To most of us (who are
Chinese), we are familiar with the faux pas of giving a clock to a Chinese. The Chinese translation of 'giving a clock' (song zhong) sounds like
the Chinese way of saying 'sending someone away in a funeral'. Giving a clock, or even a
watch, to a Chinese would suggest an interest in attending their funeral.
So inadvertently, when Berlitz International had given their associates around the world desk clocks, although they were meant as a token of appreciation, the gifts had displeased many of the Chinese associates instead. D:
On one hand, giving gifts across cultures has its etiquette, and these can be quite complex since there are many different considerations from cultures across the globe. On the other, a simple mistake of giving the wrong gifts could mean losing a business deal, ruining important relationships and potentially losing your job.
How would you have dealt with the situation in Berlitz International if you were:
a) part of the team that were responsible for planning the gifts
b) the Asian associate?
On another note, I'm reminded to avoid any faux pas when I go visiting during the upcoming Chinese New Year season!
So inadvertently, when Berlitz International had given their associates around the world desk clocks, although they were meant as a token of appreciation, the gifts had displeased many of the Chinese associates instead. D:
On one hand, giving gifts across cultures has its etiquette, and these can be quite complex since there are many different considerations from cultures across the globe. On the other, a simple mistake of giving the wrong gifts could mean losing a business deal, ruining important relationships and potentially losing your job.
How would you have dealt with the situation in Berlitz International if you were:
a) part of the team that were responsible for planning the gifts
b) the Asian associate?
On another note, I'm reminded to avoid any faux pas when I go visiting during the upcoming Chinese New Year season!
