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!
Hi Jia Hui,
ReplyDeleteThe context of your story is similar to my:)
My advise for Berlitz international is that while they were selecting the gifts they should have considered the culture element. Like you the clock is appropriate to most of the associates, but to Chinese associate it means something bad. Gift team should think of few different types of gifts instead of one. And according to associates cultures different gifts could be given to them.
This is a very appropriate post, Jia Hui. It's clear, concise and focused well on an intercultural conflict.
ReplyDeleteThe issue raised is that of differing perceptions of the same act. For many in Europe or the US, giving a clock or watch would be acceptable. Clearly, in Chinese culture not so.
I like the way you relate this to Chinese New Year and your own need to be careful about your behavior.
Thanks for the effort!
I think the post is really well-written. Grammar and language wise, everything seems right.
ReplyDeleteJust like to point out something small, I feel you should have written "gave" instead of "had given" in "when Berlitz International had given their associates around the world desk clocks".