The business etiquette of Canada

laurence

According to the results of Hofstede culture dimension, we should pay attention to the following things.

Appearance

  Plan for a very cold climate, especially during their winter.

  Men should wear a dark conservative business suit with tie, especially in cities. Build a wardrobe based on classic lines (selecting suits with a traditional lapel width, and ties staying within a traditional width range). Conservative colors of navy and gray, and shirts in white and light blue.

  Women should wear a conservative business suit or dress, especially in cities. Select your clothing with classic lines and colors in mind. Navy, gray, ivory, and white are the basics to work with. The major cities can be very sophisticated.

  New or trendy clothing is a poor choice. Older, classic clothing that is clean and neat is more valued. Choosing quality, natural fibers for your wardrobe will give you this look. Quality leather shoes are important to completing this look.

  Rural areas are less formal, but stay conservative in your wardrobe. Even with cold winter weather you may find yourself in a skirt or dress. Add a good quality long coat with minimal and classic detail to your wardrobe. In addition to navy and gray, a classic camel coat, or a lined Burberry may be a good addition. This will work for a sophisticated city meeting, or a more casual rural meeting.

  Casual attire is appropriate when you are not working. The weather and activity will dictate what you will be wearing. Build a casual wardrobe using the classic colors (camel is additional color for casual). You will look professional, even though relaxed.

  The "V for Victory" sign is an insult if your palm is facing yourself. If you must use this sign, face your palm outward.
   
Behavior  

  Be punctual for meetings and appointments, as promptness is valued. In French areas, time is more relaxed. However, you will be expected to arrive at the appointed time, even if the French attending the meeting don't.

  Always maintain a reserved demeanor, and follow good rules of etiquette. Traditions and gracious manners are part of the culture, even in more rural areas. If you travel to different cities or areas, pay attention to local customs. By being observant, you will respect the pace and nuances of each area.

  Do not eat while walking in public. Plan your time so you can stop in a café or restaurant to enjoy your snack.

  Gifts are not routinely given. If you do give a gift when you arrive or when you are leaving, make it a modest one. A lavish gift, though accepted, would be frowned upon.

  Gifts are given to celebrate finalizing a negotiation, a contract, or a project. Gifts for the office, a nice bottle of wine or liquor would be appropriate.

  Taking a business associate to a nice meal or an evening sporting event, play, or symphony is always a nice gesture.

  Invitations to private homes are rare. Occasionally, in the western provinces, you may be invited to someone's home. If you are invited, you may take candy, flowers, or liquor to the host or hostess.

  Wait for your host to start a business conversation during or following a meal. Traditionally, business is not discussed during dinner; however, this is slowly changing.

  Personal space and body movement or gestures differ between the English and the French provinces and cities. In English areas, body movement is minimal, there is rarely touching other than handshakes, and personal space - how close someone stands - is about two feet. In French areas, people stand closer together, people will frequently touch, and gestures are more expressive.
   
Communications  

  Use a firm handshake with good eye contact when meeting and leaving. Both French and English areas use and expect a firm handshake.

  Men will wait for a woman to extend her hand for a handshake.

  French Canadians will shake hands more frequently, even with a subsequent encounter the same day. Others may just nod or smile at a subsequent encounter on the same day.

  Use a person's title if he or she has one. Otherwise, use Mr., Mrs., Miss and the surname.

  English is spoken in most of Canada. French is spoken in Quebec, and some area of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick

  French Canadians may use their first name when talking to you on the telephone, but will generally use their full name when meeting you in person.

  Be open and friendly in your conversation. If you are naturally reserved in your behavior, you will appear confident and credible. If your natural tendency is large sweeping arm gestures, restrain yourself when meeting and talking with Canadians - other than with French Canadians.

  French Canadians stand closer and are more demonstrative when talking.

  For French Canadians, print all material in French and English.

  Don't be boastful, and don't overstate your product or service's capabilities. You could implicate your company in a legal situation.

  If you are from the U. S., don't say, "we Americans", inferring you are including your Canadian hosts or guests in your reference. Canada is a distinct country with its own wonderful history and culture.

This article is copied from http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/canada.htm  

laurence

Introduction

China is believed to have the oldest continuous civilization. China has over 4,000 years of verifiable history. Beijing is the capital of China and is the focal point for the country. The official language is standard Chinese, which is derived from the Mandarin dialect. Most business people speak English. There are many dialects in China however there is only one written language.

A Communist form of government rules China. The Chinese government promotes atheism although the constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The Chinese practice a variety of religions, however, Confucianism; despite not being a formal religion is practiced widely throughout the country.

China is the most densely populated county in the world with approximately 1.17 billion people as of 1992. Almost 100 percent of the population are ethnic or Han Chinese. There are strict rules regarding childbirth and each couple is limited to only one child.
  
Fun Fact

The tradition of digging up "dragon bones" (tortoise and cattle bones) has long been a part of Chinese culture. These bones are often used to predict the future. The bones were inscribed with questions then heated to reveal the answers. The tradition dates back as far as the Bronze Age.

Geert Hofstede Analysis
China
Click Here for Geert Hofstede country scores

The Geert Hofstede analysis for China is similar to that of Hong Kong where Long-term Orientation is the highest-ranking factor. However, the Chinese rank lower than any other Asian country in the Individualism factor. This can be attributed primarily to the Communist rule and its emphasis on a collectivist culture.  


Appearance

  Conservative suits for men with subtle colors are the norm.

  Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses. The Chinese frown on women who display too much.

  Subtle, neutral colors should be worn by both men and women.

  Casual dress should be conservative as well.

  Men and women can wear jeans. However, jeans are not acceptable for business meetings.

  Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chinese businessmen.
  
Behavior  

  Do not use large hand movements. The Chinese do not speak with their hands. Your movements may be distracting to your host.

  Personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is highly inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public.

  Do not point when speaking.

  To point do not use your index finger, use an open palm.

  It is considered improper to put your hand in your mouth.

  Avoid acts that involve the mouth.

  Gift giving is a very delicate issue in China - See international business gift giving.

  It is illegal to give gifts to government official however; it has become more commonplace in the business world.

  It is more acceptable to give gifts either in private or to a group as a whole to avoid embarrassment.

  The most acceptable gift is a banquet.

  Quality writing pens as considered favored gifts.

  The following gifts and/or colors are associated with death and should not be given:

Clocks
Straw sandals
A stork or crane
Handkerchiefs
Anything white, blue or black
  Always arrive on time or early if you are the guest.

  Do not discuss business at meals.

  Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host.

  As a cultural courtesy, you should taste all the dishes you are offered.

  Sample meals only, there may be several courses.

  Never place your chopsticks straight up in your bowl. By placing your sticks upright in your bowl your will remind your host of joss sticks which connotes death.

  Do not drop the chopsticks it is considered bad luck.

  Do not eat all of your meal. If you eat all of your meal, the Chinese will assume you did not receive enough food and are still hungry.

  Women do not usually drink at meals.

  Tipping is considered insulting, however the practice is becoming more common.
   
Communications  

  Bowing or nodding is the common greeting; however, you may be offered a handshake. Wait for the Chinese to offer their hand first.

  Applause is common when greeting a crowd; the same is expected in return.

  Introductions are formal. Use formal titles.

  Often times Chinese will use a nickname to assist Westerners.

  Being on time is vital in China.

  Appointments are a must for business.

  Contacts should be made prior to your trip.

  Bring several copies of all written documents for your meetings.

  The decision making process is slow. You should not expect to conclude your business swiftly.

  Many Chinese will want to consult with the stars or wait for a lucky day before they make a decision.

  Present and receive cards with both hands.

  Never write on a business card or put it in your wallet or pocket. Carry a small card case.

  The most important member of your company or group should lead important meetings. Chinese value rank and status.

  Develop a working knowledge of Chinese culture.

  Allow the Chinese to leave a meeting first.

焊条

The first one is useful, and the second one is interesting. However, maybe how they watch us would be similar to how we watch them, which implies an enormous culture gap.

Thanks for posted!

FCH

Post by hant
The first one is useful, and the second one is interesting. However, maybe how they watch us would be similar to how we watch them, which implies an enormous culture gap.

Thanks for posted!

First post, thx！Welcome on board！And nice to meet you here！

BTW，Are you in Canada now？

焊条

FCH, thanks for your attention and warm welcome!

I'm still on progress of immigrantion to Canada. Learnt a lot of situations of Chinese immigrants in Canada and how to diy such procedures from the former forum which most of you guys stayed before.

Wish all of our Chinese immigrants could find peace of mind in the new life in Canada!

FCH

Post by hant
FCH, thanks for your attention and warm welcome!

I'm still on progress of immigrantion to Canada. Learnt a lot of situations of Chinese immigrants in Canada and how to diy such procedures from the f...

So, you may have known many of us already, and we probably know you if you have another user name with which you posted messages in that forum. I believe you will not only learn from others, but also share your valubale experiences with us in the future!

焊条

Post by FCH
So, you may have known many of us already, and we probably know you if you have another user name with which you posted messages in that forum. I believe you will not only learn from others, but also ...

Wow, you're so nice and deserved your personal reputation I learnt before! For character limitation of user name must above 3 figures, I have to re-register a new name for this forum instead of using my used two-character Chinese name of "焊条" in other forums.

For immigration issue, I'm a newcomer without many experiences, such as living in Ca, working in Ca, etc. However, I got a different viewpoint from some people immigrated to Canada. I mean I never think about whether I can immigrate to Ca, but focus on what and how can I do in this unknown country. The application process is only a process. What need I do is just to follow the instructions of CIC both in written criteria and sent from VO. The only thing I could control is I probably know how to pursue my career with back to my industry in Canada. Fortunately, I'm working for a US based general insurance MNC and working on US style and the international standard. The operations of canadian insurance companies are quitely similiar with our company and most global competitors with speaking in a same industry language. It only doesn't mean everything uesd in English, but includes almost everthing happened in this industry.  

Unfortunate side is the professional criteria in my industry is almost same in this world except in mainland. For the professional education system in my industry, there're two international recognized professional qualifications of US and UK. Most countries adopted either one or both, except mainland of China and Canada. China doesn't have anyone, Canada however establishes an unique system for national purpose.

It's interesting, isn't it? It means I have to take the Canadian professional eduction system in case I could land this country. However, I'm looking forward to learing such knowledge of speciality as well as English.

FCH

Post by hant
Wow, you're so nice and deserved your personal reputation I learnt before! For character limitation of user name must above 3 figures, I have to re-register a new name for this forum instead of using ...

Thanks! Now i know how why you used Hant as your new user name!  You know what? you can use you old user name and password and log in this forum directly! Of couse, you can still use the new one if you like! I can also combine these two usernames if you ask for, so all the messages you posted before will be counted to your new name!

Your experience working in a US mnc in Insurance industry is helpful! One of mine friends who had the same experience found a job in the Insurance industry very soon. Good luck!

焊条

Thanks! I can signin under my used name!