© 2006 Australasian Training Academy Pty Ltd
ATA Work Guide
42
The Chinese are not as understanding of tipsy guests as are the Japanese
or Koreans. If you feel you have had enough, smile and politely indicate
this to your host.
Do not pour your own drink. It shows a lack of protocol.
Do not underestimate the importance of participating in dining and after-
dinner entertainment. It is an excellent way to build guanxi.
Gift Giving
Gifts are an important way of creating and building guanxi in China.
Chinese etiquette requires that a person decline a gift, invitation, and
other offerings two or three times before accepting. It is expected that the
giver will persist, gently, until the gift is accepted. Be sensitive to genuine
refusals.
Chinese and Westerners differ in the approach to gifts. In the West, a
sincere thank you or a thank you note is an acceptable way to extend
appreciation. In China, a more tangible form, or gift, is preferred.
Never give a gift that would make it impossible for the Chinese to
reciprocate-this would cause a loss of face and place them in a very
difficult position.
The Chinese usually do not open gifts at the time they receive them.
When receiving gifts from the Chinese, do not open them unless they insist.
Suggested Gifts & Gift-giving Taboos
Gifts should reflect the giver and the recipient.
Consider gifts from your area. Gifts with a company logo are fine as long
as they do not include things that are considered taboo and are not too
showy.
Gifts of foreign cigarettes, cognac, fine whisky, quality wines are
acceptable. Do not give anything in sets of four or gifts that carry the
association of death or funerals such as clocks, cut flowers, white objects.
Do not give scissors or anything sharp as it symbolizes severing relations
Be cautious when giving food items-it can suggest poverty.
Always wrap gifts, but do not use white paper-it symbolizes death. Red
and gold are the best. Avoid elaborately wrapping gifts.
Never write anything in red ink.
Summary :
Gift Giving Gifts are an important way of creating and building guanxi in China. Chinese etiquette requires that a person decline a gift, invitation, and other offerings two or three times before accepting. Never give a gift that would make it impossible for the Chinese to reciprocate-this would cause a loss of face and place them in a very difficult position.
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