tailieunhanh - How to Do Business in 12 Asian Countries 16

How to Do Business in 12 Asian Countries 16. What will you need to know in 2010 or 2020 to work in Asia? As Hans Koehler pointed out in his Preface, we live in changing times. In this century China and India are changing the economic balance of the world. But many of the cultural tenets presented in Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: Asia took hundreds or thousands of years to develop. These stable precepts help us understand why people behave differently around the world, and they will help you to avoid global marketing faux pas | 116 Kiss Bow or Shake Hands Asia multiracial society with strong national identity the social structure continues to change and this leads to uncertainty. Multiracial housing has fostered feelings of insecurity not community. Issues of Equality Inequality Businesses are more competitive and ethnocentric than in the USA. Emphasis is on competence merit and team play. Performance progress excellence and achievement are highly prized for the group. There is an inherent trust in people of the same ethnic group with a strong feeling of interdependency among members of a group or business. There is some evidence of ethnic bias among the dominant Chinese against the Malays and the Indians. There are clearly differentiated sex roles in society but gender equality is creeping in. Men still dominate in most public situations. Cultural Note In Singapore social events can involve different rules for different cultural groups. In general most Singaporeans arrive on time or slightly late. Traditionalists are concerned that arriving on time to a dinner may make them appear greedy and impatient. Once a close friendship has been established guests may arrive a few minutes early to a social occasion. If you are the host and your guests are close friends it is important to be ready early. 3 BUSINESS PRACTICES__ Punctuality Appointments and Local Time Business hours are generally 9 00 . to 5 00 . Monday through Friday. However many offices stagger their work hours with workers arriving any time from 7 30 . to 9 30 . Some offices will be open for a half day on Saturdays generally in the morning. Always be on time for all business appointments. Making a Singaporean executive wait is insulting and impolite. Try to schedule appointments at least two weeks in advance. Executives travel frequently especially to conferences in their area of specialization. Singapore 117 English is the language of virtually all business or government