Situation
You arrive at the meeting and are greeted by Mr. Wang, the CEO, along with three other team members.
Decision Point 1
Mr. Wang extends his hand for a handshake. How do you respond?
Shake hands firmly while maintaining strong eye contact
40 points
Too aggressive. Chinese business culture prefers a softer handshake with brief, respectful eye contact.
Shake hands gently with a slight nod and brief eye contact
100 points
Excellent! This shows respect while remaining professional.
Bow instead of shaking hands
30 points
While bowing is appreciated in Japan, in China handshakes are standard for business. This may cause confusion.
Wait for him to initiate the handshake style
70 points
Safe choice, but slightly passive. A gentle handshake with brief eye contact is appropriate.
Decision Point 2
Business cards are exchanged. How do you handle receiving Mr. Wang's card?
Take it with one hand and put it in your pocket to keep it safe
10 points
Very disrespectful. Never put a business card in your pocket immediately, especially not your back pocket.
Receive with both hands, read it carefully, comment positively, place on table
100 points
Perfect! This shows proper respect for the person and their position.
Take it with one hand, glance at it, and place on table
40 points
Receiving with one hand and only glancing shows insufficient respect.
Bow while receiving the card with both hands
60 points
Receiving with both hands is correct, but excessive bowing is more Japanese than Chinese protocol.
Decision Point 3
During lunch, Mr. Wang offers you a toast with baijiu (Chinese liquor). How do you respond?
Decline politely, explaining you don't drink alcohol
70 points
Acceptable if true, but offer an alternative toast. Complete abstention may be awkward.
Accept and drink the full glass in one gulp as expected
50 points
Shows enthusiasm but may not be sustainable. You may be expected to reciprocate multiple times.
Accept, take a sip, and explain you will pace yourself to enjoy the conversation
90 points
Good balance of respect and practicality. Explaining your intent maintains relationship.
Accept and offer your own toast first to show respect
85 points
Shows initiative but be careful with seniority - the host traditionally toasts first.