Ngu+o+`i nu+o+'c ngoa`i nhi`n ta ra sao ? (tri'ch)

[Truong Trong Hoang <g3937464@mahidol.ac.th>]

Cha`o ta^'t ca? ca'c ba'c,

Nha^n -do.c ta`i lie^.u tha^'y co' mo^.t -doa.n vie^'t ve^` nhu+~ng -die^`u
chu' y' khi la`m vie^.c vo+'i -do^'i ta'c Vie^.t Nam i't nhie^`u thu' vi., tui
xin tri'ch va` post le^n list -de^? ca'c ba'c -do.c cho+i cho vui.

Tru+o+ng Tro.ng Hoa`ng

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From: kim nguyen <knguyen@NRN1.NRCAN.GC.CA>
Subject: Assessment of VN Economy (6)


  CHAPTER IX:  BUSINESS TRAVEL

  A.  Business Customs

  1.  Names:  Vietnamese names begin with the family name, followed by the
  middle name and ending with the given name.  For example, in Nguyen Anh
  Quang, Nguyen is the family name.  He would be addressed as Mr. Quang.

  2.  Business Meetings: Establishing operations in Vietnam entails
  numerous business meetings, as face-to-face discussions are favored over
  telephone calls or letters.   Protocol is extremely important in
  Vietnamese business relations.  The Vietnamese culture places high value
  on politeness, discretion and respect for age and position.   Name card
  exchange and tea drinking prior to meetings are typical business
  rituals.  First meetings tend to be formal and viewed as an introductory
  meeting.  Visitors should avoid rushing into discussion and allow the
  host to bring up the topics for which the meeting was intended to cover.
  Generally, the visitor is expected to initiate or signal the closure of
  the meeting.   A reliable translator is essential, as many business and
  official meetings are conducted in Vietnamese with translators present.
  Visitors should not assume nor rely on the Vietnamese party to supply a
  translator.  As the meetings establish the foundation of a good business
  relationship, missteps can be avoided if proper etiquette, courtesy and
  respect are the guiding principles.

  3.  Business Agenda:  The Vietnamese are very conscious of having
  adequately prepared for meetings.  When possible, submit a meeting
  agenda and issues to be discussed prior to the actual meeting.  On the
  one hand, visitors should be conscious of not wasting the Vietnamese
  parties' time.  On the other hand, visitors should be prepared to
  educate the Vietnamese party concerning terminology, processes and
  technology.

  3.  Business Attire:  Normal business attire consists of a suit and tie
  for men and suit or dress for women.  During the hotter months, formal
  dress for men is a shirt and tie.  The trend in the South is to be more
  casual, as suit jackets are worn only on very formal occasions and first
  meetings.

  4.  The Concept of "Face":  Saving "face" is extremely important to the
  Vietnamese.  This characteristic can surface in any interaction between
  two or more persons and should be understood if one is to be effective
  business negotiations, management and problem-solving.  Public criticism
  or display of anger is considered severe and taken very seriously in
  Vietnam.  In front of others, Vietnamese may also be reluctant to admit
  that they do not understand something or have made an error.  This is
  one reason why meeting agendas are preferred in advance.  Often a
  Vietnamese will respond to an uncomfortable or unpleasant situation with
  a smile or no expression, which should not be interpreted as a flippant
  or condescending attitude.  Tact, sensitivity and discretion are
  considered a more effective approach in such situations.

  In many cases, a Vietnamese counterpart will also be concerned with
  having the foreign party not lose "face." Therefore, the Vietnamese
  party will act as if they are approving the proposal or business idea,
  while in fact, they have decided not to pursue the deal.  This can be
  frustrating and confusing for foreign business executives.