tailieunhanh - How to Do Business in 12 Asian Countries 20

How to Do Business in 12 Asian Countries 20. 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 | 152 Kiss Bow or Shake Hands Asia Meal times are usually 7 00 to 8 00 . for breakfast noon to 2 00 . for lunch and 7 00 to 10 00 . for dinner. Be prepared for as much as two or three hours of talking and socializing before a meal. It is advisable to have a small snack before going. At a meal communal dishes are placed in the center of the table and each person serves himself or herself. Do not let the serving utensils touch your plate and never use your left hand. Usually there will be no utensils as people eat with their hands. Bread and rice balls are used to scoop up curries and vegetables. Watch your host. This technique takes a bit of practice. If your meal is served on a plantain leaf do not eat it that plantain leaf is your plate. Do not serve yourself large portions but leave room to compliment your host and hostess by returning for two or three helpings. When you are finished politely refuse additional servings. Buddhists are vegetarians Hindus do not eat beef and Muslims do not eat pork. When eating out the person who initiates the invitation is the one who will pay for the entire meal. Good topics of conversation include families home schools and sights of Sri Lanka. Topics to avoid include the ethnic strife between the Tamils and Sinhalese relations with India religion the caste system sex and the tragedies of the tsunami. If the topic of the tsunami is broached by your Sri Lankan associates be very sensitive to their viewpoints about the disaster but refrain from offering your opinions on rebuilding international aid etc. 3 PROTOCOL__ Greetings The traditional greeting is to place your hands together at chin level and bow slightly. Foreigners are not expected to initiate this gesture but returning it will be appreciated. As a result of British influence the Western mode of greeting shaking hands is also appropriate for either sex. At a party greet and shake hands with everyone in the room. .