Essay about Country briefing - Taiwan - 2825 Words

Non-verbal Communications Personal space. Taiwan has a geographic area of 35,980 square kilometers. With a population of 23,299,716, its average population density is about 647/km². However, the average population density is so small in Canada that the result turns out to be only 3.4/ km². The large population density of Taiwan determines that people can’t have much personal space geographically. When people are familiar with each other, it is more comfortable for them to keep “less than an arm’s length of personal space” (Center for Intercultural Learning, 2009). However, when meeting strangers, the distance is usually kept larger. Gestures. In order to reach better understanding, it is vital to recognize gestures that are commonly used in everyday life. To express “I don’t know” or “no”, people in Taiwan tend to “put their hands in front of their faces with the palm outwards and wave back and forth” (Culture Crossing, n.d.). Children are adorable, but it is considered impolite to touch children on the top of their heads because this may take away their brightness or bring bad luck to them (E-Referate, 2012). Use both hands when presenting or receiving gifts as well as business cards (Kwintessential, 2013). Other body movements. Body movements can be helpful to express ideas which can’t be translated in words. Handshaking is considered a good way to show respect when greeting in business settings (Culture Crossing, n.d.). This works for both men and women, with elders or supervisors. Dress. “The dress code in Taiwan is being well groomed” (Culture Crossing, n.d.). For example, in most working environments, people dress professionally, men in dark to medium colored suits and women in suits, dresses and blouses. For the first meeting, it is wise to “avoid jeans or business casual attire” since appearance counts for first impressions (Kwintessential, 2013) Eye contact. Eye contact is a good way to show respect and concentration, so it is quite important in business and day-to-day communication. When in circumstances of talking with others face-to-face, Taiwanese prefer direct eye contact to indirect (Culture Crossing, n.d.). Although traditional Chinese people are usually shy, Taiwanese people have gone through pressures of industrialization and have developed modern and civilized concepts (Kwintessential, 2013). Don’t be too shy to look at others in the eyes, or else it may be considered impolite, especially when you are the only audience (Center for Intercultural Learning, 2009). However, in the circumstances of talking with elders or supervisors, it is better to use indirect eye contact in order to show respect and deference (Culture Crossing, n.d.). Touching behaviors. Touching behavior is considered a good way to show closeness and friendship, especially with same-sex friends (Center for Intercultural Learning, 2009). For example, it is a very common scene in shopping malls or supermarkets where female friends walk “hand in hand or arm in arm” which indicates a very good relationship (Culture Crossing, n.d.). Some touching between men and men indicates close friends. However, between opposite sexes, it is important to “keep minimal to no physical touch” (Culture Crossing, n.d.). For greeting, it is the most common practice to just nod or shake hands (Center for Intercultural Learning, 2009). Hugging and kissing on cheeks are too much. “The golden rule is to observe carefully before you do what you are used to do” (Center for Intercultural Learning, 2009). Display of emotions. “Displayed emotions significantly influence negotiation tactics, negotiation processes, and negotiation outcomes” (Kopelman & Rosette, 2007). Influenced by traditional Chinese culture, Taiwanese people tent to display their emotions carefully and indirectly in working environments and in front of strangers (Center for Intercultural Learning, 2009). True feelings are usually held back, either positive

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