When in East Asia, do as the East Asians do

Technology has long broken the language barriers hindering the globalisation of businesses. And while this has already been a significant step forward, there is still the cultural barrier to contend with if any business is to succeed overseas.

We can’t deny the fact that underlying cultural rules define how businesses are run in different regions. Not being able to master those rules increases your chances of failure by tenfold.

Asia, particularly East Asia, is one of the regions that have the sharpest business culture contradictions with the west. That’s probably due to the religious, philosophical, and cultural differences between these two parts of the world.

Although these cultural differences aren’t as pronounced in the media, you must pay closer attention to it as after all, they will make all the difference when it comes to success and failure. In this post, we will look at seven must-know business culture clues that will give you a head start in East Asia.

Embrace humility at all times

If you are a fan of Asian movies, then you must be aware of the tremendous respect that Asians treat each other with. The Asian people respect authority and they always expect those with authority to exercise humility in equal measure.

Therefore, as a business owner, it is culturally appropriate to demand respect from your employees but you must be humble when doing it.

Pierre from New Horizons Global Partners, an Asian corporate service providers suggests we “demand accountability from your partners and suppliers, but be careful not to disrespect them otherwise that would hurt your business”

Give instructions with subtle inferences

Westerners like to shoot it straight. You can openly criticise staff members in the west, give them instructions with clarity and firmness, and be direct with them when laying out business strategies.

The Easterners are different. You will need to give instructions with subtle inferences, being careful not to sound rude or insensitive.

Professionalism is on another level here

Eastern Asians love doing business with professionals. Their professionalism bar, however, is too high that some Westerners find it impossible to cope.

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For example, coming late for meetings is enough reason for Asians to deny your key business opportunities. Putting your arm around someone’s shoulder or any other unnecessary physical contacts can be interpreted to mean that you are professionally immoral.

Also, receiving gifts or business cards is a formal thing in Asia. You must receive them with both hands, literally. If you pocket a card without reading it, that is being rude and unfriendly.

All these are things that you must pay close attention to if want to make it big in East Asia.

Decision-making is highly centralised

Apart from the Japanese who make decisions like Westerners, other East Asian countries have highly centralised decision making. Don’t expect your employees to make decisions on their own, act on those decisions, and stand responsible for any and all their actions.

Here, you as the boss, are expected to act ‘hands-on’; making decisions for everyone from top to bottom and then holding the staff accountable for the decisions you make for him/her.

Agreement vs. acknowledgment

In the West, someone will only respond with a “YES” if he or she agrees with what you suggested. In the East, someone will say yes as a sign of acknowledgment for what you said, not necessarily in agreement.

Asians will say yes and then no in the same breath. Be careful, therefore, not to misinterpret a YES in East Asia.

Conservative dressing

Although the world is moving away from conservative dressing and adapting to the official casual form of dressing, East Asia is yet to make a full switch. You will still be expected to wear a dark suit, a white shirt, and a dull tie if you are a man while women will be expected to wear a feminine version of what men wear.

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Don’t go to business meetings with a casual jacket or without a tie and expect to be taken seriously.

Privacy isn’t too much a thing in East Asia

While it is okay to keep secrets from your superiors and colleagues at work in the West, Eastern Asians hate that.

You will be expected to keep everything open and transparent if you are to gain their trust.

The bottom line?

If you are planning to start a business in Eastern Asia, these seven tips will help you to relate productively with the native clients and business associates. While at it, you can engage a professional employer organisation when recruiting employees as such organisations know exactly where and how to find the best talents.

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