Asian Business Etiquette: Shaking Hands - "The Grip" (Part 1)
By Angi Ma Wong

The practice of handshaking traces its origins to Europe during the Middle Ages. Men extended their empty right hands in greeting to show that they were not armed with weapons. In Asia, the bow has for centuries been the proper greeting, whether it be executed from the waist, or from a kneeling position with one's head touching the floor in deference to a higher authority.

Basically, there are five kinds of handshakes that you will receive from your Asian clients and customers, and being the international citizen that you are, you will not be taken off guard, but rather adequately prepared to return any of these types. Remember that touching, hugging or kissing a stranger is not a customary practice among a great many Asians so you must go with the flow and do what the situation dictates.

The first is the Western handshake. Web to web, a good firm, but not bone-crushing grip facilitates shaking hands up and down. In the States receiving this handshake reveals a lot about your Asian business associate for those who have been exposed to American custom with return this heartily, e.g. an American of Asian ancestry or one who has traveled or conducted much business here. You can almost tell the professional women from the homemakers from the hand greeting they give.

Next: Shaking Hands: "The Dead Fish" (Part 2)

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"