Russian and Chinese business cultures (Comparison)

Размещено на http://www.allbest.ru/

Russian and Chinese business cultures (Comparison)

Course Chinese Business Culture

Reporter : Olkhovoi Vitalii

Student number : 20123100039



Content

Introduction

1. China

1.1 Overview

1.2 Appearance

1.3 Behavior

1.4 Communication

2. Russia

2.1 Overview

2.2 Appearance

2.3 Behavior

2.4 Communication

Conclusion

References



Introduction

China and Russia one of the most largest and powerful countries nowadays. A lot of foreigners coming there to run a business. A common mistake business people make before going overseas is not making an effort to understand the basics, such as how to make a positive first impression. These first impressions based on etiquette and greeting rituals that vary for different countries. You need to understand people of the country, where you came to, their business culture, and make this people to understand you. Especially in the countries like China and Russia. The countries with a huge background history and rich cultural identity. So in my report I will try to tell you the key points in Russian and Chinese cultures, compare them, and show their similarities and differences.



1. China

1.1 Overview

Official name People's Republic of China

Population 1 347 374 752 (2010 est.)

Official language Mandarin (or Putunghua)

Currency Chinese yuan (renminbi)

Capital city Beijing

GDP (PPP) $ 5,745 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP per capita $ 4 264 (2010 est.)

The Chinese culture is distinguished from the Western culture in many ways, including how business is conducted. For example, the Chinese prefer to deal with people they know and trust. On the surface, this does not seem to be much different from doing business in the Western world. But in reality, the heavy reliance on relationship means that western companies have to make themselves known to the Chinese before any business can take place. Furthermore, this relationship is not simply between companies but also between individuals at a personal level. The relationship is not just before sales take place but it is an ongoing process. The company has to maintain the relationship if it wants to do more business with the Chinese. businessmen russian chinese

1.2 Appearance

Conservative suits for men with subtle colors are the norm.

Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses. The Chinese frown on women who display too much.

Subtle, neutral colors should be worn by both men and women.

Casual dress should be conservative as well.

Men and women can wear jeans. However, jeans are not acceptable for business meetings.

Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chinese businessmen.

1.3 Behavior

Do not use large hand movements. The Chinese do not speak with their hands. Your movements may be distracting to your host.

Personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is highly inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public.

Do not point when speaking.

To point do not use your index finger, use an open palm.

Gift giving is a very delicate issue in China

It is illegal to give gifts to government official however; it has become more commonplace in the business world.

It is more acceptable to give gifts either in private or to a group as a whole to avoid embarrassment.

The most acceptable gift is a banquet.

Quality writing pens as considered favored gifts.

The following gifts and/or colors are associated with death and should not be given:

Clocks

Straw sandals

A stork or crane

Handkerchiefs

Anything white, blue or black

Always arrive on time or early if you are the guest.

Do not discuss business at meals.

Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host.

As a cultural courtesy, you should taste all the dishes you are offered.

Sample meals only, there may be several courses.

Never place your chopsticks straight up in your bowl. By placing your sticks upright in your bowl your will remind your host of joss sticks which connotes death.

Do not drop the chopsticks it is considered bad luck.

Do not eat all of your meal. If you eat all of your meal, the Chinese will assume you did not receive enough food and are still hungry.

Women do not usually drink at meals.

Tipping is considered insulting, however the practice is becoming more common.

1.4 Communications

Bowing or nodding is the common greeting; however, you may be offered a handshake. Wait for the Chinese to offer their hand first.

Applause is common when greeting a crowd; the same is expected in return.

Introductions are formal. Use formal titles.

Often times Chinese will use a nickname to assist Westerners.

Being on time is vital in China.

Contacts should be made prior to your trip.

Bring several copies of all written documents for your meetings.

The decision making process is slow. You should not expect to conclude your business swiftly.

Present and receive cards with both hands.

Never write on a business card or put it in your wallet or pocket. Carry a small card case.

The most important member of your company or group should lead important meetings. Chinese value rank and status.

Develop a working knowledge of Chinese culture.

Allow the Chinese to leave a meeting first.

Women do not usually drink at meals.

Tipping is considered insulting, however the practice is becoming more common.



2. Russian

2.1 Overview

Official name - The Russian Federation

Population - 143 200 000 (2010 est.)

Official Language - Russian

Currency - Russian rouble (RUR)

Capital city - Moscow

GDP (PPP) - $ 3,02 trillion* (2010 est.).

GDP Per Capita - 21 248 (2010 est.)

As I mentioned before Russia has a huge history background . And there are 3 key concepts and values, such as Collectivism, Egalitarianism and soul.

Collectivism- Throughout its notable history, Russia has assumed a strong communal spirit that is still reflected in Russian business practices today. Russia's severe climatic conditions have also meant that co-operation and collaboration, rather than competition, have been vital for survival. This sense of togetherness is one of the traits that distinguish Russians from many Westerns. Russian collectivism dates back to the peasant farmers, who lived in agricultural villages known as `obschina' and worked together in an organized and self-managed community.

Egalitarianism- An important concept related to the village milieu is `egalitarianism', the social philosophy that supports the removal of inequity and promotes an equal distribution of benefits. In Russian business terms, this equates to important strategies of equality, reciprocity and mutual advantage. Russians are very status conscious and believe in co-equals. A “deal” is often thought of from the perspective of equally shared benefit. Egalitarianism is also effect of Communism, since Russian was a part of USSR for 68 years.

Dusha- The famous and enigmatic Russian `dusha' or `soul' remains central to everyday Russian behavior and as a result when building successful business relationships with Russians you will find that mutual liking and emotion will from a strong basis.

Below I will tell you about some more peculiarities that as I think only Russians have and will be quite necessary to know them to understand Russian businessmen.

2.2 Appearance

Businessmen in Russia usually wear suits that are dark and well tailored along with good dress shoes. A businessman's wardrobe demonstrates the individual's image as a professional.

Men often do not take off their jackets in negotiations.

Do not stand with your hands in your pockets. This is considered rude.

Women dress rather conservatively, avoiding overly flashy or gaudy outfits.

Skirts should be worn rather than pants.

When attending dinner in a citizen's home, casual dress of slacks and a nice shirt without a tie are appropriate.

2.3 Behavior

As a foreigner, you are expected to be on time to all business appointments. However, your Russian counterpart may be late, as this may be a test of your patience. Do not expect an apology from a late Russian, and do not demonstrate any kind of attitude if your business appointments begin one or two hours late. This may also be a test of your patience.

Social events are more relaxed. It is acceptable for foreigners to be 15 to 30 minutes late.

Patience is an extremely important virtue among Russians; punctuality is not.

Russians are known as great "sitters" during negotiations, this demonstrates their tremendous patience.

The U.S.S.R. was officially an atheist nation in the days of communism. Now, however, participation in religion in increasing, with many citizens practicing Protestantism, Islam, Russian Orthodoxy, and Judaism.

Some 'hard-line' Russians still view compromise as a sign of weakness, and often refuse to back down. To these individuals, compromising is bad business.

As a foreigner, you should realize that "Final Offers" are often not actually the end of the negotiations, and that often times the outcome will be more beneficial and attractive if you can hold out.

There is a Russian term meaning "connections" or "influences. It is extremely difficult to do business in Russia without help from a local. To help with this, gifts, money or other items are often a good idea when doing business in Russia.

If attending dinner at a family residence, it is appropriate to bring a gift, such as a bottle of wine, dessert, or a bouquet of flowers.

When shaking hands with someone, be sure to take off your gloves, as it is considered rude not to.

When attending any formal engagements such as the theatre, it is appropriate to check your coat and other belongings at the front door of the establishment.

Do not show the soles of your shoes, as this is considered impolite. They are considered dirty, and should never come in contact with any type of seat (like on a subway or bus).

Be sure to have plenty of business cards with double sides of information. One side should be printed in English, the other side in Russian.

Be alert and open to taking a drink or having a toast, as refusing to do so is a serious breach of etiquette.

2.4 Communications

Russian is the official language.

Speaking or laughing loudly in public is considered rude, as Russians are generally reserved and somber.

Many Russians speak English, as it is often taught beginning in the third grade.

Russians are highly literate, and have almost a 100% literacy rate.

Good topics of conversation include peace, the current changes taking place in Russia, and their current economic situation.



Conclusion

Various countries interact in business-related activities on a daily basis. However, these countries have different cultures. These differences in culture prove to be obstacles in business communication. Factors such as language, gestures and dress codes play a major role in business communication. It is important to understand various cultures when participating in business-related activities. Knowledge of cultural factors eliminates the common mistakes and misunderstandings associated with business.

Summing up, we may say, that we have examined major differences and similarities of Chinese and Russian business environment and have come up to a following conclusion. Though China and Russia is on their way to some westernization of business culture and etiquette, there still remains a great influence of the country's history, traditions and specific philosophical world outlook on the standards of doing business. So if you want to make successful business with either of this countries you have to understand and always remember the key points of their etiquette.



References

1. «Менеджмент в китайской традиции» Б.Б. Виногродского, В.С. Сизова (Издательство «Экономистъ», 2007)

2. “Российская деловая культура. Воздействие на модель управления” Автор: С. П.

3. Мясоедов, И. В. Колесникова, Л. Г. Борисова

4. http://www.businessinchina.ru

5. http://www.mercuryglb.com

6. http://www.b-seminar.ru

7. wikipedia.org

Размещено на Allbest.ru

...