Comments on: Tips for working in China

By: Broc Smith

Broc Smith — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:51:47 +0000

American Architect Writes Fun Book about Doing Business in China.
.
“The Tragic Kingdom, or; “Prisoner in a Chinese Theme Park”, (found on all bookstore websites such as amazon.com, borders, etc), is a behind-the-scenes look into the field of design and build in China. The book is a profile of the personalities, culture, and psychology of the world’s most massive looming superpower as seen through the eyes of an ex-pat American.
I have witnessed a formidable decade in which China has commanded a modern presence on the world stage and have participated in the planning, designing, and building of mega-theme parks in Beijing, world-class aquariums in Shanghai, gigantic malls in the Pearl Delta, resorts in Tibet, and panda relocation projects in the foothills of the Himalayas.
The stories and themes found in The Tragic Kingdom spring from one man’s journey. At the same time I believe they disclose truths about a globalization that eventually will impact every economy, lifestyle, and person on the planet.

By: Allen

Allen — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 08:59:54 +0000

While an interesting conclusion, from what I have witnessed this is not true. I am a student interning in Beijing and despite the atrocious air know of a good number of people who run (including myself) and have seen quite a few strangers hitting the pavement. While the question of net benefit is debatable, the idea that the Asian culture does not embrace exercise is absurd. Many people here probably prefer different approaches to their physical activity, but there are at least three weigh-lifting style gyms within a five minute walk of my building (and one on the bottom floor)

By: Tips for working in China Penelope Trunk Brazen Careerist | outdoor rugs

Tips for working in China Penelope Trunk Brazen Careerist | outdoor rugs — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 23:35:09 +0000

[...] Tips for working in China Penelope Trunk Brazen Careerist Posted by root 22 minutes ago (http://blog.penelopetrunk.com) I have a cranky comment surprise i used to have a running partner who moved to you can 39 t take a few trips to china and make generalizations about asia like that but if a country has a cultural and intellectual rug pulled out from penelope trunk brazen Discuss | Bury | News | Tips for working in China Penelope Trunk Brazen Careerist [...]

By: Lily

Lily — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:43:19 +0000

What you said it certainly not true. If you live in Shanghai, you will find life here is nothing different from the place you live except for more black-hairs walking on the streets. You can buy anything you want and live as comfortble as you like.
You can certainly find gyms everywhere to yoga, bodybuilding, dancing, you name it. And people will not be surprised when you are running along the road. Believe me.

By: Asia » Blog Archives » CRM Adoption ‘Biggest Problem’ in 83 Percent of Cases, Wigan Gets ...

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 02:57:05 +0000

[...] Tips for working in AsiaThe sisters – ages 23 and 25 — work at importing company Acme Merchandising and Apparel. They both do business overseas for the majority of their work. And while they live in Boston, they travel in Asia one third of the year. … [...]

By: Justin Fenwick

Justin Fenwick — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:09:52 +0000

anirban is right. To add to the technique…after accepting with both hands make sure you turn the card over and look at both sides (most are two-sided). Business cards are made to impress in China on purpose. Take time to notice the small details of the card before removing it from view (not in your back pocket). This will help begin business or even personal meetings off on the right foot.

By: anirban

anirban — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:25:21 +0000

No one mentioned about accepting business cards in China. When you receive a business card in Hong Kong, make sure you extend and take it with both hands. Also , do not put it in your back pocket. This is considered disrespectful.

By: Justin Fenwick

Justin Fenwick — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:40:39 +0000

Well played Penelope! I lived in Beijing for six months and spent nine days there recently. Rule of thumb number one, in urban areas, is that one year in China is like 10 anywhere else. The economic growth and "capitalist communism" makes way for quick change. And quick it is, as three new office building sprung up in the two years away and this was just as neighbors to my old campus. This can also often bleed into the career/business market, often times making it necessary to travel often if not just live there to keep up.

Thank you for your comments on cultural differences and respect. Often times I've seen foreigners, even well traveled ones, react suddenly when they find themselves out of their element. That cleaned plate might get you too much food or that empty cup too much booze, but in China you respect those two. Of course even further challenging when it's 3x to deny something and 3x to offer something. The key, like you mentioned in different words, is to keep in mind that any first "crazy" reactions you may be having they could very well be having in return. Mind your space and respect theirs.

As a quick response to those commenting on spirituality and materialism. I think it is right to say that every location has a mix. But if a country has a cultural and intellectual rug pulled out from underneath it (Cultural Revolution, etc.), then preached a form of capitalism, there is a level of spiritual replacement. I just think to over generalize from my experience, spirituality is not yet at its cultural maturity quite yet in China. Materialism will seem to reign as much, or more than, we might say so for the West.

To conclude I'll leave with some jet-lag tips:
1) Vitamins! On the flight over, when you arrive, and etc. Don't exceed the recommended amount though.
2) Get out into the sun when it's day time and keep the lights low when it's time for bed.
3) Sleep on the plane only when it's sleepy-time at your destination. This works well if you are well rested before you leave on your trip.

Thanks! Oh China…

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:15:05 +0000

I have to agree and disagree with you simultaneously. International business is very much about 1. culture and 2. communication. You explained that quite well in your points. However, I disagree somewhat with the concept of such a lush and friendly job market for international opportunities. Provided if someone is very entrepreneurial in nature they can get into an international market any way they wish, the typical business is not necessairly welcoming for young employees interested in the international side of the business in my experience.

It has been hammered to me again and again that you have to EARN your way towards an international position, that companies don't let just ANYONE have such opportunities. I have always been very transfixed by the complexity and challenge of working internationally, but the more I look into it, the less it seems like legitimate opportunity.

Here's a nice little note from someone very experienced with the international side on successful practices:

http://internationalexperiences.blogspot.com/2007/10/major-mistakes-companies-make-when-they.html

By: Dale

Dale — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:08:51 +0000

Back in the day, the kiss of death for a promising career was to be sent abroad to a "third world" division. Being sent to Europe or Japan was fine since if you were sent there you were probably being primed for upper upper level management. Now, there does not seem to be as dire a penalty for being sent to the "third world" since good performance there signals adaptability and this is what most companies want. How the times have changed:)