Chinese Business Culture and HR Practice
Gain a practical understanding of Chinese business customs, etiquette and ethics
In-company only
This is a suggested outline for in-house delivery. Format, delivery and content can be tailored to suit your needs. Please call us on +44 (0)20 8371 7011 to discuss your requirements.
Overview
An understanding of the nuances of Chinese business culture is essential for all firms who wish to operate successfully in China.
HR professionals have a duty to appreciate Chinese business customs, etiquette and protocols if they are to assist their colleagues who travel to, or are based in, mainland China, Taiwan or Hong Kong.
Our suggested half-day workshop will equip participants with a practical understanding of how best to work with Chinese colleagues and clients.
Seminar highlights
- Overview of the communist regime and the collectivistic culture of China
- Understanding the hierarchal nature of Chinese business society
- Doing business: the importance of Gunxi
- ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ in China
- Appointments and meetings: etiquette and protocols
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Corporate hospitality and entertaining
Programme
9.00 - Introduction to the business culture and working practices in China
- Overview of the communist regime and the collectivistic culture of China
- How does the government influence and / or control day-to-day life in China
- The value of joint partnerships as a way of gaining access to China
- The importance of establishing contacts to support business activities
Company structures and hierarchies
- Understanding the hierarchal nature of Chinese business society
- The relationship between senior management, middle managers and workers
- Getting access to decision makers
- Gender equality in the workplace
11.00 - Coffee break
Doing business: the importance of Guanxi
- What is Guanxi and how important is it?
- Negotiation strategies
- Building trust and friendship with colleagues and clients
- Dealing with conflict
- Teamwork
Communication
- To what extent can English be used in China?
- The use of an interpreter to understand the nuances of a conversation
- ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ in China
- Considerations when travelling to China
Appointments and meetings: etiquette and protocols
- The typical structure and format of meetings
- Etiquette for hello and goodbye
- Timekeeping and punctuality
- Dress codes
- Business cards
Corporate hospitality and entertaining
- The use of business lunches
- Evening banquets: food, etiquette and conversation
- Alcohol and smoking
- Gifts
13.00 - End of Seminar
Trainers
Elizabeth Cole
Elizabeth is a partner in the Shanghai office of Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. She is admitted as a solicitor in Australia (NSW, Victoria and Queensland), England & Wales and Hong Kong and as an attorney in California. Elizabeth has more than 12 years experience in corporate, commercial, projects and financing matters related to the PRC advising foreign companies on the establishment and operation of their businesses in the PRC, including preparation of the joint venture agreements, articles of association and all associated contracts such as land use contracts, trademark licences, management contracts and technology transfer agreements. Elizabeth also specialises in advising foreign companies on all aspects of their local and expatriate employment relationships from establishment or acquisition through to termination.
Thomas Man
Thomas Man is a partner in the Corporate Group and resident in Orrick’s Beijing office. He has extensive experience representing both foreign investors in China and Chinese enterprises investing abroad. His practice focuses on complex cross-border transactions involving mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances, joint ventures and other corporate and commercial transactions. Thomas advises international clients on their merger and acquisition, Greenfield investment, joint venture, corporate finance, private equity, regulatory compliance and other general commercial matters in the PRC. He also acts for Chinese companies on their offshore investments, acquisitions and other corporate and commercial activities.
Thomas has advised clients in the energy (including oil, gas and renewable energy), technology, manufacturing, financial services, real estate, chemical and services industries.
Designed for
All HR professionals who have staff travelling to, or based in, mainland China, Taiwan or Hong Kong will benfit from attending such a workshop.
Pre-course Questionnaire
Discounts
Multiple booking discount
Recieve a 20% discount when you book more than one event, or book more than one person on the same event. Please note this discount only applies to the lesser priced booking and when all bookings are placed together.
Registered charities
You are entitled to a 25% discount on your booking if you are a registered charity. This discount will show on your invoice once your booking is submitted. You will need your charity registration number for the booking form.
Subject areas
Related Courses
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in-house
Any open course can be adapted for delivery in-house.
Speak to our Client Team on
+44 (0)20 8371 7011 or find out more about our L&D Capabilities