Working with China
Module 1 : Understanding cultural differences
1. Intercultural awareness : The key to success in international business
- Taking stock of one's own cultural baggage
- The basics of effective intercultural management
- Identifying and going beyond Chinese stereotypes
2. Key aspects of Chinese culture :
- China in Asia, China’s place in the world
- A country 17 times bigger than France
- The most heavily populated nation on earth
- Ideograms: much more than just a writing system
- A 5000-year old civilization, strongly attached to its culture
- A highly bureaucratic county
- An economy enjoying exponential growth
- The educational system: rigorous and disciplined
3. The impact of values and behaviour patterns on professional dealings and relationships
- The country’s Confucian, Taoist and Buddhist heritage
- Cyclical time and collective space
- The importance of the family, the many faces of Chinese women
- Chinese thought: Harmony is the key
4. The corporate world
- State companies, the authorities, private companies
- The market, employment, staff turnover, work, adaptability and innovation
- The dominant role of the Communist Party, of the authorities and the Union
Module 2 : Succeeding in your work and dealings with the Chinese
1. Effective communication with the Chinese
- Communication styles and methods
- The language barrier, the role of the interpreter
- The hidden meaning of Yes and No. Understanding the meaning of smiles
- Non-verbal communication: Spatial management
- Controlling emotions and avoiding confrontations
- Forging relationships: specific characteristics of the Guangxi 关系
2. Adapting your working methods
- Identifying Chinese cultural traits and customs
- Understanding organizational structures and decision-making processes
- Anticipating possible obstacles
- Project management, the team spirit, a sense of service
- Deference and respect in dealings with superiors
- Conflict management: the need to "save face"
- Pitfalls to be avoided
3. Successful meetings and negotiations with the Chinese
- Negotiation: an art rather than a science, strategy or opportunism
- Identifying decision-makers and power chains/power conflicts
- Identifying negotiation styles
- Time, priority and deadline management
- Understanding written contracts, their interpretation and implications
- Organising the post-negotiation phase
4. Final handy tips
- Respecting protocol and understanding rituals: gifts, business cards, invitations
- The context and characteristics of a Chinese banquet
- Delicate subjects: politics, history, territory
- The notion of "face" in China: superstition in the business environment
Public Courses
- 2 on-site days (Paris)
or - 3 remote half-days
Corporate Training Solutions
You wish to organise a specific training course, contact us.