this will earn you more face. Holding the door for other colleagues in general can quickly turn you into everybody's favorite which is also good for your face. This increases your chances of making good lasting connections.
Try to maintain eye contact with your colleagues when talking to them. This shows that both of you are communicating effectively. It's also a sign of respect.
Be open-minded and flexible. Find polite ways to ask what offends your colleagues personally and also find a polite way to let them know what irritates you.
Good communication can only take place when there is a mutual exchange of ideas. Never interrupt a workmate when they are talking (especially an elderly colleague) to throw in your views, this is not taken lightly and it shows utter disrespect.
If you are part of your company's delegation sent for a business meeting at the client's boardroom, wait to be shown where to sit. There is a system of placement (sitting arrangement) according to rank and title. You do not want to foolishly lose face for your company and possibly end up losing business for your company by merely taking the wrong seat!
Since the government came up with favorable labor laws and made the economic environment fit for international business, many multinationals and manufacturers have set their eyes in China and plans of expansion to the East for many multinationals are strongly underway... if not finalized awaiting implementation.
And just so you know... the Chinese traditions do not allow you to share certain gifts like clocks or watches with neighbors or fellow workmates. Never give anyone a handkerchief as a present and no matter how sorry you feel you feel for the next guy standing next to you during a rainy storm, never offer them an umbrella!
Welcome to China.
The 2008 global economic downturn saw the rise of China as an economic giant and it has continued to grow into a lucrative destination for expatriates and professionals looking for fresh career starts in a foreign country. In fact, world economists foresee China surpassing the US as an economic power house by the end of 2016. Much of the country's economic growth is driven by local demand and not exports; thanks to the 1.3 billion+ current population count. This positions China as not only a great place to live, but to work as well.Maybe you would be surprised to learn that the larger population is still composed of rural dwellers and farmers. Probably the reason why the world's largest economy is still struggling with finding enough local human capital to fill the fast growing "white-collar" job vacancies.
But with such a crowded country, why would you even want to go there? Oh, and the air pollution thing... The truth is that yes, Shanghai and Beijing could possibly be the leading cities in air pollution and thick blinding smog but this is only experienced in few industrial cities. And while it is estimated that a third of the air pollution in San Francisco might actually be blamed on China, the rest of the country is full of fresh air and open beautiful skies and its very common for "town people" to step out of the city for some air in the mountainous countryside or rice field plains.
So why consider going to China?
#1 - A Rich Culture:
The centuries old Chinese culture is just amazing to study and understand. Despite the heavy Western influence, the Chinese traditions still retain a lot of Confucianism and Taoism principles on top of Buddhist teachings of love. Their giving nature is so deep that the Chinese government even offered the US some 10 million women to help boost the population... this was back in 1973.The society is guided by two main philosophies; the principles of "Face" and "Relations or Connections" that will both be discussed further later in the article. Everything else seems to be an extension of these two; you lose face, you lose everything. This is the only country in the world where a CEO can face death for getting involved in fraud! Things get even weirder, if you're rich enough (and lucky enough to escape the firing squad...), you can pay some poor chap who looks like you to serve your prison sentence.
Everything from the celebrations and customs to arts, food, and the general way of life is simply mind blowing. Perhaps it is important to note here that although the Han form the largest population in China (900 million+) with some communities having less than 2, 000 people, the customs and traditions may vary from one geographic location to another... it's a big country with well over 55 geographically sub-divided ethnic communities. However, the major religion still remains Buddhism but the 35 million people estimated to be still living in caves up in the mountains are not necessarily all practitioners of Buddhism. The national language is Mandarin Chinese (with geographical dialects...) and some of the major national celebrations include the 15 day Spring Festival where dancers wearing dragon costumes dance all over the streets and put on a spectacular fireworks show as part of the long parade to mark the beginning of the Lunar Year.
#2 - It's All Fun Living in "Middle Kingdom":
Bet you didn't know that's what ancient Chinese called their land. Welcome to the land of "leftover women" and the bamboo chewing pandas; where dogs and cats are only allowed in restaurants not to share your hearty meal, but as part of the menu. Although rice is the staple here, the four distinct Chinese cuisines (Southern, Shanghai-ese, Shandong-ese and Biejing-ese) include lots of seafood such as shrimp and carp, pork, frog legs, cold meats, chicken, duck and soup. In fact, soups are taken with almost meal. Tea is also everybody's favorite beverage even with the varied preparation styles that may differ from place to place; like the Tibetans adding Yak butter or the Mongolians who prefer it with milk. Beer is the next best thing, and this is all thanks to the large number of local breweries and a very demanding beer drinking population.Did you know it is taboo to fight in public? You rarely find people fighting or arguing in public (although a few parliament sessions have degenerated to fists... you can Google for the funny clips). This vice is considered one of the fastest way to lose face and connections in China. It's not very smart to break the law in public especially in a country with a mobile van to execute mobile "on-the-spot" death penalties.
#3 - A Blooming and Changing Economy:
The market system has slowly shifted to a more liberal economy which is a very big change from the Soviet-Communist style practiced before the 1978 amendments. This has however led to a conflict between having a highly centralized system of politics and a decentralized economic system that created autonomous economies like Guangzhou and Shanghai. The government however still owns a greater percentage of the farming land in China despite the freedom given to farmers in their own individual pieces of "rented" land. This leads us to another not-so-fun fact; while the economy is largely agricultural, China still faces hardships when it comes to feeding its population. But don't expect to die of starvation in China, they still produce large quantities of rice, fruits, wheat, vegetables and the fishermen are almost fishing the oceans and seas dry to ensure your favorite restaurant still serves sushi and the market places meet daily demand.When it comes to fashion, well, just check the tags and labels on your clothes or shoes right now... one of your attires or accessories is probably made in China! This means you can expect to find everything from what's trending on the global fashion industry to limited designer editions to wild and out of this world. There's probably not that much of a difference in dressing from what you're used to in your current country or city of residence.
Let's just say that life is relatively easy for the honest hard worker and it's hard to miss or lack anything if you have the money or means... this is true for all modernized economies all over the world right? Speaking of hard work, many people moving to China will probably need a job and China is rife right now for professionals as well as men and women with high practical skills.
How then do you make a smooth integration into the working population?
Do’s and Dont's in Chinese Offices
Learning about the Chinese code of conduct in the office or while handling business is very important especially for non- Chinese foreigners in search of better employment or investment opportunities in this great country.Ignorance is not something you can afford when it comes to doing business in China; learn your Chinese and possibly perfect it, brush up on your Chinese history, try a few traditional recipes, build and increase your "face", and finally learn how to make lasting connections... This almost guarantees a successful run in the Chinese professional labor market.
Despite the fast growing number of local "Generation Y" employees and employers in the current labor market, the underlying Chinese cultural fabric still holds firm. This generation has grown up in a more liberal ("Westernized") environment with video games and loud music and the internet and a considerable number has even studied in European or American Universities.
You might find it very easy to interact or get along with such workmates as they may be more open to the confrontational Western way of doing things and the capitalistic focus on making money and supporting a good life for their nuclear families. This is in contrast to the Chinese way of observing traditional values where "Face" and functioning in the "group" is key. However, don't let that fool you, the traditional Chinese way of life and pride in their centuries old culture is not about to change any time soon.
Everything you've ever heard about the conservative and laid back Chinese culture is true. From social interactions to handling yourself in formal gatherings and office etiquette to addressing elderly workmates or conducting yourself at company dinners, it is very important for you as a foreigner to learn these few cultural facts. This will save you a lot of unnecessary or unintentional friction with employers and fellow employees while in the workplace thus help you make a smooth transition as well as fit in a bit faster.
Remember, everything is about Face (Miàn zi pronounced as Mian-tze), Relations (Guanxi pronounced as guanhsi), and how you build on both in all your interactions inside and outside the office. Guanxi and Miàn zi can be gained, increased or lost and they also weigh heavily on your success in the office environment and life in China as a whole.
So what are the Do's and Dont's in Chinese offices?
The Dress Code
Thanks to the standardization of internationally acceptable fashion trends, you will find your CEO or manager wearing the best and latest designer official wear or shoes since most of them are mass produced there anyway...The rule of law is that you must look presentable and sharp around the office otherwise you may lose face in front of your colleagues or business partners . Although the dress code is not very strict in many workplaces, here are a few Do's and Dont's when it comes to office dressing.
Do's:
Men must wear a suit and a tie unless the business gathering is in an informal setting like a cocktail party where you are only allowed to go without the tie and loosen a few buttons . Keep it neat and fresh, just like in the Western world. Make sure your leather shoes complement the look on top and keep them sparkling.For women, suits and dresses or skirts and a shirt are fine. Common sense dictates that no professional woman needs advice when it comes to shoes; however, keeping the heel below 3 inches for work shoes is recommended. It's probably not a good idea to make your boss and everyone else look up to you!
Dont's:
Open sandals are not considered respectable or polite dressing. In fact, sandals are more associated with uneducated farmers and a bit of "rural backwardness". You should never appear to work wearing a pair... even on weekends.Women of course must remember not to wear any skirt or dress that' too revealing. And please, do not feel the need to be overly "Chinese" and show up to work in a Kimono. Dressing skimpily for women can quickly make you lose respect and hence lose face.
Mind Your Manners
Of course there's a universal code of conduct in the office environment especially in the corporate world. Your general behavior and way of handling things determines whether you gain or lose face with fellow colleagues or partners.Do's:
Always greet people in the office. A handshake is more preferable although a slight bow can suffice. When in a group, always start greeting the most elderly.Hold the door for the elderly as this will earn you more face. Holding the door for other colleagues in general can quickly turn you into everybody's favorite which is also good for your face. This increases your chances of making good lasting connections.
Try to maintain eye contact with your colleagues when talking to them. This shows that both of you are communicating effectively. It's also a sign of respect.
Be open-minded and flexible. Find polite ways to ask what offends your colleagues personally and also find a polite way to let them know what irritates you.
Dont's:
The Chinese are sensitive to matters related to death so you would probably find it a wise decision to keep this topic off your chats. Making references to death like talking of a dead battery on your phone and such statements can be offensive to some people.Good communication can only take place when there is a mutual exchange of ideas. Never interrupt a workmate when they are talking (especially an elderly colleague) to throw in your views, this is not taken lightly and it shows utter disrespect.
If you are part of your company's delegation sent for a business meeting at the client's boardroom, wait to be shown where to sit. There is a system of placement (sitting arrangement) according to rank and title. You do not want to foolishly lose face for your company and possibly end up losing business for your company by merely taking the wrong seat!
Parting Shot...
China is definitely the destination of choice for many young individuals or growing companies looking for a break in the East. The growing economy needs workers and all that mass production needs a market. That's why the Chinese government is tirelessly trying to make things lucrative for foreigners and studies are now showing that heading to China is the best idea for professionals and investors in 2016.Since the government came up with favorable labor laws and made the economic environment fit for international business, many multinationals and manufacturers have set their eyes in China and plans of expansion to the East for many multinationals are strongly underway... if not finalized awaiting implementation.
And just so you know... the Chinese traditions do not allow you to share certain gifts like clocks or watches with neighbors or fellow workmates. Never give anyone a handkerchief as a present and no matter how sorry you feel you feel for the next guy standing next to you during a rainy storm, never offer them an umbrella!
Welcome to China.
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