DEVELOPING CULTURAL AWARENESS in business -Key to activities

-Whisky is risky = Sri Lankans don't usually drink. -Perhaps a selection of biscuits would be more appropriate (anything that is not pork, alcohol, coming from a ...
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DEVELOPING CULTURAL AWARENESS in business -Key to activities I.

Understanding Stereotypes. 1°) Anticipation

a) The stereotypes which have been highlighted are mentioned in the film.         

They are poor drivers They are very stingy It doesn’t take much for them to get drunk They all know kung-fu or other martial arts They can all cook an excellent stir-fry They are very good at mathematics They are rather lazy people Chinese men are effeminate They speak out loud in public

The others are that they can all speak Chinese and that they are hard-workers.

b) In the video several people make assumptions that stereotypes can be based on historical factors or/and generalization of cultural patterns II.

Why becoming culturally aware?

3°) Synonyms and collocations. Knowledge = awareness To lead to howlers = blunders To cause the total collapse of sth = to cause the breakdown in sth The loss (of business) = the failure To depend on (appropriate) coaching = training To sidestep pitfalls = to avoid gaffes To scold s.o in public = to berate s.o A foreman = a supervisor A (angry )swarm of (workers)= mob Sales patter = sales pitch To bring sth to a halt = to a standstill To cause a fuss = a stir

IV.

Sharing your knowledge of other cultures with others.

1°)E-mail reply We can expect the following information to be given: 1|Page

-There are several ethnic groups in Sri Lanka and greetings vary from one group to another. (Optional info, but a good way of introducing what follows) -Mr Rajapaska (early 60’s) belongs to the older generation of Sri Lankans, so it would be wise to greet him and his wife with the “Namaste” (palms clasped together as if in prayer at chin level with a slight nod of the head). -However because you are a Westerner, he might want to shake hands. In any case, do not extend your hand first to Mrs Rajapaska as most women will only have physical contact with relatives. -The idea of a Burberry bag is okay as long as it’s not in leather. If she is a Hindu, she will not like anything coming from a dead animal, (especially a cow!). -Forget the flowers: they are associated with mourning. -Whisky is risky = Sri Lankans don’t usually drink -Perhaps a selection of biscuits would be more appropriate (anything that is not pork, alcohol, coming from a dead animal, black or white) -Food is not generally served straight away as socializing takes place before the meal. Be prepared to wait for a few hours so it is a good idea to have a bite before going. For e-mailing rules, refer to http://www.netmanners.com/business-email-basics.html to know what to expect. 2°) Phone message Students must leave a message on basic things to do and not do when negotiating in China. The message must be in keeping with the advice given on: http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/index_tj.asp?objID=ABC1302 (apart from the info on duration). Any of the information which follows is acceptable as long as it’s been re-worded in the imperative form.

Business Negotiation . Only senior members of the negotiating team will speak. Designate the most senior person in your group as your spokesman for the introductory functions. . Business negotiations occur at a slow pace. . Be prepared for the agenda to become a jumping off point for other discussions. . Chinese are non-confrontational. They will not overtly say 'no', they will say 'they will think about it' or 'they will see'. . Chinese negotiations are process oriented. They want to determine if relationships can develop to a stage where both parties are comfortable doing business with the other. . Decisions may take a long time, as they require careful review and consideration. . Under no circumstances should you lose your temper or you will lose face and irrevocably damage your relationship. . Do not use high-pressure tactics. You might find yourself outmanoeuvred. . Business is hierarchical. Decisions are unlikely to be made during the meetings you attend. . The Chinese are shrewd negotiators. . Your starting price should leave room for negotiation. 2|Page

What to Wear? . Business attire is conservative and unpretentious. . Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits. . Women should wear conservative business suits or dresses with a high neckline. . Women should wear flat shoes or shoes with very low heels. . Bright colours should be avoided. Business Cards . Business cards are exchanged after the initial introduction. . Have one side of your business card translated into Chinese using simplified Chinese characters that are printed in gold ink since gold is an auspicious colour. . Your business card should include your title. If your company is the oldest or largest in your country, that fact should be on your card as well. . Hold the card in both hands when offering it, Chinese side facing the recipient. . Examine a business card before putting it on the table next to you or in a business card case. . Never write on someone's card unless so directed. The above information is taken from: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/globaletiquette/china-country-profile.html

V.

Testing people’s knowledge of a culture

Refer back to the assessment sheet.

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