POSCO : [Jemisen kim`s Beyond Global Business Manners!] Mongolians are schooled in tough negotiation tactics
- (Mongolia - the country with the deep blue sky )
Despite the popularity of the Genghis Khan leadership model in Korea, and linguistic and cultural similarities between Mongolia and Korea, the land-locked nation is far from understood in the Korean business world.
Located between Russia and China, Mongolia has been a political and economic underdog since its Golden Age led by Chieftain Tamujin - better known as Genghis Khan in the rest of the world. Conquering much of Asia, he founded the Mongol Empire, one of the largest empires in human history. A country rich in natural resources, Mongolia is now becoming increasingly important to the future of Korean businesses.
(Mongol business manners & etiquette)
A first greeting is performed casually. A brief nod of the head or a smile with the greeting, ``Sain bain uu?`` (Are you well?) will be enough in most cases and the most natural response is ``sain`` (well), even if you are not feeling well. In a formal Mongol greeting, one normally extends both arms to hug. The younger person should support the elder person`s arms from below the elbows. The older person will often grasp the head of the younger and smell their hair or face. Of course, you can also offer your hand for a normal handshake when you meet your business associate for the first time.
It is advised to roll down your sleeves before taking or giving something, or before being introduced to an older person - even when the weather is hot. The most common way of starting a conversation is asking about the wellness of his or her family. In rural areas, livestock and even the condition of pasture can be good topic of conversation. In a Mongolian home, food, tea or vodka can be offered, depending on the situation. You should always receive these items with your right hand, with your left hand supporting the right elbow. When offering a cigarette, you should also offer to light it. Lighting a cigarette from a candle is considered bad luck. It is not polite to say no when the host offers tea, food or dairy products.
(Communication with Mongolians)
Mongolians are known for their hospitality. That, however, should not be taken to mean that Mongolians are pushovers. For thousands of years they have been shrewd traders - making tough negotiators. Discussions are likely to become animated as they like proposals presented clearly and in an energetic manner. You should be careful not to openly contradict senior members as this could be interpreted as a lack of discipline.
Despite the popularity of the Genghis Khan leadership model in Korea, and linguistic and cultural similarities between Mongolia and Korea, the land-locked nation is far from understood in the Korean business world.
Located between Russia and China, Mongolia has been a political and economic underdog since its Golden Age led by Chieftain Tamujin - better known as Genghis Khan in the rest of the world. Conquering much of Asia, he founded the Mongol Empire, one of the largest empires in human history. A country rich in natural resources, Mongolia is now becoming increasingly important to the future of Korean businesses.
(Mongol business manners & etiquette)
A first greeting is performed casually. A brief nod of the head or a smile with the greeting, ``Sain bain uu?`` (Are you well?) will be enough in most cases and the most natural response is ``sain`` (well), even if you are not feeling well. In a formal Mongol greeting, one normally extends both arms to hug. The younger person should support the elder person`s arms from below the elbows. The older person will often grasp the head of the younger and smell their hair or face. Of course, you can also offer your hand for a normal handshake when you meet your business associate for the first time.
It is advised to roll down your sleeves before taking or giving something, or before being introduced to an older person - even when the weather is hot. The most common way of starting a conversation is asking about the wellness of his or her family. In rural areas, livestock and even the condition of pasture can be good topic of conversation. In a Mongolian home, food, tea or vodka can be offered, depending on the situation. You should always receive these items with your right hand, with your left hand supporting the right elbow. When offering a cigarette, you should also offer to light it. Lighting a cigarette from a candle is considered bad luck. It is not polite to say no when the host offers tea, food or dairy products.
(Communication with Mongolians)
Mongolians are known for their hospitality. That, however, should not be taken to mean that Mongolians are pushovers. For thousands of years they have been shrewd traders - making tough negotiators. Discussions are likely to become animated as they like proposals presented clearly and in an energetic manner. You should be careful not to openly contradict senior members as this could be interpreted as a lack of discipline.
Therefore, opposition to ideas of older Mongolians should be indicated in an indirect manner. Mongolians may feign anger or display intransigence, but these are pretty often tactics rather than deeply rooted emotions.
By Jemisen Kim (International Manners Academy)
ima@ima-korea.com
By Jemisen Kim (International Manners Academy)
ima@ima-korea.com
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