Taiwanese business culture is deeply influenced by hierarchical structures and a strong sense of order, as evidenced by their high scores in Hofstede's dimensions of power distance and uncertainty avoidance.
-Physical contact is used to show
a sense of closeness (understanding a person)
-Gestures are used often to enhance a message.
-This can include using your whole hand to point at
something rather than using one finger
-In the Taiwanese culture, smiling often means
someone has brought up a sensitive topic or can
be shown to represent embarrassment/nervousness
Spatial Perception
-The Taiwanese do not believe in 'personal
space'
-Taiwanese are very friendly people, and
believe that before engaging in any relationship
it is important to get to know someone personally
-When a Taiwanese person stands close to you,
it means that want to be friends and are looking
forward to establishing a relationship
- An example of this can be in a business setting.
If a Taiwanese representative is standing close it
simply means they are interested
Hofstede Dimensions
Uncertainty Avoidance
-Taiwan scores 69 meaning it has
a high preference
-The Taiwanese like to maintain rigid
codes of belief and behavior and
are intolerant of unorthodox behavior and ideas
-In this culture there is almost an emotional need
for these rules.
-Examples include time is money, precision and
punctuality are important
Power Distance
-Taiwan scores a 58 in this dimension
-This illustrates that Taiwan has a hierarchical
society
-People accept this without question as they
believe that everyone has their own place
within society
-An example of this is how people in senior
positions are treated differently (ex. bowing)
Long Term Orientation
-Taiwan scores 93,
making it a pragmatic, long-term orientation culture
-Societies with this show an ability
to adapt to modern traditions
-This is one of the top 3 dimensions as the Taiwanese
want to remain cultured, or 'in loop' with the Western
culture
Verbal Communication
-Ambiguous speech and understatements are
used to convey a message
-Avoid topics that mat offend anyone. Their
speech pace is slow to ensure the wrong thing
is not said
-Greeting are often said in Mandarin
Time Perception
Mono chronic
-The Taiwanese culture is mono chronic
as their culture revolves around strict rules and regulations
-For example, Taiwan has a very small percentage when it comes to paid vacation. This is because the Taiwanese believe in the theory of time being money
-Due to the mono chronic culture, it is believed that focusing
on one thing at a time contributes more to success, and the
theory of 'quality over quantity' heavily applies
Business Etiquette
What to NOT do?
Do not talk about
politics
Never loose eye contact.
It is a sign of disrespect
Never take food without being
asked
Never say 'no', instead
'we'll try' or 'not yet'
Never set deadlines. Decisions
are made slowly and collectively
Never point with your index finger.
Instead open with an open hand.
Never bring attention to feet.
They are seen as dirty.
Never introduce yourself.
A third party (host) will always be responsible
What to DO?
Men and women wear business
clothing that are conservative blues
and grey
Always get to know others personally
before starting to talk about business
Allow your counterparts in Taiwan to set
the negotiation pace
Always be a few minutes early
Always bring a gift for the host
as a way to show your gratitude
Greeting someone by asking them
if they've eaten is seen as being
polite
When greeting or saying goodbye
someone slightly nodding your head
is respectful
