The Chinese take hierarchy very seriously, but don’t be intimidated! Navigating corporate and government hierarchies is key to successful business negotiations and decision-making. Learn how this complex system impacts work culture,...

Building rapport with Chinese counterparts is absolutely key for business success. Learn the significance of guanxi, or relationships, in Chinese business culture and why nurturing these relationships and developing trust are so...

Did you know that China's fascinating history began with the Age of Five Rulers roughly five thousand years ago? Today, more than a fifth of the entire world’s population lives in China—that’s over 1.35 billion people! As a result, the...

Become a networking expert! Puzzled by the concept of “saving face,” the meaning of feng shui, or the impacts of beliefs on business in Hong Kong? Learn about these things and more, including presenting business cards, shaking hands,...

Despite two decades of sweeping economic change, China is still a Communist state. While free enterprise now flourishes in a rapidly growing private sector, China is a one-party country with a government that is radically enmeshed with...

Although myth indicates that Japan was founded in 660 BCE by Emperor Jimmu, the first clear records concerning Japan are provided by the Chinese almost one thousand years later, in the third century CE. Since its beginnings, Japan has...

Many people in Indonesia believe in the spiritual power behind objects and forces, and most societies have organized ceremonies and rituals to mollify these spirits. In Indonesia, traditional animist beliefs have been combined with the...

Indonesia is the world’s fourth-largest nation when it comes to population. Only China, India, and the US are larger. The country is a young nation currently experiencing a “demographic bonus,” meaning that 50 percent of its people are...

Lying south of mainland Southeast Asia and north of the continent of Australia, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. While it’s a vast country, only about 40 percent is land—the rest is sea. Strategically located between...

India is officially called the Republic of India and is also known as Hindustan or Bharat. It’s the seventh-largest country in the world. India is often referred to as a peninsula, as it’s mostly surrounded by water bodies on three...

One of the most diverse nations, India is best understood as a land of contrasts. From its vast deserts to its snowy mountain peaks, India is home to many different ethnicities and cultural traditions that can be traced back more than...

Local business culture in Hong Kong can be traced back to the early British trading companies in the 1700s. Today, these businesses, known as hongs, continue to operate alongside more modern Chinese and foreign firms. Tradition, family,...

Knowing how to dress for business can be challenging in any country. In Hong Kong, the dress code is conservative, and formal business attire is usually required. Learn what’s appropriate and what’s not—for both men and women—so you can...

Establishing trust is essential for business success, and even more so in Hong Kong. Hong Kongers take a long-term approach to business relationships, and developing trust with colleagues and clients is crucial. Yes, developing these...

Hong Kong’s cultural customs and business practices are a fascinating blend of East and West—which is why it’s so important to understand local business protocol and how the market has evolved over the past three decades. While Chinese...

The G20 is a powerful, informal group of nineteen countries and the European Union. It also includes a representative from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The list evolved from an effort to include major developing...

In a globalized world, digitalization has deeply shaped the way people of different countries and cultures interact—and now transact—with one another. The latest addition to the global payment system is a version of currency called...

Doing business in China? Home to more than 1.3 billion people, China is one of the fastest-growing countries in the world. As global companies continue to enter China’s market, the country’s large bureaucracy can be challenging to...

Navigating the world of global business ethics is tricky, but we can help. Business ethics are impacted by culture, including a group’s attitudes, values, and beliefs. Watch to explore ethical, moral, and socially responsible behaviors...

Chinese culture has been heavily influenced by the teachings of Confucius (Kongzi), a Chinese philosopher from ancient times. Confucianism emphasizes unity, circularity, harmony, and reciprocity. You’ll see these four concepts reflected...

The Chinese have a saying that “food is the first necessity of the people.” Reflecting this vital role, great thought and care go into its preparation. The Chinese use a blend of ingredients—with contrasting flavors, colors, and...

Officially, China is an atheist society, although freedom of worship is guaranteed under the Chinese constitution. Religious beliefs vary widely, which isn’t surprising in a country with 56 officially recognized national minorities....

According to legends, the first ancient ruler, Fuxi, reigned in the thirty-fourth century BCE. Explore China's fascinating history, which is believed to have begun five thousand years ago, evolving through successive dynasties to modern...

China is one of the fastest growing economies, but what challenges is it facing? Think strong bureaucratic controls, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic disparities between rich cities and poor rural areas. Grasp the issues and...