Customer Reviews

Chinese Business Etiquette: A Guide to Protocol, Manners, and Culture in the People's Republic of China (A Revised and Updated Edition of "Dealing with the Chinese")

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Scott D. Seligman brings his considerable experience working and living in China to this revised and updated edition of his classic guide. James McGregor, the former chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, said the original classic, "should be a mandatory carry-on item for all business travelers to China." More than a how-to, this is an updated, candid, and thorough tour of protocol, manners, and culture. It delves deeply into the reasons for Chinese behaviors, and shows how you can deal effectively with any business or social situation. We at getAbstract recommend this book to anyone visiting or working in China, or dealing with the Chinese professionally or socially in any country.

I have been to various regions in China throughout the last five years and find that much of this book is outdated (esp. in the context of mega-cities like Shanghai). However, the author does give some valuable insight into the reasons for some of the more enduring problems which Westerns have in China. At least it will allow you to be a bit more inspective of your own behavior and those around you.. Do choose a few companion books if you want a well-rounded view of modern China

Very clear and easy to understand, I recommend that any business traveler to Asia read this to avoid social faux pas. I also recommend that they read "New Asian Emperors" by George Haley to understand how their potential partners or competitors may think.

If you're planning on doing some business in China and are unfamiliar with Chinese customs- do yourself a favor and read this book. Concise, well written and informative, Chinese Business Etiquette is a good introduction to getting by in the Middle Kingdom.

Besides helping you to do business in China, this book can also prevent you from looking like a complete moron in a Chinese social situation.

This focus of this book is to help westerners who intend to conduct business in China - however you will enjoy reading it whether you're visiting China for business or pleasure and even if you desire simply to get greater insight into Chinese worldview and not only the appropriate way to act in different situations, but also some historical and social background which governs the way Chinese people think and act. Some actions that may have seemed strange or perhaps even offensive, won't seem that way in this new light, when you manage to look at the world a little bit thorugh the eyes of a Chinese person.

Having an insight into another culture helps to broaden one's horizons as well as to prevent misunderstandings and open the way to harmonious relationships - both personal and professional.

The book is filled with numerous stories from the author's past experiences and the experiences of others which help to illustrate the points the author is making. The book is not only very informative, insightful and practical, it is also very entertaining to read.

The book is very helpful. If you read quickly, you may read it even in a plane to China. Easy to read, some funny examples, not boring. The author gives you a good explanation of habits, rules and behaviours of Chinese and focuses on the effective "cross-cultural interface". All supported by great author's experience.
For very lazy or busy readres - there are essential "10 rules" summarising each chapter at it's end.

I was involved in negotiating a huge deal with a Chinese based company and could not help but feel there were many things our potential client left unsaid. I read this book overnight and the next day saw an immediate improvement in understanding on both sides of the table. I can hosesntly say I don't think I would of won their business if I did not find & read this book. I highly recommended this book to everyone else getting involved with the client (after we closed the deal) and everyone raved about how insightful and helpful it is. My book got passed around so often it became lost to me and I ordered another copy to use as a reference. BUY THIS BOOK!

Facinating and insightfull reading. The information is presented very clearly in an easy to read fasion. The book addresses all of the major areas one would expect to encounter in a business situation. Each section has an bulleted summary for that quick refresher on your way to China.

This was a very insightful treat for those who are interested in doing anything with the Chinese, whether it is for business or just leisure travelling. It is filled with many facts on how to get accustomed to the non-western ways, which may make you more favorable when conducting business. This would be a good read for a university course in Asian Business studies, as it covers all the basics. However, as said, it only covered the basics, which was a pity. One should read this when dealing with large corporations and not middle or small companies because it'll be nearly irrelevant.
At the end of each chapter there is a short outline of all the things covered, so that the reader doesn't necessarily need to read the whole book in-depth, but just the parts he or she wants to get more acquainted with. Scott Seligman also introduces words in Chinese and how they are pronounced, which can also be added to one's knowledge bank. The topics covered in Chinese Business Etiquette ranged from accommodation, when and what gifts should be given, politeness and even what to do when you are hosting.
This book is recommended, but remember to take it with a grain of salt. Times are changing and not everything in this book is set in stone. As the Chinese adopt customs from Western cultures, business life as we know it is being more globalized.

It is precisely what it claims to be. If you're going to come over here, you should read it. So much information, all in one place. My life would've been much easier if I'd read this five years ago, but perhaps Who Moved My Rice? wouldn't be quite so much fun.

If you plan to do business with the Chinese, consider this book mandatory.