Cultural aspects that influence in Asia negotiations
Before starting negotiations with Asian countries, you should know certain cultural aspects that affect relations with this continent.
In most of these countries great importance is attached to family and personal relationships. Religion is considered as a cohesive force that serves as the basis for fundamental moral values.
In Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the southern Philippines, Islamic societies, the influence of religious factors on the policies of the different governments and on the customs of the population is evident.
Similarly, religion influences the economic and social life of countries, where it is established as an official religion, this is the case of Buddhism in Thailand and Vietnam, or Christianity in most of the Philippines.
For example, in Taiwan, 49% of the population practices Chinese religions, followed by Buddhism, which is practiced by 43%, and Christianity, by 8%. The official languages are Mandarin Chinese and English.
In all Asian countries, a deep respect for people is granted, work is considered as a means to earn a living, but family life is highly valued, hence the attitude towards work and its relationship with rest, is In other words, a balance between work and rest is sought. However, nothing is more important than the person and the family. Although the Japanese and Koreans are thoughtful, tireless workers, a percentage of their time is devoted to family.
Protocol, formality, hierarchy and etiquette are aspects of great importance in Asian countries. The traditional greeting in Japan, Korea and China is carried out by bowing or bowing the head; In India and Southeast Asia, the way to greet is to join the palms of the hands and bring them up to face level with a slight bow.
Punctuality is important, it is synonymous with the education of the individual, however, it takes them much longer to accept a commitment. In terms of negotiating styles, practically in all these countries, the Chinese style is followed. During the negotiation processes, the guidelines to establish long-term relationships are followed, this makes the negotiations slow. The Asian negotiators exert a certain degree of pressure, threatening to lose the relationship that has been built with great effort.
Likewise, it is always important to take these types of aspects into account before starting any type of negotiation in Asian countries, since, in general, it is advisable to know the cultural differences between each country.
