China

1.Business Communication

Communication often balances clarity of purpose with careful attention to relationships, status and face.

• • Messages may be delivered indirectly when a direct statement could embarrass someone.
• • Initial formality is common, and it may relax as trust develops.
• • Communication with senior people is usually respectful and channelled through the right contact.
• • Disagreement is frequently expressed in private or through a trusted intermediary.
• • Negative feedback is best given discreetly and framed around the task, not the person.
• • Non-verbal signals — tone, pauses, who speaks and who stays silent — often carry real meaning.
• • Written correspondence tends to be polite, precise and clear about responsibilities.
• • Avoid public criticism, aggressive deadlines in the first contact, and ignoring hierarchy.
• • Manager's Tip: Protect your counterpart's standing in front of others; it usually accelerates cooperation later.

2.Business Etiquette

Courtesy, status awareness and long-term relationship building are typically central to professional credibility.

• • A moderate handshake and a respectful greeting are common at first contact.
• • Use family name with title or position until invited to be less formal.
• • The most senior person is usually greeted, seated and addressed first.
• • Business dress is generally conservative and neat.
• • Business cards may be offered and received with both hands and looked at before being put away.
• • Business meals are often important, with clear host and guest roles.
• • Gifts, when appropriate, should be modest and compliant with both companies' policies.
• • Common mistakes include ignoring seniority, over-familiar humour and pushing for instant commitment.
• • Manager's Tip: Learn who the decision maker is early and show consistent respect for the hierarchy around them.

3.Business Meeting Etiquette

Meetings often serve relationship building and information exchange, with decisions confirmed later through internal channels.

• • Punctuality is expected and reflects seriousness.
• • Meetings are usually arranged in advance through a formal invitation and clear agenda.
• • Openings include courteous introductions, often by rank.
• • Some initial small talk is normal before commercial topics begin.
• • Presentations should be structured, factual and visually clear.
• • Decision authority may sit above the people in the room.
• • Negotiation can be patient and iterative; concessions are often gradual.
• • Timelines are taken seriously once formally agreed.
• • A written summary after the meeting helps confirm shared understanding.
• • Manager's Tip: Ask politely about the internal approval path instead of assuming the room can decide.

4.Workplace Culture

Workplace culture often combines respect for hierarchy with strong delivery orientation and rapid adaptation.

• • Managers are typically expected to give clear direction and take responsibility.
• • Team harmony and loyalty may be valued alongside individual performance.
• • Decisions are frequently made at senior level after internal consultation.
• • Employee initiative is often welcomed when aligned with the manager's stated priorities.
• • Teamwork is common, but role clarity is appreciated.
• • Open conflict is usually avoided in group settings.
• • Work intensity and work-life expectations vary widely by company and sector.
• • Rules and procedures are respected, and practical adaptation is also common.
• • A good leader is often seen as decisive, competent and protective of the team's standing.
• • Manager's Tip: Give clear direction and clear priorities; ambiguity from a manager is rarely read as empowerment.