Taiwan Introduction

The Taiwanese migrated to Mainland China starting in AD 500. Taiwan has a population of approximately 20.5 million. The official language is Mandarin Chinese. Most businessmen speak and understand English. It is governed by a multiparty republican system. Taiwan is often referred to as Nationalist China. Although the Taiwanese practice a variety of religions the culture is strongly influenced by Confucianism.

Taiwan Fun Fact

Taiwan has a very young population. Almost 50 percent of the population are under thirty.

Religion in Taiwan

* WORLD FACTBOOK 2011

Due to the philosophical similarity of Buddhist and Shinto societies, these have been consolidated for the purposes of this study. These countries have the closest correlation with Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), which is the same correlation that the majority of Catholic countries have demonstrated. (See the accompanying article)

Taiwan Appearance

  Conservative dress for men is changing rapidly to a more open style, due largely in part to the younger staff.

  Women should dress conservatively as well with a simple skirt and blouse.

  Causal activities should reflect a modest dress.

  Appearance should be neat and clean.

  Winking is inappropriate in any situation.

  Do not touch another person’s shoulders.

  Do not touch anyone’s head particularly the head of someone’s child. Children are held in very high regard in Taiwan.

  Do not touch or point at anything with your feet, they are considered dirty.

 Business hours are very similar to Western countries and may sometimes be longer as the Taiwanese people are very hard working.

 Business relationships are based on respect.

 Meet face-to-face if possible.

 Elders make the decisions.

 Always include a senior executive in meetings.

 Candor is not appreciated.

 Divide topics into segments for presentations.

 Direct presentations to the senior ranking individual.

 Have all new products registered and or patented to avoid copying.

 Translate all written documents.

 Subtlety is key.

 Modify tone and volume as not to appear loud.

 Do not visit a home without an invitation.  

 Do not discard food from your mouth back to your plate or bowl.

 Good topics during dinner include art, family, and Chinese sightseeing.

 Gift giving is common practice in business - see gift giving section.

 Good choices are items with your company logo on them for your first visit to Taiwan.

 Give and receive gifts with both hands.

 Gifts will not be opened in your presence.

 Food is a good gift.

 Avoid giving knives, scissors or cutting tools as they symbolize the cutting off of friendships.

 A nod of your head is an appropriate greeting.

 Handshakes are for casual meetings and introductions.

 Bowing slightly is a good way to show respect with your hands to your sides and your feet together - More Japanese than Chinese.

 Business has become westernized and both men and women shake hands.

 "Have you eaten?’ is a standard greeting. It is more of a rhetorical question.

 Always wait for introductions.

 Punctuality is of great importance in Taiwan.

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