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Revision as of 03:39, July 18, 2012
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Among all the ethnicities, it is important to introduce to most respectful person in the room first. If no superior is ranked throughout the group, then the group will be introduced by oldest to youngest, or by women to men. It is also important that professional and honorific titles (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Professor, Doctor, Engineer, Accountant, Vice President, President, CEO, CFO, etc…) be used upon introductions.
Among all the ethnicities, it is important to introduce to most respectful person in the room first. If no superior is ranked throughout the group, then the group will be introduced by oldest to youngest, or by women to men. It is also important that professional and honorific titles (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Professor, Doctor, Engineer, Accountant, Vice President, President, CEO, CFO, etc…) be used upon introductions.
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'''Exchanging Business Cards:'''
'''Exchanging Business Cards:'''
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Business cards are normally exchanged upon you r first introduction to a person. When exchanging the card, it is customary to use both hands or only your right hand. Malaysians think that it is very important to examine any business card thoroughly before putting it away (normally in a card case, not in one’s pocket). They examine the card to show respect to the person handing it to them. In Malaysia, it is said that the respect shown to the business card is a sign of how much respect you will give the person who gave you the card. For this reason, Malaysians find it highly disrespectful to write on an individual’s business card in the presence of that individual.
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Business cards are normally exchanged upon you r first introduction to a person. When exchanging the card, it is customary to use both hands or only your right hand. Malaysians think that it is very important to examine any business card thoroughly before putting it away (normally in a card case, not in one’s pocket). They examine the card to show respect to the person handing it to them. In Malaysia, it is said that the respect shown to the business card is a sign of how much respect you will give the person who gave you the card. For this reason, Malaysians find it highly disrespectful to write on an individual’s business card in the presence of that individual.
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'''Communications:'''
'''Communications:'''
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Malaysians are very passive people. They use more non-verbal communication (body language, gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, etc…) than verbal. They are not direct while speaking. Malaysians try to hint at a point, topic, or response rather than making a direct statement, that might be disrespectful to the other person or company. They tend to avoid saying “no”, but instead will respond by saying something along the lines of “I will see what I can do”. The reason they stay away from words like “No”, is so they can make sure that their relationships stay peaceful and harmonious and on good terms with that person or company.
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Malaysians are very passive people. They use more non-verbal communication (body language, gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, etc…) than verbal. They are not direct while speaking. Malaysians try to hint at a point, topic, or response rather than making a direct statement, that might be disrespectful to the other person or company. They tend to avoid saying “no”, but instead will respond by saying something along the lines of “I will see what I can do”. The reason they stay away from words like “No”, is so they can make sure that their relationships stay peaceful and harmonious and on good terms with that person or company.
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Malaysians think that when one loses their temper or becomes angry in public, it is a sign of powerlessness. They see this action as a sign of weakness, showing that you can not control your emotions, so what is to say you can control the deal. Therefore when conducting business with Malays, it is extremely important to remain calm, cool, and collective.
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Malaysians think that when one loses their temper or becomes angry in public, it is a sign of powerlessness. They see this action as a sign of weakness, showing that you can not control your emotions, so what is to say you can control the deal. Therefore when conducting business with Malays, it is extremely important to remain calm, cool, and collective.
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Silence is considered very respectful in Malaysia; it is one of the most important elements in communication habits. They consider silence to be respectful because it shows that you are listening and giving your guest your absolute attention and the consideration they deserve. Malaysians are very patience people. They like to pause to think about what their response will be before answering a question. The reason for this action is to demonstrate that they thoroughly considered and examined the question appropriately before answering, and that they will not disrespect or show bad face to the person asking the question. In America, we are accustomed to responding back to a question immediately after it was asked, but in Malaysia, they find this behavior rash and hasty, therefore considering such impromptu actions rude and thoughtless.
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Silence is considered very respectful in Malaysia; it is one of the most important elements in communication habits. They consider silence to be respectful because it shows that you are listening and giving your guest your absolute attention and the consideration they deserve. Malaysians are very patience people. They like to pause to think about what their response will be before answering a question. The reason for this action is to demonstrate that they thoroughly considered and examined the question appropriately before answering, and that they will not disrespect or show bad face to the person asking the question. In America, we are accustomed to responding back to a question immediately after it was asked, but in Malaysia, they find this behavior rash and hasty, therefore considering such impromptu actions rude and thoughtless.
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'''Business Meetings:'''
'''Business Meetings:'''
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Business meetings are considered a formal event. It is customary for the most important groups and/or leaders to sit opposite of each other at a table. The reason for this action is sitting across from each other shows rank (like the head of the table) and it gives everyone an opportunity to see each other’s facial expressions, body language, or gestures. Normally, at the start of a business meeting, the most elderly Malaysian will give a brief welcome speech. After this speech, there will be a period of small talk between everyone in the meeting. This period will stop when the most senior Malaysian is comfortable to move on to business discussions.
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Business meetings are considered a formal event. It is customary for the most important groups and/or leaders to sit opposite of each other at a table. The reason for this action is sitting across from each other shows rank (like the head of the table) and it gives everyone an opportunity to see each other’s facial expressions, body language, or gestures. Normally, at the start of a business meeting, the most elderly Malaysian will give a brief welcome speech. After this speech, there will be a period of small talk between everyone in the meeting. This period will stop when the most senior Malaysian is comfortable to move on to business discussions.
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Malaysians are cautious and reluctant to make difficult decisions. Decisions are therefore made slowly and in a calculated manner. When conducting business in Malaysia, you should expect a minimum of two or three visits before business considerations and deals become serious and/or final decisions are considered or made. Malaysians tend to be very research oriented and like to have the facts I front of them while making decisions. At the first meeting between the companies, Malaysians will not get into a comprehensive business discussion. They use the first meeting as an opportunity to get to know the other company and start to form a long, trustworthy relationship with them. Therefore the first meeting is normally done as a restaurant over lunch or dinner, a golf course, or any other sightseeing attraction. During the first meeting, try to avoid any business related topics. Instead, stick to any general topics (travel, family, food, sports, sightseeing attractions, etc…) and avoid topics such as politics, religion, laws, or criticizing local customs or traditions.
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Malaysians are cautious and reluctant to make difficult decisions. Decisions are therefore made slowly and in a calculated manner. When conducting business in Malaysia, you should expect a minimum of two or three visits before business considerations and deals become serious and/or final decisions are considered or made. Malaysians tend to be very research oriented and like to have the facts I front of them while making decisions. At the first meeting between the companies, Malaysians will not get into a comprehensive business discussion. They use the first meeting as an opportunity to get to know the other company and start to form a long, trustworthy relationship with them. Therefore the first meeting is normally done as a restaurant over lunch or dinner, a golf course, or any other sightseeing attraction. During the first meeting, try to avoid any business related topics. Instead, stick to any general topics (travel, family, food, sports, sightseeing attractions, etc…) and avoid topics such as politics, religion, laws, or criticizing local customs or traditions.
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When coming to business etiquette, Malaysia and America differ in many aspects. If an American is doing business with a Malaysian company, they should be acquainted with the business customs in Malaysia, the country’s different religions (dominant being Islamic/Muslim), and the country’s work ethics. If you are not familiar with one’s business customs, you can highly offend the other company and as a result lose that client’s business. If you are not educated in the country’s religion or religious holidays, then you can offend that company/person by trying to do business on a day of worship. For instance, in America, Christianity is the predominant religion; therefore most businesses are closed on Sunday or opened for half a day, due to church and the Sabbath day (day of rest). In Malaysia they recognize Friday to be their day of worship. On Friday’s, most companies are either closed all day, opened half a day, or have a break in between the day to attend service at their Mosque. Companies doing business there have to be respectful to their country’s religious beliefs and actions. Lastly, you should be able to understand the company’s work ethics. In Malaysia, they are patient and practice a passive work ethic. In America, we respond back to everything is a timely manner, and in Malaysia they take days, weeks, and months even to respond back. They also believe that “If a deal is meant to happen, it will happen.” We need to be able to understand and not take offense to this if they take a reasonably long time in responding back to a deal or offer.
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When coming to business etiquette, Malaysia and America differ in many aspects. If an American is doing business with a Malaysian company, they should be acquainted with the business customs in Malaysia, the country’s different religions (dominant being Islamic/Muslim), and the country’s work ethics. If you are not familiar with one’s business customs, you can highly offend the other company and as a result lose that client’s business. If you are not educated in the country’s religion or religious holidays, then you can offend that company/person by trying to do business on a day of worship. For instance, in America, Christianity is the predominant religion; therefore most businesses are closed on Sunday or opened for half a day, due to church and the Sabbath day (day of rest). In Malaysia they recognize Friday to be their day of worship. On Friday’s, most companies are either closed all day, opened half a day, or have a break in between the day to attend service at their Mosque. Companies doing business there have to be respectful to their country’s religious beliefs and actions. Lastly, you should be able to understand the company’s work ethics. In Malaysia, they are patient and practice a passive work ethic. In America, we respond back to everything is a timely manner, and in Malaysia they take days, weeks, and months even to respond back. They also believe that “If a deal is meant to happen, it will happen.” We need to be able to understand and not take offense to this if they take a reasonably long time in responding back to a deal or offer.