Working in China 231Being a manager in a glocal company means setting high
business standards but being pragmatic about how they are
implemented. One of the first challenges for non-Chinese
speakers will be to create systems and processes that provide
the management information that you need without creating
unnecessary administrative burden.
Working in a new culture, where you have limited ability to
speak the language, poses a challenge. The business language
of China is Mandarin. Financial records must be kept in
Chinese. The Chinese version of a contract is the one that is
enforceable. Your colleagues will find it most comfortable to
communicate clearly with one another in Chinese.
There are two important steps to take when arriving to
address the challenge. The first is to secure a savvy, intelligent
assistant who can act as your conduit to employees and
clients who are non-English speakers. The second is to find
a trusted local mentor to act as a guide. If you choose well,
both of these people will guide you to better understand the
intent and actions of people around you, providing valuable
advice about how you are perceived and what you can better
do to be effective.
Making a Good Impression
First impressions are as critical in China as they are anywhere
in the world. But impressions on what? There are additional
ways that you are judged in China that you may not be in
other parts of the world.
People like to dress up: China is on the more formal side
of the global business attire spectrum. It is customary to see
people in suits tromping through half-constructed building
sites and touring countryside factories. While the rest of
the world was going through a dot-com dress down, China
was shedding Mao suits and hitting her formal business
stride. Many companies do follow a casual Friday dress code
in China.
For men, proper business attire means suit and tie. For
women, a nice dress suit or pants suit is appropriate. It is
important to wear practical shoes in China as many floors
are marble and leather soles tend to send you sliding across