Duke Law in China: Andrea Baker '90
Consul, U.S. Consulate General, Shanghai
Baker first went to Shanghai in 1985, as an undergraduate enrolled in the "Duke in China" program. She has been posted to the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai for the past two years.
When I went to China as a Duke undergraduate in 1985, I attracted a lot of attention–many people had never seen a Caucasian. The tallest building in Shanghai at that time was probably seven stories high. In the past 10 years, it has gone from a dirty, crowded city with poor infrastructure, to an incredibly modern one. About 4,000 American companies currently operate in Shanghai. I can get French, Thai, Mexican, or American food delivered to my home, and there’s a Starbucks on every corner. And I’m no longer an oddity–at least 8,000 Americans live in Shanghai full time.
Westerners doing business here should be aware of fundamental differences between western and Chinese approaches to negotiations. Whereas Americans are used to sitting down and getting straight to the point, the Chinese employ a more patient style. Far more listening is involved. In terms of business etiquette, treat business cards with reverence. Offer yours with two hands and a slight bow, and accept another in the same way, giving it your full attention. Then put it away carefully.