- (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.
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