| |
Siva Yam, CPA, CFA, President, US-China Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Rick Mao, Dean, Elgin Community College
Andy Rice, Senior Vice President-International, The Jordan Company
Edward Wajda, Senior Vice President, Global Medical, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles
John Clarke, Director, Liaison Office, U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce
|
|
| |
I
|
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Cultural and Economic Evolution: An Historical Perspective
Since China opened its door in
late 70s/early 80s, it has undergone dramatic changes, not just
economically, but culturally and socially. The country is at the
crossroads: the East meets the West; the old clashes with the new.
While the country’s tradition and religions continue to play a
critical part in shaping the business practice, the advent of
internet and mobile phone have fundamentally changed the lives of
the its people. An understanding of China’s history with an emphasis
on its business development will help to place cultural issues in
perspective.
|
|
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. |
The Structure of the People’s Republic of China
As China
is pursuing a market economy with the Chinese characteristics,
government continues to play a critical part in the economy. An
understanding of the structure of the government will give
participants an edge in dealing with complex situations in China.
|
|
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
The Lay of the Land: Demographics and Geography
China is a vast land with a
diversity of peoples, resources, and languages. An old Chinese say:
“Every village is unique, and are its people.” We will look at
China’s demographic makeup, including population, income levels, and
consumption statistics. This session will also introduce China’s
various regions, including provincial organization, language
differences, infrastructure, and terrain.
|
|
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. |
Coffee Break
|
|
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. |
Understanding the Chinese Cultural and Religious
Spectrum from Confucianism to Buddhism
From ancient times to the
present, a number of philosophical traditions have influenced the
cultural scene—Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, and more recently
Marxism. As religion has been decriminalized, Buddhist temples have
flourished everywhere in China. Along with these more philosophical
traditions and religions, the Chinese are heavily influenced by the
folk religions, which have translated into dos and don’ts in
business practice.
|
|
10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
An Introduction to the Chinese
language and Putonghua
Participants will be introduced to pinyin Romanization, learn
standard pronunciation and the basic language structure of modern
Mandarin. Alternative Romanization systems will also be introduced.
|
|
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. |
Learning to Read Chinese
A discussion of the history of written Chinese, as well as
the basic elements of reading and writing. Basic characters will be
introduced to assist in reading commonly seen signage in China.
Skills necessary to use dictionaries will also be taught.
|
|
12:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
Chinese Lunch in Chinatown
|
|
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. |
Gan Bei! Xie Xie! Building
General Conversation Skills
Situational dialogues, conversation starters, greetings,
farewells, forms of address, names.
|
|
2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. |
Relationships and Face:
Understanding and Building Relationships, Guanxi and Mianzi
Two of the most frequently discussed concepts in dealing with
China are “relationships” and “face.” This section will look at the
complexity of relationships in China and how to “save face” for all
parties involved in an encounter.
|
|
3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. |
The Ins and Outs of Managing
Relationships in China: Gift-Giving, Protocol, and Speaking English
that the Chinese Will Understand
Managing business relationships such as those with clients
and employees is no easy affair. The section will look at Chinese
customs, arranging meetings, different perceptions of time, and
negotiations. As many business travelers rely on English to
communicate during their business dealings in China, this section
will explain how to speak English that the Chinese will understand.
In addition, we will look at social situations commonly encountered
in China, how best to handle difficult questions.
|
|
3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Coffee Break
|
|
4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Internationalization; Internet;
Mobile Phone; Electronic Gadgets: What Do They Mean to the Chinese
Consumers and Culture
China has emerged as the world’s largest users of internet
and mobile phone. While some of the world’s luxury consumer goods
have aggressively pursued Chinese consumers, Chinese consumer
products companies have also successfully defended their territory.
The impacts of the electronic era will be examined, and an analysis
of foreign versus Chinese domestic brands will be discussed.
|
|
4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
The Uses and Abuses of Guanxi
in Doing Business in China – Tips and Examples in Managing Business,
Negotiating, and Closing Deals in China with an Emphasis on Sourcing
There is so much misunderstanding in doing business in China,
and this session will discuss how to build relationships and manage
employees, customers and suppliers. Various examples will be used
for discussion.
|
|
5:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. |
Rewards and Risks in Pursuing
an International Career
An open discussion
|
|
5:15 p.m. |
Adjourns
|
|