Question 1
[18]
Read the workplace scenario below and answer the questions that follow.
Chris has been sent urgently to China to negotiate on behalf of his company. He has not had
much time to prepare but is nevertheless eager because he has always performed well when
it comes to negotiations. Before he leaves, his boss hands him an envelope saying he should
read the document before he starts to engage with the Chinese. However, on the morning
that he leaves, he forgets the unopened envelope at home. The document had the following
information:
*Chinese people prefer a gentler handshake as opposed to the firm grip of the west.
*Learn basic Chinese, a few simple words will improve your communication and business
negotiation.
*It's considered rude to point with your finger -instead, point with an open hand.
*Before turning to serious talks or negotiations, it's customary to start with smalltalk. Your
business partners may ask about your journey, your opinion about China, Chinese cities you've
visited, or your experience with Chinese people and food. Have a casual answer prepared not
to be caught off guard!
Upon his arrival in Beijing at the meeting venue, Chris gives the Chinese delegation firm
handshakes which are met with frowns. The business meeting then commences. The Chinese
are predictably dragging out business negotiations by asking about his flight and what he
thinks of Chinese food. These in his opinion are minor details that he has no desire to engage
about. After 30 minutes of deliberations, they break for tea and to his annoyance, the Chinese
engage in Mandarin whilst having tea. Chris thinks that they are using a tactic in which they
deliberately drag the negotiations and knowing about this Chinese tactic he is tempted to just
tell them he knows what they are doing and that he is sick of Chinese mind games. He thinks
their tactic is outdated and wonders why they cannot do things like Americans - they are
efficient and get things done fast. He wants to tell them they should just make a final offer
one way or another. He points to the meeting convener to ask him what the hold-up is. This
gesture from Chris seems to deepen the frowns on the Chinese faces.
1.1 Identify examples ofthe following in the text above:
1.1.1 Verbal communication
(2)
1.1.2 Nonverbal communication
(2)
1.2 What does the nonverbal communication you identified in 1.1.2 mean?
(2)
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