Asian Business Etiquette:
What If Someone Bows To You First?
By Angi Ma Wong

You have a choice of responses to someone bowing to you. You may return a deep bow, a slight dipping of your head, or smile and extend your hand for a handshake when the other person straightens up. Should you choose the first, you will know how low to bow because you have determined the rank of the other person by closely examining his business card. If you can't see his business card ahead of time, let the other person's age determine your bowing position...the older the person is, the lower you go.

How many times do you bow? The rule is to bow as many times as the other person, but be the last one to straighten up. Believe me, no one predetermines the number once he or she gets started! Relying on your superior instincts, you stop bowing when your partner does.

In the United States, we enjoy the game of one upsmanship. For those who bow, it's the opposite game of "one downsmanship." Each person tries to outdo the other person in humility! This is where the answer to the question, "How low does a person bow?" lies. You should assume the "more humble" stance by bowing just a bit lower than the other person. You know what level this is because you are bowing just a bit behind your companion. As his head is dipping, you immediately follow suit. By this time, you will have gauged how deeply he has bowed and your head is just a bit lower than his.

Next: Exchanging Business Cards - Part I

1. Bowing
2. What If Someone Bows To You First?
3. Exchanging Business Cards (Part 1)
4. Exchanging Business Cards (Part 2)
5. Shaking Hands:- "The Grip" (Part 1)
6. Shaking Hands: "The Dead Fish" (Part 2)
7. Shaking Hands: "The Non-Handshake" (Part 3)
8. "Silence is Golden"