How to prepare interview

with Chinese people

(verbal and non-verbal)
Author: Vercinio Teodoro Bula
Lecturer: Raisi Dominic
Contents:
Introduction
Definition;
What is culture?
Preparing to interview a Chinese people;
How to behave during the interview with the Chinese people;
Important Notes
Conclusion
Bibliography;
 Introduction
When interviewing a Chinese we are facing a cross-cultural interview.

Cross-cultural interview the interviewer and interviewee have different

cultures.
Cross-cultural interviews can cross several barriers such as:
Barriers in language;
Gestures, Ideas, Attitudes;
Beliefs, laws, standards;
Customs, habits, skills;
And others.
Definition
The interview is a type of data collection tools where the questions are put by the interviewer to the
interviewee in oral form in order to obtain information. Kadushin (1997).

Verbal communication is any type of passage or exchange of information through written or spoken
language. Argyle (1988)

Non verbal communication is a form of communication in which the transfer of meaning is through
means such as body language and the use of physical space. Argyle (1988)
What is Culture?
According to Laraia (2012) said that
Culture is a set of ideas, attitudes,
beliefs, spoken and written language,
laws, morals, customs and all the
habits and skills acquired by the
human being, not only family, but also
to be part of a society which is a
member that are learned from
generation to generation through life
in society.
Cont.

To overcome the interview barrier with

Chinese people is necessary to know
some care before and during the
interview and ways of how to behave in
an interview with Chinese people
Preparing to interview a Chinese people

Precautions to take before starting an interview:

Meet the people who will interview (Obtain information about the
interviewee);
Explain the purpose of the interview;
Establish contact with the respondent, mark day, time and place and not
show haste;
Choose a location with little distraction;
Ask permission to record or film (if you want to record);
Indicate how long the interview usually takes;
Cont.
Precautions to take during an interview:
Respects the language of the respondent;
Keep an informal tone, but gently and without aggression.
Ensure an atmosphere of trust so that the interviewee feel at ease.
Observing the expressions, gestures, non-verbal signs, because they help
to understand the information;
During the interview, do not add any comments to the answers, or
demonstrate your personal opinion.
How to behave during the interview with the
Chinese people
Avoid direct contact with eyes - Staring into the eyes of your interviewee may be interpreted as a
hostile confrontation.

Long response time - In China, the periods of silence can be understood as mature reflection and
ability to engage in deep thought.

Apologize - if during the interview you have a mistake. The humility, sincerity and courtesy are
highly appreciated by the Chinese.

Do not criticize - do not criticize anyone or anything. It is better to change the subject when not
agree and should never be angry with delays or inaccuracies.
Cont.
Not rush or show impatience - For the North Americans, "time is money". For the Chinese, "Time is
time" and "money is money." In China it is believed that patience is synonymous with a strong
character, and added value in any interview.

Do not praise in excess - Accept with humility the praise if they do and not praise any part of the
body of a Chinese.

Do not use the wrong body language - The important thing in what is said to the Chinese is the way
you say. And also what is not said. Don't ignore, even if he doesn't realize a word of English, speak
toward him and look at him slightly. Be very attentive to body language, such as when shaking his
head.
Cont.

Avoid pointing the finger In most countries pointing with a finger or walk with their hands in
their pockets is a sign of poor education. But in China, beyond these gestures also should avoid
touching the arm of respondent.

Never get angry or raise your voice Avoid confrontations always tries to reach consensus and
harmony. Harmony is a value to be preserved in all circumstances.

Do not invade privacy - Keep your distance and avoid touching the arm of your interviewee.

Be punctual punctuality is respect for the commitment. Clear at the last minute is lack of respect
anywhere but in China, it is a very serious offense.
Important Notes

Dress and appearance - In some cultures, the quality and sophistication of your clothes
can reflect the quality and sophistication as a person.

The atmosphere of the interview - be a sympathetic and social.

Ask one question at a time.

Warning whenever you make the transition between the main topics.
Cont.

Avoid repetition or ask questions whose answer has been given.

Start with the questions most simple and leave to the end that need further reflection.

Do not let the interviewee to stretch too much on answers, not deviating from the subject.
 Conclusion
Interviewing Chinese people is an extremely challenging experience, the key to good
success in such interview is preparation. However, proper preparation is difficult if
you are not familiar with a culture.

To overcome this barrier is necessary to find out more about the culture, such as
Read books about the country's culture can help in the preparation and also talk to
Chinese citizens to learn about the way the interviews are held in his country.
 Bibliography
Fordschool (2014), Interviewing Across Cultures. [Online] Available from:
http://fordschool.umich.edu/downloads/InterviewCrossCultures.pdf
[Accessed: 14th October 2016]
1. Br.monografias (2015), Receiving Chinese visitors: Ten Mistakes to Avoid.
[Online] Available from:
https://translate.google.com.br/#pt/en/Recebendo%20visitantes%20chineses%
3A%20dez%20erros%20a%20evitar
[Accessed: 14th October 2016]
Public asu (2015), Interview as a Method for Interview as a Method for
Qualitative Research Qualitative Research [Online] Available from:
http://www.public.asu.edu/~kroel/www500/Interview%20Fri.pdf
[Accessed: 14th October 2016]
Management help (2014), General Guidelines for Conducting Research
Interviews [Online] Available from:
http://managementhelp.org/businessresearch/interviews.htm
[Accessed: 14th October 2016]