| Students who've completed a foreign policy or | | | | sense to be early -- or, at the very least, on time -- |
| international business program of study might be | | | | to each new business meeting or collaborative |
| eager to begin working in a foreign country. Perhaps | | | | opportunity. It also helps to be willing and able to |
| they might be a bit ambivalent or scared, too. After | | | | gently negotiate and compromise. Consensus-building |
| all, the business practices of various nations in Africa, | | | | trumps maverick ideas in Asian countries. |
| Europe, Asia - and even, North America - can differ | | | | Building strong business relationships is absolutely |
| vastly from American business customs and | | | | paramount in Asian countries, too. American workers |
| etiquette. | | | | abroad are at a disadvantage in this regard, because |
| Several Asian nations, notably China, Japan, and India, | | | | they will need to overcome cultural barriers to build |
| have the potential to dramatically shape the world | | | | trust and respect. They will also need to |
| economy over the next decade. Across Asia, | | | | demonstrate their business skills in an honest, but not |
| workers highly skilled in computers, engineering, | | | | boastful fashion. Talking less and listening more are |
| manufacturing, and biological sciences are | | | | always wise moves when meeting a new business |
| revolutionizing global methods of innovation, business, | | | | colleague. Status and rank are of greater importance |
| and production. It will become more likely over the | | | | in Asia than they are in mostly-egalitarian America, so |
| next decade that a business college graduate will | | | | pay attention to who's who in a company - but, of |
| work with professionals from one or more of these | | | | course, get to know everyone with whom you will |
| Asian nations - especially if that graduate pursues a | | | | be doing business. |
| career path with many international opportunities. | | | | Customs for Asian countries |
| Developing cultural sensitivity and awareness is very | | | | Of course, Asian business cultures will vary in their |
| important for cross-cultural exchanges. This article will | | | | customs. In Japan, for example, gift-giving is much |
| explore some common business basics among people | | | | more acceptable than it is in China - although |
| of several different Asian nations, while offering | | | | gift-giving can be an appreciated token if done |
| little-known, fun tips and facts. | | | | correctly. Each Asian culture also tends to prefer |
| Building relationships: Chinese, Japanese, and Indian | | | | some ways of greeting professionals over others. |
| international business | | | | Typically, using the last name and the person's |
| Asian cultures tend to be much more collectivist than | | | | professional title (such as 'Dr.') indicates respect. Asian |
| Western counterparts. In business decision-making, | | | | business dress is sometimes more formal than |
| the group as a whole chooses a course of action. An | | | | standard American business dress, especially since |
| individual worker's identity is strongly shaped by the | | | | jeans and t-shirts have become more acceptable in |
| group for which he or she works. In American | | | | the American post-dot-com age. Navy, black, or grey |
| business, conversely, one is much less likely to see | | | | business suits with conservative ties for men; and |
| collaborative strategies - though the newest | | | | dark dress suits or formal, conservative sheath |
| generation of American office workers is beginning to | | | | dresses and jackets for women will work well. |
| change this. International business program graduates | | | | Business shoes should be dark, polished, and as |
| who work in China, Japan, or India might wish to | | | | conservative as possible. |
| develop their group work skills further before heading | | | | The presentation and reception of business cards is |
| abroad. | | | | also important in Asia. It is most polite to have your |
| Greeting individuals with a handshake, a slight bow of | | | | business card printed double-sided, with the Asian |
| the head, and eye contact is polite. The firm, | | | | language on one side and English on the other. You |
| authoritative American handshake can be overkill | | | | should offer your business card with the Asian |
| overseas. Touching other professionals is taboo in | | | | language side facing up. When accepting other |
| Asia. Personal space is important; it is not considered | | | | business cards, treat them as valuable: Study them |
| polite to stand very close to someone. It is always | | | | carefully to memorize names and information, and |
| best to observe the behaviors of your professional | | | | never stuff them into your pocket. For your business |
| associates, and act appropriately. | | | | cards, you might want to consider purchasing a hard |
| Expect business to be conducted in a slow, deliberate | | | | case that snaps shut, and which can be tucked |
| fashion, and rushed business deals to be regarded as | | | | discreetly into a briefcase or purse after the card |
| highly suspect. Speak slowly and clearly, and present | | | | exchange has occurred. |
| new ideas cautiously. Aggressive proposals or overly | | | | Working abroad can be great fun. Americans can |
| showy body movements will not be interpreted well. | | | | learn much from their Asian professional counterparts, |
| Being on time is also essential. Asia is a continent of | | | | and, by following some simple etiquette guidelines, |
| punctual business professionals, and it makes good | | | | can enjoy a most enriching cross-cultural experience. |