Protocol, Intercultural Communication and Diplomacy for Business
Diplomat's Dictionary
Diplomacy is not as the proverb says “to do and say the nastiest thing in the nicest way,” but rather as Cardinal Richelieu stated “Diplomacy should aim, not at incidental or opportunist arrangements, but at creating solid and durable relations.”
Diplomacy: 1. The art or practice of conducting international relations, as in negotiating alliances, treaties and agreements. 2. Tact in dealing with people.
Guanxi: a Chinese term that refers to having connections and relationships. It is often based on reciprocity and often creates an interdependence between the two parties. You want your partner in China to have good guanxi to make introductions, help establish your credibility and facilitate business. Be aware of people who try to use their guanxi for personal profit.
National Day: a country’s holiday celebrating the day a country gained independence, was founded or in the case of a monarchy it may celebrate the birth of the chief of state—the King of Thailand, the Queen of the United Kingdom or the Emperor of Japan for example. Embassies and consulates of a country celebrating a “National Day” will often host a celebration: a reception or some type of cultural activity. Participation at these events is a useful and enjoyable way to show your support of a country you may be doing business with and a good opportunity to build on your relationship.
Protocol: the accepted forms of ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats and heads of state; a code of correct conduct. When applied to the global business arena it is simply the rules of engagement or code of conduct for doing business internationally and includes having an understanding of cultural differences and business protocol.
Rank: a relative position in society; an official position or grade.
In the U.S. deference to rank is sometimes mistakenly interpreted as an indication that a person’s worth or value is determined by one’s rank--a concept that is seen as un-American. The fact is that in certain circumstances some people outrank others but this has nothing to do with a person's worth. Rank can be associated to a person’s professional, political, religious, military or royal position but age, seniority, gender, health and other factors can also determine rank.
Around the world rank is seen as a tool with practical applications in the boardroom and the ballroom. Rank can help determine where people should be seated, who enters an elevator or boards a plane first, the order speakers are introduced, who has the biggest office or who gets the parking spot nearest the building entrance. Rank can make every day interactions much smoother.