Just imagine it.
You’re in the meeting. The one you’ve been anxious about for over two months. As much with the anticipation of visiting Asia for the first time as the amount of money it could make for your business.
If it’s successful… If you don’t do anything embarrassing that breaks local etiquette and wipes your credibility off the face of the earth in a single, fleeting moment.
Until you’ve spent time in Asia, it’s easy to underestimate just how different these cultures are and how easy it is to create an awkward situation with a seemingly innocuous action or comment.
Not only that, but following proper local etiquette truly lights up the faces of those you’re with, building serious rapport in the process.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of social faux pas for you. There are over 40 countries in Asia, so a list of every potential etiquette beach for each country would take a medium-sized paperback book.
That said, here are the main ones to highlight just how different or unusual some of them can seem to us. We’ll have plenty of examples from China as it’s such a massive global business hub.
Eating at restaurants
There are a few things to bear in mind when eating out in Asia.
The first is to ensure you get your chopsticks skills honed if you’re going somewhere that uses them as the primary table utensil. Impress your dinner guests and save yourself the embarrassment of asking the waiting staff for fork. If you don’t find that idea cringeworthy, you should.
In some parts of Asia, it’s considered the height of rudeness to finish all the food on your plate, so check for the specific country you’re visiting. You may need to leave a small portion to one side to signify that you’re satisfied rather than suggesting that they’ve not provided enough food.
Some Asian countries consider it good manners to burp at the end of a meal, too.
As a final note, if you’re in China, placing your chopsticks in your rice neatly upright (a 90° angle to the table) is considered to signify death. Awkward silences may ensue!
Going for drinks
Certain etiquette must be observed when out for drinks in Asian countries and China is another good example here.
First is toasting. The host will typically make the first toast, so don’t jump the gun if you’re the one who’s been invited out. Instead of “cheers”, you’ll hear either "gan bei" (bottoms up) or "kai pay" (drain your glass) but whatever Asian country you’re visiting, look up this word before you go. Don’t be left looking around wondering what’s going on.
Also, in China, the level of your glass must be below the person you’re “cheersing” if you wish to signify respect. Otherwise, you’re stating that you consider yourself somehow “above” them.
Similarly, you’ll typically want to finish the whole glass. Don’t worry, the glasses over there aren’t as big as the pints you may be used from some countries, so you’ll still be able to hold together a conversation after sinking two or three.
If you’re unable to drink alcohol and need to decline, be aware that this could be seen as rude and make sure do so very respectfully. Explain that you’re very honoured by the generosity but are unable to drink and ask them to suggest a substitute drink so you can be part of their hospitality.
Taboo conversations
It’s good to remember that different political events are illustrated differently in different countries. That means, the narrative of global politics that your Asian counterparts know will be very different to yours.
Typically, it’s best to avoid these conversations. Whatever you’ve heard on the news, don’t insult the monarch, governments or establishment of an Asian country. Leave your political views in the hotel room. And make sure they know your government’s views don’t necessarily represent your views as an individual.
Contraband
What constitutes as contraband varies around Asia. A good example here is that drugs legislation particularly strict in countries such as Thailand or the Philippines. Some products that may even be available over-the-counter in the West could carry very serious penalties.
If you must carry pharmaceuticals around with you, check the specific legislation for that item in the country you’re visiting before you go.
Another good example is chewing gum in Singapore. It’s illegal to chew or be in possession of chewing gum in Singapore, even if you brought it there by accident.
Body language and physical contact
Realistically, the number of times you would touch somebody on the head in a business social outing are relatively slim. However, after a few drinks and a lot of rapport built, it might be feasible.
In much of Asia, touching someone on the head is considered incredibly rude and/or condescending. Similarly, pointing at someone with your feet or hands is best left avoided.
Putting feet on a table is rude (like much of the West) but unlike much of the West, showing the soles of your feet is considered very rude. Examples include Thailand and some other Southeast Asian countries, so be careful of resting an ankle on a knee to show the soles of your feet.
Declining invitations
As a final point, if you’re not big on socialising in general, you may want to revise that policy while in Asia. It can be taken as a serious insult, especially if it’s a senior member of another business who invites you out.
And when you do go out, well, it’s a lot to remember. If you’re worried about slipping up and ruining that business trip, or if you want to know more about sourcing globally from Asia, it’s worth getting in touch with an expert.
Our staff are happy to take your call and offer you a QuickLook Analysis to see how much money we can save your business.
