Show Consideration and Respect
Consideration and respect are the qualities you need most for successful international travel. You can’t show others respect and consideration without first learning about them and their culture.
Doing your homework before you visit a country is just part of the task; once you’re in the country, you must keep learning. You can learn a lot about appropriate behavior by observing, asking, listening, and – the best method – trial and error. Trying shows your vulnerability and humanity, and it can excuse numerous communication errors. We all make mistakes when communicating in our own culture, so we certainly can’t expect perfection when communicating in another.
When interacting with Asians, ask yourself, “Are my actions considerate and respectful?” Following are the most important ways you can learn appropriate behavior so your consideration and respect won’t go unnoticed or misinterpreted:
* Observe how the local people behave. This is one of the easiest, safest ways to learn appropriate behavior. Note what others wear, how they greet one another, how they eat. Follow their example, and you’ll usually be correct.
* Whenever communication or expected behavior is unclear, quietly and politely ask your host or business associate, the hotel concierge, or a shop clerk what to do or say. You may feel foolish, but people will appreciate that you’re trying to learn. Here’s information you’ll want to ask about if it’s not absolutely clear:
– What’s the expected attire for an event?
– What’s the proper pronunciation of a name?
– What tip is expected?
– What’s an appropriate gift for the occasion?
– What’s the proper way of wrapping and presenting a gift?
– What flowers are appropriate for an occasion?
– When and where may I smoke?
– What time does an invitation really mean?
Listen carefully and write down necessary information. For example, when a person says his or sher name, listen carefully to the pronunciation and write down the name phonetically to help you recall the name later. Note any titles given.
* During meetings or presentations, listen closely to your hosts and take careful notes. Doing so signals sincerity. If your hosts speak English as a courtesy to you, remember that English may be their second or third language, and you may need to listen even more closely. (If you get impatient, be empathetic. Think how well you’d express yourself in your second or third language.) If you’re not sure what’s been said or what’s expected of you, politely ask for clarification. It’s better to ask a question than risk misunderstanding.
* At social functions, listen carefully to what local people say to you and to one another. Ask informed questions; your genuine interest will always be appreciated. What you learn about a country and culture from these exchanges will come in handy in future conversations.
Showing consideration and respect will never steer you wrong, and even small gestures carry a lot of weight. Try to speak a few words of the host country’s language, use chopsticks (when appropriate), taste the local food, greet people properly, learn from others’ behaviors, and you’ll successfully build business relationships and friendships.
Young Asians are embracing Western customs, clothing, food, and attitudes. Movies, TV programs, the Internet, and increased international travel are making young people across the continent more westernized than their parents. Nevertheless, even young Asians expect visiting Westerners to treat Asian cultures with respect.
Excerpt from: Author Mary Murray Bosrock in her book: Asian Business Customs & Manners