TIME SPENT, GUANXI EARNED TIME SPENT, GUANXI EARNED
GREETINGS
It’s great to meet you Shall we go straight into the business discussion?
TIP: BUILD YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR BUSINESS PARTNER FIRST BEFORE PROCEEDING TO DISCUSSIONS AND NEGOTIATIONS
GREETINGS
?
It’s a pleasure to meet you. How have you been, and how is your family these days?
Chinese business culture emphasizes guanxi (relationship-building), where trust and mutual understanding are established first to help smoother and more reliable business dealings.
WHO SPEAKS FIRST? WHO SPEAKS FIRST?
Let’s be open. JHING what do you think?
Let’s open JHING what do you think?
Alex has been sent to lead a project in china...
Alex has been sent to lead a project in china...
After the meeting, team members whisper.
Project progress slows. Alex looks confused.
SENIOR CHINESE DIRECTOR SEATED AT THE HEAD. TEAM MEMBERS ARRANGED FORMALLY.
SENIOR DIRECTOR SEATED AT THE HEAD. TEAM MEMBERS ARRANGED FORMALLY
What did I even say?
TIP: In Chinese work culture, always address the most senior person first before speaking to others. Respecting hierarchy shows professionalism and cultural intelligence.
Director Liu, may we hear your thoughts first?”
JHING, would you like to add anything?”
Now Zhang speaks confidently. Team members engage. Respecting hierarchy creates psychological safety.
Director nods approvingly.
come join us for dinner tonight!
i’m a new recruit, so i should focus on my work to impress them.
he refused again? Is he not committed to long-term partnership?
no worries.
sorry, sir, i’ll have to pass again!
thank you again for the invite, sir!
In Chinese business culture, shared meals are a sign of trust and respect.
Cultural Intelligence means understanding that what feels “optional” in your culture may be essential in another.
great, you finally joined us!
Now we can work well together! relationshipbuilding & trust come before transactions.
Zhang, your proposal is too long and has so many errors. fix it by 5pm.
Zhang I saw how detailed your proposal is but I think that we some parts could be refined.
I feel humiliated because my colleague is being so harsh. I can’t work with them.
Great work! Our presentation was amazing and the investors loved us.
He’s giving me his honest thoughts and helping me improve. I’d love to work with them again.
In Chinese business, direct criticisms are a public attack on one’s dignity.
Yeah! We work so well together! I can’t wait to work with you again in the future.
miànzi (⾯⼦) Face By being indirect, you solve the problemwithout shaming the person.
indirectness isn’t lying it’s a tool for professionalism.
WHEN SILENCE CAN SPEAK LOUDER... WHEN SILENCE CAN SPEAK LOUDER...
During Lunch Break...
After a few silent moments
Li, I was reading about the new state regulations this morning It seems quite controversial; don't you think the approach is a bit severe?
The tea’s excellent, Li Thank you I m still learning the 'local' ways of enjoying a lunch break
In collectivist societies, like China, the maintenance of harmony is a key virtue
Li is using a "high-context" tactic: ignoring the question to help Mark "save face" rather than confronting him directly. Mark
directly accepting a compliment
THIS QUARTER’S PROFIT RATE IS HIGHER THAN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER BY 23%..
IT IS GREAT TO SEE A HUGE POSITIVE CHANGE IN OUR PROFIT
I AGREE! I COULD DEFINITELY SAY THAT I DID A WONDERFUL JOB IN IMPROVING SALES THIS TIME!
FROM THEn ON, THERE WAS A MOMENT OF SILENCE AND WHISPERS DURING THE REST OF ELIJAH’S PRESENTATION.
after the meeting ended, elijah was wondering why ms. tan suddenly got quiet AND THE ATMOSPHERE IN THE ROOM CHANGES
I WONDER IF I SAID SOMETHING WRONG
I HEARD YOU THINKING OUT LOUD! it is because accepting a compliment directly can be considered as arrorance here
OH, NO! I DIDN’T KNOW THAT... NEXT TIME, I’LL MAKE SURE TO ANSWER IN A MORE HUMBLE WAY!
YOU LEARNED SOMETHING NEW, ELIJAH! KEEP LEARNING their culture to avoid misunderstandings and maintain respect!
In Chinese workplace culture, accepting compliments publicly is not entirely bad, but overdoing it can seem arrogant. Humbler responses (such as saying thanks and crediting the team) are preferred.