Coping Up With the Culture Shock in China Sourcing

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China Sourcing will sooner or later require the concerned party to take a trip to the country. Right preparation and timing are key factors to the success of the visit. Many Westerners are unaware that during the Chinese Spring Festival that falls in late January and early February, business almost comes to a standstill. A visit made during this time would be a total failure. In addition, companies need to program their tour and lodgings at least two weeks in advance and should inform the prospective business partners in China of their strategic plans. The Chinese love to demonstrate their hospitality, and they would undoubtedly organize many activities for their foreign visitors.

Meetings are very different in Chinese cultural background. While in America, people desire to get right down to discussing business, the Chinese would find this attitude or approach to be very rude. Meetings are begun by swapping of business cards. The cards give them the desired information of the person concerned with whom they are meeting without the requirement of asking lot of questions which is considered as uncomfortable and too inquisitive. The Chinese approach to International trade is very gentle to begin with. Following this procedure, most meetings are started with some tea and some brief informal chat. This tête-à-tête may seem trivial and pointless for most American business people particularly if they are on a tight schedule, the Chinese still feel it is important to form a bond of friendship and trust before communicating important topics. Without doing this ground work the Western company's efforts to form a business relationship will prove futile.

Discussions can also be complicated for Westerners to get used to. While most Americans have no trouble declining an offer out rightly, the Chinese try to keep away from saying anything negative. Instead, they hint it in a roundabout way hint the fact that the business offer has been refused. These subtle hints are difficult to be picked up by any first time negotiators in China unless they pay attention very carefully. Also, many negotiators feel thrilled because the Chinese businessmen seem to say yes to almost everything, so they feel it is a smooth ride. However, most of these positive responses have no real meaning. Moreover, most of the negotiation dealings will not take place in a stifling boardroom or office but will be happen over dinner or lunch. China Sourcing is where entertainment and business go hand in hand.

A translator is a must while dealing with Chinese manufacturers and top big shots of the company need to be present. These points are overlooked by most of the western businessmen while dealing in International trade. A translator always prevents any miscommunications which can happen in any lucrative deal. Chinese appreciate people high on rank and seniority. High level executives need to be sent to handle the negotiations. By taking care of these steps and by being culturally aware companies can become more efficient in China Sourcing.

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