Comments on: Wise Men and Wise Women in Business Come With Humility and Bearing Gifts http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/ The MBA Graduate Program at Cal Poly Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:18:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Daniel Fleek http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-24160 Daniel Fleek Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:49:29 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-24160 I think gift giving is a great way to say thank you for having us in your country. I thought it was interesting that the gift wrapping was critical when giving a gift in China and I would have probably been a victim of insensitive wrapping. I think some good gifts for Chinese men would be popular jerseys or hats of US sports teams like the Lakers or Yankees. For women, I would say cosmetics and dietary supplements would probably be a good gift which can probably be found at Costco. However, I will ask my dad who travels to China for business what he thinks. I thought it was funny that the gifts we give should be made in USA even though more than half the stuff we find at the stores is made in China. I guess this shows that products that are made in the USA are seen to be authentic and high quality in countries like China. I think gift giving is a great way to say thank you for having us in your country. I thought it was interesting that the gift wrapping was critical when giving a gift in China and I would have probably been a victim of insensitive wrapping. I think some good gifts for Chinese men would be popular jerseys or hats of US sports teams like the Lakers or Yankees. For women, I would say cosmetics and dietary supplements would probably be a good gift which can probably be found at Costco. However, I will ask my dad who travels to China for business what he thinks. I thought it was funny that the gifts we give should be made in USA even though more than half the stuff we find at the stores is made in China. I guess this shows that products that are made in the USA are seen to be authentic and high quality in countries like China.

]]> By: Vladimir http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-24130 Vladimir Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:48:31 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-24130 Thanks for providing guidelines for gift giving in China. If I didn’t read them I would have surely committed a blunder by wrapping my gift in blue paper. Does the color of the gift itself matter as well? I noticed that used clothing is a no-no, but how about a used collectible that is in excellent condition? I have a 1996 Atlanta Olympic silver dollar inside a case. I prefer to give something they wouldn’t normally receive. I remember seeing a TV commercial years ago that said to use both hands when giving gifts in China. I read that the gift is considered an extension of the person and presenting it with both hands is a sign of respect. There’s more emphasis in the US on what the gift is and how expensive it is than on its presentation. This reflects a difference between the symbolism of giving and on the gift itself. Thanks for providing guidelines for gift giving in China. If I didn’t read them I would have surely committed a blunder by wrapping my gift in blue paper. Does the color of the gift itself matter as well? I noticed that used clothing is a no-no, but how about a used collectible that is in excellent condition? I have a 1996 Atlanta Olympic silver dollar inside a case. I prefer to give something they wouldn’t normally receive. I remember seeing a TV commercial years ago that said to use both hands when giving gifts in China. I read that the gift is considered an extension of the person and presenting it with both hands is a sign of respect. There’s more emphasis in the US on what the gift is and how expensive it is than on its presentation. This reflects a difference between the symbolism of giving and on the gift itself.

]]> By: Kevin K. http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-24116 Kevin K. Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:42:16 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-24116 According to the Los Angeles Times, not even a UCLA anthropology professor knows exactly what to bring as a gift to the Chinese -- especially since they make just about everything on their own shores. Before reading this blog post I really didn't think about the importance of bringing a gift to people you are visiting; usually we think more about bringing gifts (both for ourselves and for friends and family). When we get into teams, we will certainly have to think about getting a unique present; something that is not just novel, but indicative of who we are and where we come from. According to the Los Angeles Times, not even a UCLA anthropology professor knows exactly what to bring as a gift to the Chinese — especially since they make just about everything on their own shores. Before reading this blog post I really didn’t think about the importance of bringing a gift to people you are visiting; usually we think more about bringing gifts (both for ourselves and for friends and family). When we get into teams, we will certainly have to think about getting a unique present; something that is not just novel, but indicative of who we are and where we come from.

]]> By: Chris Carr http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-21544 Chris Carr Mon, 21 Mar 2011 02:21:53 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-21544 @ Tara, At our spring meeting, we can visit about this more if you would like. Note that the original post is on dated. This year/this trip, I have not given to any of the people we will meet the picture book of SLO country/central coast or or our local wineries, so those can be on the table for this year's trip. Other: the rest is up to you, given the broad guidelines and ideas in this post. Be yourself, make something that extends from who you are or where you live, and you generally can't go wrong. It's the effort that counts, in China ... Prof. Carr @ Tara,

At our spring meeting, we can visit about this more if you would like.

Note that the original post is on dated. This year/this trip, I have not given to any of the people we will meet the picture book of SLO country/central coast or or our local wineries, so those can be on the table for this year’s trip.

Other: the rest is up to you, given the broad guidelines and ideas in this post. Be yourself, make something that extends from who you are or where you live, and you generally can’t go wrong. It’s the effort that counts, in China …

Prof. Carr

]]> By: Omar Pradhan http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-21516 Omar Pradhan Fri, 18 Mar 2011 22:09:28 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-21516 Great info. I will be on the lookout for interesting CA books and $2 bills;) This article reminds me about one of our negotiation assigned readings on Dr. Robert Cialdini's persuasion book: Yes! Specifically, the Reciprocity principle of persuasion instructs that I am obligated to give to you, that which you first give to me. Given that resources are scarce in nature, this sort of communal behavior during times of abundance signals to others that they should think of you when THEY have resource abundance (i.e. the situation is reversed). Also, giving gifts to those folks who are kind enough to host us and let us tour their business operations is the least we can do to keep whoever's in charge feeling as if we are "honoring" and respecting their time…now and on future occasions. Great info. I will be on the lookout for interesting CA books and $2 bills;) This article reminds me about one of our negotiation assigned readings on Dr. Robert Cialdini’s persuasion book: Yes! Specifically, the Reciprocity principle of persuasion instructs that I am obligated to give to you, that which you first give to me. Given that resources are scarce in nature, this sort of communal behavior during times of abundance signals to others that they should think of you when THEY have resource abundance (i.e. the situation is reversed). Also, giving gifts to those folks who are kind enough to host us and let us tour their business operations is the least we can do to keep whoever’s in charge feeling as if we are “honoring” and respecting their time…now and on future occasions.

]]> By: JP Salazar http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-21478 JP Salazar Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:14:33 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-21478 Until now, I have not really understood the importance of gift giving in China. But I am excited to take on the responsibility of performing such an act for one of the companies we visit on our trip. It seems to me that more than anything this exercise in gift giving will teach us a lesson in being humble and respectful. Part of that, though, is understanding what makes up a good gift. Dan raises a good point in his post. We should not judge the validity of a gift based on our American perceptions. It is important that we do some research into the culture and situation that we are entering and choose a gift appropriately. And for Pete’s sake, don’t bring a gift with you from America to China that is made in China. I really liked the suggestion from the article of bringing a product that is produced here in the US or in another foreign country (not China, Japan, or Taiwan) that is prominently labeled with where it is made. This gift giving exercise will be a perfect opportunity to showcase some of my compulsive tendencies. I am a perfectionist when it comes to wrapping presents. It is almost a disease. All I can say is that my group won’t have to worry about how their gift will be presented. Hello, my name is JP, and I have a problem with wrapping gifts. Until now, I have not really understood the importance of gift giving in China. But I am excited to take on the responsibility of performing such an act for one of the companies we visit on our trip. It seems to me that more than anything this exercise in gift giving will teach us a lesson in being humble and respectful. Part of that, though, is understanding what makes up a good gift. Dan raises a good point in his post. We should not judge the validity of a gift based on our American perceptions. It is important that we do some research into the culture and situation that we are entering and choose a gift appropriately. And for Pete’s sake, don’t bring a gift with you from America to China that is made in China. I really liked the suggestion from the article of bringing a product that is produced here in the US or in another foreign country (not China, Japan, or Taiwan) that is prominently labeled with where it is made.
This gift giving exercise will be a perfect opportunity to showcase some of my compulsive tendencies. I am a perfectionist when it comes to wrapping presents. It is almost a disease. All I can say is that my group won’t have to worry about how their gift will be presented. Hello, my name is JP, and I have a problem with wrapping gifts.

]]> By: Chris F. http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-21443 Chris F. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:15:23 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-21443 Gift giving is usually customary when I am visiting relatives and friends as it is an appreciation for the hospitality that they usually show when I visit. However, I usually don't put myself through agonizing decisions when choosing something for family and friends; I believe it’s the thought that counts. However, I think in terms of business(as well personal), the correct gift for the occasion can play wonders in terms of the overall impression of you; whether you give some thought to the situation and are considerate or hastily put something together. I am usually bad when it comes to gift giving for important events (i.e. birthdays or for graduations, etc.). I am also bad at gift wrapping (I am a green person and usually do it with plain brown paper or newspaper - it's the thing inside that counts right?) so I hope someone on my team could be able to wrap something that is presentable in a professional situation. Gift giving is usually customary when I am visiting relatives and friends as it is an appreciation for the hospitality that they usually show when I visit. However, I usually don’t put myself through agonizing decisions when choosing something for family and friends; I believe it’s the thought that counts. However, I think in terms of business(as well personal), the correct gift for the occasion can play wonders in terms of the overall impression of you; whether you give some thought to the situation and are considerate or hastily put something together. I am usually bad when it comes to gift giving for important events (i.e. birthdays or for graduations, etc.). I am also bad at gift wrapping (I am a green person and usually do it with plain brown paper or newspaper - it’s the thing inside that counts right?) so I hope someone on my team could be able to wrap something that is presentable in a professional situation.

]]> By: J Vail http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-21390 J Vail Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:38:32 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-21390 I think that gift giving now put in this context is a much more thoughtful practice than I originally assumed. At first I felt like it was tacked-on and outdated, but the fact that the gift presentation is equally important does have me buy into that feel that it means more than what you. This post was good in giving a pretty safe direction to travel with the gift. Still, I am concerned with the process of getting it there. From all my experiences flying I feel like a wrapped present wouldn’t remain crisp travelling in a checked bag. I am surprised that it’s really that hard to find wrapping paper and tape considering the abundance of other products for sale. I might be the person that opts to take a small roll of wrapping paper packed in my bag. I think that gift giving now put in this context is a much more thoughtful practice than I originally assumed. At first I felt like it was tacked-on and outdated, but the fact that the gift presentation is equally important does have me buy into that feel that it means more than what you. This post was good in giving a pretty safe direction to travel with the gift.

Still, I am concerned with the process of getting it there. From all my experiences flying I feel like a wrapped present wouldn’t remain crisp travelling in a checked bag. I am surprised that it’s really that hard to find wrapping paper and tape considering the abundance of other products for sale. I might be the person that opts to take a small roll of wrapping paper packed in my bag.

]]> By: Ben Raymond http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-21275 Ben Raymond Wed, 09 Mar 2011 03:54:43 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-21275 I think gift giving is a very nice custom, especially when someone is inviting you as a guest into their territory. I always try to bring a gift when I am staying as a guest in another persons home, especially if it is their parents home. I am pretty accustomed to getting Cal Poly paraphernalia for gifts to my little sisters, I think they each own an entire Cal Poly wardrobe. I think a Cal Poly or California themed gift would be pretty well received by our Chinese hosts. The best gifts are ones that require thought, even if they are inexpensive. The presentation of the gift is something that I will have to put a little more thought into, I am not the most skilled gift wrapper and would not want to offend someone with my sloppiness. Hopefully our group has someone with some gift wrapping skills. I think gift giving is a very nice custom, especially when someone is inviting you as a guest into their territory. I always try to bring a gift when I am staying as a guest in another persons home, especially if it is their parents home. I am pretty accustomed to getting Cal Poly paraphernalia for gifts to my little sisters, I think they each own an entire Cal Poly wardrobe. I think a Cal Poly or California themed gift would be pretty well received by our Chinese hosts. The best gifts are ones that require thought, even if they are inexpensive. The presentation of the gift is something that I will have to put a little more thought into, I am not the most skilled gift wrapper and would not want to offend someone with my sloppiness. Hopefully our group has someone with some gift wrapping skills.

]]> By: Tara Millard http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-21119 Tara Millard Wed, 02 Mar 2011 05:06:01 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wise-men-and-wise-women-in-business-come-with-humility-and-bearing-gifts/#comment-21119 I am glad that this is a required post. Our gift-giving customs are fairly lazy at the least. Generally gifts are not given, and if they are, they are something extremely generic like a gift card in order to avoid a personal tone. The way gifts are given in China is lovely. I feel as though a well thought out gift that in some way reflects the giver highlights the purpose of giving a gift in the first place. I have noticed that some of my group members aren’t as excited as I am about choosing and wrapping a gift, so I am excited to take charge on this matter. One thing that this blog has highlighted is the necessity to avoid anything made in China. This idea would have never crossed my mind as I rarely look at where a gift I receive was manufactured. This aspect of Chinese culture is unique, and will no doubt make picking a gift more limited. Professor Carr, now that you have mentioned the picture book, I cannot seem to come up with any unique ideas. Are there any other resources we might use to find a delightful and appropriate gift? Also, you mentioned you have given winery picture books, so we should avoid that. Should we run other ideas past you to ensure that we don’t repeat a gift that a previous class of yours has given? I realize these are nitpicky questions, but the importance of the right gift in China seems to be worth the effort. I am glad that this is a required post. Our gift-giving customs are fairly lazy at the least. Generally gifts are not given, and if they are, they are something extremely generic like a gift card in order to avoid a personal tone. The way gifts are given in China is lovely. I feel as though a well thought out gift that in some way reflects the giver highlights the purpose of giving a gift in the first place.

I have noticed that some of my group members aren’t as excited as I am about choosing and wrapping a gift, so I am excited to take charge on this matter.

One thing that this blog has highlighted is the necessity to avoid anything made in China. This idea would have never crossed my mind as I rarely look at where a gift I receive was manufactured. This aspect of Chinese culture is unique, and will no doubt make picking a gift more limited.

Professor Carr, now that you have mentioned the picture book, I cannot seem to come up with any unique ideas. Are there any other resources we might use to find a delightful and appropriate gift? Also, you mentioned you have given winery picture books, so we should avoid that. Should we run other ideas past you to ensure that we don’t repeat a gift that a previous class of yours has given? I realize these are nitpicky questions, but the importance of the right gift in China seems to be worth the effort.

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