IMPACT OF ASIA-PACIFIC ON BUSINESS

CULTURE

Culture is a learned system of knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, values, and norms that is shared by a group of people In the broadest sense, culture includes how people think, what they do, and how they use things to sustain their lives. Cultural diversity results from the unique nature of each culture.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

The extended family has significant influence, and the oldest male in the family is often the decision maker and spokesperson. The interests and honor of the family are more important than those of individual family members. Older family members are respected, and their authority is often unquestioned. Among Asian cultures, maintaining harmony is an important value

LANGUAGES

Asia is home to several language families and many language isolates. Most Asian countries have more than one language that is natively spoken. According to Ethnologue, more than 600 languages are spoken in Indonesia, more than 800 languages spoken in India, and more than 100 are spoken in the Philippines.

SALIENT FEATURES

In many situations, an emphasis is placed on promptness and appropriate attire. Breaking social commitments, such as appointments or even casual plans to meet with friends, can be a serious faux pas. Special respect to elders. Behaviors associated with humility, status and pride are very important in some Asian societies. Certain customs regarding good and bad luck are important Traditionally, shoes are not worn in households.

Avoiding eye-contact during handshakes. Business cards should be printed in English on one side and in your host's language on the other. Your default business wardrobe is conservative business dress, with suits, ties, and tie-up shoes for men, and conservative suits and dresses for women. Never pass things using your left hand, as it is considered unclean in many cultures.

FOOD AND DINING

In many parts of Asia, rice is a staple food. In Japan, Korea and Vietnam, people usually use chopsticks to eat traditional food. An island nation surrounded by ocean, Japan has various fish dishes. In India, people often eat food with their hands, and many spices are used in every dish. In every special Filipino banquet, people will see a unique set of dishes compared to other Asian cuisine.

FOOD AND DINING

In Hong Kong, expect a banquet - long meal with innumerable courses served one after the other. In Japan, you will be hosted to an evening of eating and drinking. Don't refuse to eat sushi or sashimi - (both of which involve raw fish) - you'll insult your host. Drink your beer or sake slowly - you host will fill your cup every time its empty. Koreans entertain both at home and at restaurants. Arrive on time if you're going to a private home, and bring a small gift. If you're invited out to a night on the Town, be appropriately grateful, for your host is probably planning to spend a lot of money. The Filipinos style of entertaining is to invite you to a private home, where you and a gaggle of your host's friends will enjoy a lavish meal.

WEIRD FACTS!

In the rituals of a Japanese cremation, the relatives pick the bones out of the ashes with chopsticks Gesturing with chopsticks or using them to skewer food are actions that are seen as rude. Never talk with your hands in your pockets. Buddhists consider feet offensive, so watch the position of them when crossing your legs. Eliminate jargon and excessive informality in e-mails If you are taken to a Karaoke bar in Japan, Taiwan or China, and are asked to sing a song, the proper protocol is to give it your best effort. Never do anything that will make an Asian feel disrespected and ashamed. Buy the right gifts If there is any possibility that you have offended someone, apologize

INDONESIA

Public displays of affection with spouses or partners are regarded as sexual and thus are frowned upon. However public displays of affection towards one's children, parents or family members are approved of. Indonesian people don't bow. Bowing is considered weird and uncommon. Always use your right hand, when shaking hands, offering a gift, handing or receiving something, eating, pointing or generally touching another person Making sounds while eating is considered impolite. This includes slurping or the sound of cutlery touching the dish. Gifts should not be opened when received. Avoid talking about Religion and Race in Indonesia, because Religion and Race are sensitive issues in Indonesia. Tipping is customary in Indonesia, yet it is optional

JAPAN

Business cards should be given and accepted with both hands. It is expected that the cards will immediately be inspected and admired, then placed on the table in front of the receiver for the duration of the meeting. After the meeting, cards should be stored respectfully and should never be placed in a back pocket. You should not write on a business card. If you want to be taken seriously at a business meeting, you must have business cards. When you get them out, they should be in a card holder - not just taken out of your pocket. It is a faux pas to accept a gift when it is first offered and the giver is expected to offer it multiple In greeting or thanking another person. It may be insulting if the person of lower status does not bow appropriately lower than the other person. Pouring soy sauce onto rice is considered unusual. It is less common to pour one's own drink in a social setting Blowing one's nose in public is a faux pas.

JAPAN

For women, not wearing cosmetics may be seen as unprofessional or expressive of disregard for the situation. A smile or laughter from a Japanese person may mean that they are feeling nervous or uncomfortable, and not necessarily happy. "Hai" means "yes" in Japanese, but in a meeting or discussion it is often used to mean "Yes, I have heard you". Don't mistake this for agreement with your point of view. It is very bad manners to be late in Japan. If you have an appointment then aim to be early. It is rude to not send a postcard for Japanese New Year to someone who sent you one. Sending such a postcard to someone who suffered a death in the family during the past year is a faux pas. Tipping is considered rude and is rarely done in Japan except in certain cases, such as tipping your surgeon for an operation.

RECRUITMENT POLICY

Cohorts drive the Japanese system . Upcoming university graduates and companies begin courting each other (with professors or teachers often acting as go-betweens)

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After an employer-employee match occurs begin to exert claims on their incoming cohort by sponsoring group activities, like camping trips, and providing preemployment training. All of the firm's new employees usually begin their employment together, consummating the recruiting and entry process.

TRADITIONAL JAPANESE PAY STRUCTURE

Under the traditional Japanese system, employee compensation has four forms : base pay, bonuses, benefits, and allowances Base pay accounts for 60 to 80 percent of employees' monthly pay. Bonuses are typically paid twice a year (i.e., summer and winter), and the amount is calculated by multiplying employees' monthly base pay by a multiplier. Social security, unemployment insurance, and workers compensation are legally mandated benefits in Japan. Firms provide additional benefits such as corporate pension, company housing, and company private banking.

KOREA

The number 4 is considered unlucky, so gifts should not be given in multiples of 4. Giving 7 of an item is considered lucky. Blowing one's nose at the table, even if the food is spicy, is mildly offensive. If necessary, take a trip to the toilet or at least be very discreet. In restaurants and bars, pouring one's own drink is a faux pas. When someone of a significantly higher social position pours you a drink, it is considered proper to turn away from that person when you drink it. Leaving a gratuity is usually not accepted nor expected. When handing an item to someone, it is considered rude to only use a single hand. Under most circumstances, especially when interacting with a stranger or a superior, one uses the right hand supported by the left hand. Even though mentality evolved, women smoking in public is sometimes not accepted, despite being legally allowed.