Korean Job Discussion Forums

[The Hammer]

I found the 10 Commandments for Westerners doing in business in China at http://www.chinasolved.com/blog/?page_id=71. (Copied below)


In your opinion what are...

the 10 Commandments for Foreigners Living in Korea?
the 10 Commandments for Westerners Doing Business with Koreans?
the 10 Commandments for Koreans Doing Business with westerners?




10 Commandments for Westerners in China

Commandment #1

Know what you don�t know � (for many westerners, this is by far the most difficult challenge.). Any similarities between China and �back home� are purely accidental. This is a completely different culture. Do not be fooled by surface similarities or by local people who �seem to get it�. Sources of reliable information are your #1 asset.

Commandment #2

China is still a communist country - and there is absolutely zero chance of that changing any time soon.

Commandment #3

You have to show up to win. You must be physically present and put in the �face time�. There is no �autopilot� in Chinese business. If you feel that you are too busy to learn about China, then you are certainly too busy to be successful here.

Commandment #4

If things worked well here in China, then there would be significantly fewer opportunities for competent westerners. Try not to get too frustrated by the challenges you face.

Commandment #5

Time does not mean money here. Chinese business people do not believe in �opportunity cost�. Even simple negotiations can drag on for a long time. Avoid getting sucked into an endless cycle of meetings that don�t accomplish anything.

Commandment #6

Truth, honesty, good-will and long-term benefit are all culturally-specific concepts. Don�t expect your western standards to carry over here. Win-Win is not standard operating procedure here. Do not fool yourself that your long-term relationship with a local partner means anything.

Commandment #7

Don�t check your brains in at the border. You wouldn�t hand over your company�s money, intellectual property or trademarks to a virtual stranger in Sydney, London or San Francisco and expect to make a windfall. Don�t do it in China. The people that are offering to open doors for you are the same ones that can lock you out. Beware of people who peddle their �powerful friends and great connections�. They can use them to hurt you as well as help you.

Commandment #8

Due Diligence becomes more important when the language and systems are unclear, not less important. Don�t settle for the �least worst� deal or partner. Partners don�t get more honest and relationships don�t improve as the amount of money involved increases.

Commandment #9

China will still be here next year, and in 5 years. Don�t be pressured into signing a contract or making a deal because you are afraid of �missing the boat�. The boat has been here for 4,000+ years.

Commandment #10

Having a sense of humor helps. Having a Plan B helps even more.

[SuperFly]

Foreigner prayer

[blynch]

never heard so much bull...

[mindmetoo]

[Ilsanman]

Here are some for Korea.

1. Thou shalt not like Japan.

2. Thou shalt not question the ownership of Dokdo, which unquestionably always has and always will be Korean land.

3. Thou shalt not forget Korea's proud 5000 year history.

4. Thou shalt not make fun of Korea for not accomplishing anything in 5000 years.

5. Thou shalt not eat food with your fingers.

6. Thou shalt not blow your nose at the table.

7. Thou shalt not question your boss, even if he's robbing you blind.

8. Thou shalt not date Korean girls.

9. Thou shalt not forget the 2002 World Cup.

10. Thou shalt not comment about 2006 World Cup. EVER.

[Homer]

Oh boy....it keeps spinning in the mud doesn't it.

[Intrepid]

I was here in Seoul for both of Korea's appearances in the World Cup and I never before noticed the silence about 2006--good observation.

[I'm Seoul Lost]

Ilsanman, you forgot the four seasons and the health benefits of kimchi.

[NAVFC]

#8 no one can really stop you.. I have talked with plenty of Korean girls who they say actually PREFER foreign guys to ROK guys.

[rakuan]

[Passions]

[RACETRAITOR]

Well these two lists show off the differences between China expats and Korean expats.

[Jeaves]

[blynch]

... amusing to see what these rats can come up with...

[timhorton]

Thou shalt have and keep an open mind