Editor's note: This article appeared in the October 29, 2008, edition of Quirk's e-newsletter.

The Quirk's November 2008 issue includes stories on international research, including two articles that discuss the intricacises of doing business in China ("Meeting Western needs in an Eastern setting," by Matthew Harrison and Alaric Fairbanks, and "Here, brand obits may not work so well," by Steve Richardson). Here is some additional information for researchers who conduct or plan to conduct business in China :

  • Patience is lauded by experienced business travelers as the most important skill when doing business in China, as tight deadlines and desperation are often easily detected by the Chinese and used in their favor.
  • Age is highly respected. When traveling in groups, the oldest person should receive deference from the younger and should even enter and leave rooms before the rest. Senior officials should lead the way and conduct the business conversations; subordinates are expected to speak when asked to provide collaborating information but should never interrupt.
  • Avoid traveling to China during the lunar New Year, China's most important, nationwide weeklong holiday, also known as Spring Festival. Not only is commerce at a standstill as companies close for the weeks before and after the holiday, but the Chinese take millions of trips by car, bus, train or airplane to return to their traditional homes, as tradition demands. The best times to schedule business trips are April to June and September to October.
  • Punctuality is key. Tardiness and cancellation are perceived as insults.
  • Humility is a prized virtue among the Chinese, so do not exaggerate when asserting the ability to complete a task.
  • Business trips often involve sharing meals or attending banquets where business is not discussed. In such situations, allow the host to lead and wait for the host to eat or drink first before partaking in the meal. Genuine displays of effort to adapt to the culture make a good impression. Even the sorriest attempt at chopstick use will be appreciated.
  • When addressing Chinese business associates, try to use official titles whenever possible. When an official title is unknown, a polite "Mr.," "Madam," "Mrs." or "Miss" will suffice.

Taken from Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, 2nd edition, by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway