Entering a meeting

It can happen, when you entering a room, that your hosts wil greet you by clapping hand. You can respond the greetings by clapping also. It’s common that the meeting room has a large central table, or tables in a square. As the system in China is very hierarchical, you can be sure that the person who is entering the room first and placed in the centre of the table has the highest rank. Let your host or his assistants initiate seating suggestions but the head of your group will always be placed in front of the host.

 

Dress code

If visiting on business, smart clothing is a must. Suit and tie have become the accepted business dress code but wear not anything too noticeable, as that might offend. Conservative casual wear is acceptable when you are not in a business meeting.

Business Cards

With a business card with a Chinese version on one side, you will always have a good start at a meeting. When you hand over your card, with the Chinese side upwards, hold it in both hands and bow slightly. When you receive the other persons card give a polite comment before you put it with care in your business card box.

Don’t forget to bring quite a lot of business cards with you!