BUSINESS ETIQUETTES IN

HONGKONG

Rodnie G. Apiado

BSLM 2-1

Social Responsibility With Business Ethics

1. GREETINGS AND INTODUCTION
Greetings consist of a light handshake, eventually combined with a slight tilt of a head.
People in Hong Kong often lower their eyes as a sign of respect. It is advised to avoid
physical contact beyond handshake.

2. NAMES AND TITLES

When introduced to a group of people, the most senior member should be greeted first.
Business partners should be addressed by their title and surname. Address with Mr., Mrs.,
Miss or professional title.

3. ORGANIZING MEETINGS
Business meetings are often long and will take place several times to establish a
sustainable relationship. During a business discussion, it is important to have small talk
before getting to the heart of negotiation.
4. PUNCTUALITY AND TIME
Punctuality is usually paramount. You should arrive at meetings on time. If you are
late, you should inform your counterparts about your delay and offer an apology.

5. BUSINESS CARDS
A handshake is usually followed by an exchange of business cards, preferably done in
neutral color scheme. One side of the card should be in English and the other one in
Chinese.

6. PRELIMENARY CONVERSATIONS
If you speak only English, understand that you may have difficulty interpreting the
emotional content of a conversation in Chinese. A simple, mundane Chinese
conversation may sound like a heated argument to a Westerner. Avoid any behavior
that seems aggressive or loud; decorum is important in all aspects of life.
7. VERBAL COMMUNICATION
English and Chinese are Hong Kong's two official languages. The Cantonese dialect
is the most commonly spoken language in the territory, though English is the
language of the business and service industries; hotel employees, many urban Hong
Kong residents, most young people and shop and service personnel understand and
speak it to some degree. Other Chinese dialects, such as Mandarin (Putonghua),
Shanghainese, and Chiu-Chow can be heard as well.

8. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Hong Kong Chinese are direct communicators, although they also make use of non-
verbal communication. In general, businesspeople are non- confrontational and will
never overtly say no, so that they do not embarrass the other person.

9. BUSINESS MEALS
Business meals are very common in Hong Kong, and it is generally considered rude to
refuse an invitation to dinner. If unable to attend the dinner, you should suggest an
alternate date rather than refusing it.

10. GIFT GIVING

Gifts are very common in business in Hong
Kong. As its symbolic value exceeds its cost,
expensive gift should be avoided. The gifts
given to the members of a group should all be
approximately of the same value or the gift for the chief executive should be more
valuable.

11. TIPPING TIPS

Tipping is not generally part of Hong Kong’s culture, except in hotels, where tipping is
considered mandatory. HK$10 to HK$20 should be given to bellboys and maids, and
remember to tip your concierge if you make use of the service.

12. BUSINESS ATTIRE

Hong Kong business attire tends to be rather conservative. Men usually wear dark suits,
ties, and dress shirts. Women commonly wear skirts, blouses, dresses and suits. It is
important to note that colors have various meanings in Hong Kong.