Taiwan Business Guide - Management and Business Studies Portal
Taiwan Business Guide - Management and Business Studies Portal
Taiwan Business Guide - Management and Business Studies Portal
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<strong>Business</strong> Issues <strong>and</strong> Considerations<br />
<strong>Business</strong> etiquette (CONTINUED)<br />
Attire<br />
<strong>Taiwan</strong>ese people tend to dress smartly in<br />
business. Suits are recommended, or at least<br />
a jacket <strong>and</strong> tie. Tight skirts, low necklines<br />
<strong>and</strong> sleeveless tops should be avoided.<br />
Hierarchy<br />
Hierarchy is an important concept in<br />
<strong>Taiwan</strong>. Please refer to pg 43 for details of<br />
how you should conduct business meetings<br />
with due regard for peoples’ experience<br />
<strong>and</strong> seniority.<br />
Names <strong>and</strong> titles<br />
When addressing someone in business you<br />
should use their professional titles (professor,<br />
doctor, engineer) <strong>and</strong> honorific titles.<br />
Women in business<br />
Women are an important part of the<br />
<strong>Taiwan</strong>ese business environment <strong>and</strong> there<br />
are no special considerations, other than<br />
that regarding h<strong>and</strong>shakes. <strong>Business</strong>women<br />
in <strong>Taiwan</strong> conform to the same types of<br />
formalities as men.<br />
Punctuality<br />
When engaged in a business relationship in<br />
<strong>Taiwan</strong>, you should ensure that delivery times<br />
are clear <strong>and</strong> that you act quickly to remedy<br />
any problems. You can confirm meeting times<br />
via email or phone, one day beforeh<strong>and</strong>.<br />
<strong>Business</strong> cards<br />
<strong>Business</strong> cards are exchanged, using both<br />
h<strong>and</strong>s, after the initial introductions have<br />
been made. You should have one side of<br />
your card translated into M<strong>and</strong>arin Chinese<br />
<strong>and</strong> present it to your host with the<br />
translated side uppermost. Be sure to treat<br />
someone’s business card with respect. You<br />
should examine it before putting it away<br />
<strong>and</strong> never write on someone’s card in their<br />
presence. One good tip is to ask a question<br />
based on the information on the card.<br />
Communication style<br />
The <strong>Taiwan</strong>ese style of communicating<br />
is indirect. They will take great care to<br />
avoid causing offence <strong>and</strong>, if they disagree<br />
with something, they will simply remain<br />
silent. You need to listen patiently to what<br />
is being said (<strong>and</strong> not said) <strong>and</strong> avoid<br />
becoming visibly frustrated or irritated.<br />
Allow plenty of time for negotiations <strong>and</strong><br />
remain dignified throughout. Whereas in<br />
the UK brevity is valued, in <strong>Taiwan</strong> it may<br />
be interpreted as rudeness.<br />
Gift-giving<br />
Giving small gifts to business<br />
acquaintances is common in <strong>Taiwan</strong>. When<br />
visiting the country, it may be useful to<br />
bring a number of souvenir items, such as<br />
English bone china, company pens or silk<br />
ties to give away on suitable occasions.<br />
High-quality Scotch whisky would normally<br />
make a welcome gift for valued contacts.<br />
44
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