Acceptable Public Behavior

• Traditional English or Chinese greetings are acceptable. 
• Men and women are allowed to shake hands upon the first meeting.
• The Chinese will nod or bow slightly as an initial greeting. Handshakes are also accepted, so wait for your Chinese counterpart to initiate the gesture.
• When bowing to a senior, bow more deeply and let them rise before yourself.
• As is the case with everyone, the Chinese appreciate compliments; however it would be poor manners to for them to agree to a compliment.
• Traditional greetings always refer to food.  Such as “have you eaten?” If asked such a question always answer yes as such questions are rhetorical.
• Always recognize the most senior person in the room first and politely ask about their health.
• Physical contact is deemed inappropriate.
• The personal spatial area is closer than that of the United States and communication may be done in such way so do not become uncomfortable.
• Do not blink at someone as it is considered impolite.
• When beckoning someone, have your palm down and do a scooping motion.
• Men should not cross their legs, rather keep their legs on the floor and their hands on their lap while sitting.
• Repression of emotions is emphasized in the Chinese culture.
• Avoid aggressive or loud behavior.
• Do not hold hand with members of the opposite sex.  However, holding hands with the same sex is a sign of friendship.
• Have business cards prepared with Chinese on one side and English on the other.
• When receive a business card be sure to examine it for a few moments before placing it away.

Business Attire

• Appropriate dress for men is dark colored business suits.
• Subdued colors are accepted for women’s suits.
• It is recommended that you pack washable, light weight fabrics.
• Blue and white are associated with death.  Do not wear them to social events.

Conversations and Networking

• Avoid politics as much as possible.
• Health and business are considered polite conversation.
• The Chinese will make an effort to ensure that no potentially insulting or embarrassing statements are made.
• Do not offer opinions too freely the Chinese find the disclosure of excessive amounts of information vulgar.
• If you speak only English, you may have difficult time  interpreting the emotional content of a conversation.

Meetings, Presentations, and Negotiation Tactics

• Although the population is predominantly Chinese the culture of Hong Kong and China are very different.
• Hong Kong and the United States can be compared by the fast-paced business culture.
• Causing embarrassment or loss of composure, even unintentionally, can be disastrous for business negotiations.
• Do not attempt the “hard sell” as this is not well receipted in the Chinese culture.
• Business discussions should come only after a familiarity has been established with the other party.
• Always accept a cup of tea.  Negotiations usually take place over a cup of tea.
• Wait for the host to drink their tea first
• Cups of tea may be used as visual aids so pay attention to the representation of the cups.
• The answer of “yes” does not always mean agreement.  So be sure that you understand what the other party’s true feelings.
• Emotions should be held in check.
• Keep in mind that age is important.  You may lose a deal only because your negotiator is not of a respectable age.
• Hierarchy is very important in Hong Kong business culture.

Dinner Etiquette

• Accept dinner inventions whenever offered.
• Spouses are usually not included in business dinners.
• One-half our courtesy time is allowed for all social events.
• Always bring fruit or candy to any social event to preset to the hostess.
• When arriving greet everyone starting with the most senior member of the group.
• Before starting a meal recognize the most senior members of the group.
• When giving a gift, do not be surprised if it is denied as it is a way of acceptance.
• Seating etiquette is closely followed.   The guest of honor traditionally sits opposite the host. The next most important guest sits to the left of the guest of honor; the third-ranking person is seated to the right of the guest of honor. This continues all the way around the table. Surprisingly to Westerners, this arrangement actually results in the “least important” people being seated next to the host.
• Learn how to use chopsticks to enhance your reputation.
• Slurping and belching are acceptable among the Chinese culture so do not be uncomfortable if this was to happen.
• If napkins are not provided you are expected to use the tablecloth.  Leaving a dirty tablecloth indicates that you have eaten well and enjoyed the food.
• Tipping is not expected but acceptable.

Other

• Titles are important, so be sure to address someone by their title.
• Gift giving is important in Hong Kong.
• If you are to receive a gift, you should accept it with both hands and try to give a gift in return.
• Do not unwrap a gift in front of the giver as it will show greediness.
• Always wrap gifts.  Unwrapped gifts are perceived as rude.
• Never wrap a gift in blue as it a simple of morning.

Sources

A summary of this information can be found at Executive Planet.
For more information go to:
http://www.executiveplanet.com/