Global Summit of Women 2008 Remarks

Global Summit of Women 2008

DOING BUSINESS IN ASIA: AVOIDING CULTURAL CHASMS
2008 Global Summit of Women
Melia Hotel – Hanoi, Vietnam
Saturday, June 7, 2008- 3:00 – 4:30 pm

Presented by: Jennifer Low

1) Some common misconception about doing business in Asia-Pacific region

It is a common misconception that APAC is one homogenous region, and that business practices are broadly similar. The fact is that APAC is culturally very diverse in terms of levels of economic development, range of socio-political influences, shared as well as divergent historical backgrounds, adds to the dynamic complications of multiple ethnic, nationalistic and religious identities co-existing within specific territories.

For those who venture furthest, their individualism may need to adapt to the protective and collective challenges of host countries where people play by different behavioral rules of the business game. It helps to be observant, and to be watchful of ‘who you know as well as what you know’ in a timely manner.

Many new to APAC are amazed that the business language used across the region is largely English. Misconceptions may arise from an assumption that since Business English communication is used, its meanings or relational contexts could be interpreted the same way across borders. Even those who do business with fellow Asians can experience such cultural misconceptions.

Outlooks on time management, timing and time-oriented horizons of doing business differ in degrees across APAC. Misconceptions could be costly, disrupt business relationships, and may even cause damage to business agreements.

While harmony is a prized value amongst Asians, the misconception that could arise is that conflicts do not occur. On the contrary, aggression could be displayed in passive ways such as non-cooperation, ‘yes maam’ replies with no follow-up action or avoidance.

2) Insights into male/female interaction within varied cultures

Don’t expect to maintain direct eye contact for longer than necessary between male/female business associates as it could be mistaken for sign of aggression in some North Asian cultures
You can choose to shake the hands of a man, or not, in some more conservative Muslim dominated cultures
Respect for business prospect is demonstrated through long-term relationship building, so it is alright for small talk to precede serious business discussions – no need to rush into the business transaction – in most parts of Asia
During interactions with seemingly liberal-minded males, refrain from discussing sensitive topics which pose risks of emotional involvement or disagreement e.g. sex, race, status or class, religion, politics or even contentious views on history
Honor the personal space, and observe locally acceptable social behavioral norms of male/female interactions e.g. courtesies and language content

3) How women should conduct themselves if they plan to engage in cross-border business

- Similar to being/doing business in own country/culture, with extra helpings of a lot more than average common sense, patience and powers of observations to build cultural awareness

- Act competent and strong with consistently professional manners wherever you do business and whatever stereotypical perceptions carried by the other party, or by those whom you associate with, in the host country. Their misconceptions will be cleared once you persist in demonstrating professionalism and as your business integrity prevails.

- There is no need to make the other party feel uncomfortable due to differences of opinion over local business ethics and operations, stay diplomatic and non-judgmental when you choose not to follow local norms e.g. corruption is sometimes interpreted as ‘feeding’ and nepotism as ‘looking after’ family and friends in cultures different from yours.

- Women do not have to behave overly aggressive to do business in worlds still dominated by men but then neither should she expect special treatment because of her gender.

4) Commonalities in terms of developing effective business relationships despite diversity of the region

I use the ‘onion’ and ‘iceberg’ analogies here to refer to commonalities. To me, regional diversities are the surface features and what is below the line (re: diagram shown) are the commonalities: aspirations, values, beliefs, principles, etc.

Any Questions & Comments, contact GlobeWomen at summit@globewomen.com. Or, write to us:
Globewomen, Inc./ 666 11th St. NW, Ste. 700/ Washington, DC 20001/ USA

[GlobeWomen Home] [CWDI] [Consortium to End Cervical Cancer] [Global Diversity] [Summit]