Understanding the Business Cultures of Asia
Learn how to thrive in an Asian environment.
Understand the underlying dynamics of today's Asian business practices.
Discover the pitfalls of negotiations in Asia.
Avoid misunderstandings with Asians.
Rationale
With Asia's current economic rate of expansion, there is little doubt that global businesses regard this region as a priority. When planning or doing business in Asia, the 'culture factor' is crucial for success. Asia consists of many and varied cultures and unless the right preparation is done, efforts can go totally unrewarded.
The 'Hands' cultures of Asia include India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Brunei. An enduring trait of these people is their use of the right hand to eat while their left hand is considered "unclean". Doing business with these people requires an understanding of their deep spiritual beliefs.
The 'Chopsticks' cultures of Asia include Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, China and the Chinese overseas who form the powerful economies of Asia. An enduring cultural trait of these people is their use of chopsticks and their adherence to the Confucianistic ethic of doing business.
Workshop Objectives
These two 1-day workshops (Hands and Chopsticks) have been carefully designed to provide participants with an insight into doing good business in Asia and with Asians. Participants may attend both days or may choose to attend only one day depending on their priorities and interests.
At the end of each 1-day workshop, participants will have
- a greater awareness of the cultural factors that influence business attitudes and practices in Asia
- more effective cross-cultural communication and management skills for doing business with Asians
- increased knowledge of the similarities and differences amongst the business cultures of Asia
- added confidence in dealing with Asian clients, prospects and colleagues.
Who Should Attend
This workshop has been specifically designed for business people who are interested in pursuing opportunities within Asia and understand the necessity for cross-cultural competencies. Alternatively, business people who have been doing business with Asians regularly in the past will find this seminar extremely useful in providing greater insight.
Program Outline
(Days 1 & 2)
Conceptual Framework
What is Culture?
The Four Forces of Behaviour
The Cross-Cultural Encounter
Values and Beliefs
Religious Beliefs and Implications
Philosophies affecting Business
The Inner Circle
Do's and Don't's
Business Etiquette
Social Etiquette
Sensitivities and Stereotypes
Cross-Cultural Communications
Learning to Read Silences
How Do We Sound to Them?
How Do Asians Perceive You
Critical Incidents
Business and Management Styles
Developing Business Relationships
Negotiate to Succeed
Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances
Managing Asian Teams
Strategies for Success
Culturegrams of the Asian Nations
Developing an Approach
Case Studies of Success and Failure