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Q: New to China - biggest faux pas around business dinner table?
Alright as I get settled in my job, I've been warned I'd have to go through extensive banquets and dinners with my new bosses (most Chinese).
Just wanted to avoid a disaster scenario and wanted to know what's the biggest thing I have to watch out for. I can use chopsticks reasonably well, so I don't expect any embarassment there.
Any tips would be welcome.
Business dinners in China usually start at 6 or 6:30 pm. The Chinese host sits at the head of the table facing the door. As the company’s guest, you should sit "directly across from him if the table is rectangular. If it’s a round table you’ll be seated to his right." Other persons present will sit with the ones in higher positions closer to the head of the table, also those of older age. "Paying attention to details…can improve your standing in business negotiations." "Giving face comes through what you say; it can come from body language; it can come through a seemingly gratuitous demonstration that you understand some aspect of the culture; it can come from something like a proper seating chart at a circular dinner table." Never pour your own beverage. Make sure the glasses of those next to you are always full. Do not stick your chopsticks into your rice "like sticks into the ground;" Use your chopstick rest. Taste everything but, do not clean your plate.
For more detailed information, please visit and read the following websites:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/28/business/global/28iht-busnav28.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_cn.htm
http://etiquette-guide.com/chinese-dining-etiquette/
and any other ones you may find on your own. Chinese culture and etiquette is very much observed here, it is wise for you to become familiar with it to avoid embarrasing moments.
Show up on time, don't tell them you would go and then be a no-show.
- When your at the dinner table don't stick your chopsticks in the rice because it can be a symbol of the dead or of a grave something like that.
Don't refuse any alcohol that they offer you. You can refuse cigarretes or a cigar but don't refuse alcohol unless you really can't take it.
Join into the conversation and don't play footsie's underneath the dinner table with anybody there. The looks and the body language may give a signal to the rest of the people attending that something weird is happening and they are not included.
Don't chew with your mouth open.
The silverware at the dinner table is not necessary to put in order unless it was a royal dinner. They will more than likely give you the chopsticks fork, spoon etc., So no need to place any of the silverware in the correct order.
Give a cheer with everybody hold your cup up on give everyone a cheers. Don't get wasted and watch how much alcohol you consume!
When you arrive do not sit down and wait until your host seats you...very important.
Also do not drink unless you are toasted.
And do not eat the last piece of food on any given plate. If you are offered the last piece refuse at least twice before accepting.
In addition to what they said above, when they give you thier business card, take it woth both hands and study it for a moment. Do NOT place it in your back pocket, as that would be taken as symbolically sitting on his face.
