pick one countrys costume etiquette choosing in business that you have observed recently and study and analyze the difference between their business costume manner and vietnameses

Given the multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Korea, it is imperative to comprehensively examine the similarities and differences in business attire bet

UNIVERSITY OF TRANSPORT HO CHI MINH CITY

IcC STEP IN IEC, STEP OUT INTO THE WORLD

GROUP REPORT

UNIT: Business Etiquette TOPIC: Pick one country’s costume etiquette choosing in business that you have observed recently, and study and analyze the difference

between their business costume manner and Vietnamese’s

Student name: V6 Nhu Thao - IEC22LSM028

Huynh Dac Nguyén Khang - IEC2301024

D6 Tran Thai An - IEC2301003

Dang Nguyén Thu Hang - IEC22LSM043 Nguyễn Hoàng Phú Tài - IEC22LSM001

Instructor: Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc

Submission date: 17/10/2023

2 Business cos†ume manner - L1 0101121112210 112111 01111121111211 111111 H1 H 1H xa 7 a Male business cosfume L0 0 12 112112211111 11111111111 1111 0111101111211 khay 7 Ì OF@A Q.00 00212 221110211111 H1 HH HH Hà HH TH HH HH HC HH ra 7 il VICTIM AII oo cccccccceccc cece tects c eet etee cee teetesceesieeesssetiestestestisstisestiesieisttitsseteees 9 b Female business cos†ume L0 000 12 1211112211221 1111111 H 1H này 10 A./ A 10 ih 20 e teen e eile cde belie ete tdetiecteteetitsietitetistisiiesiectititeteenes 11

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V REFERENCES 19

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3: Korean business aflire He Figure 4: Korean business aflire HH re Figure 5: Vietnamese DUSINGSS affire He

Figure 6: Women's Korean office affire HH ky Figure 7: Women's Korean office affire ky

Figure 8: Vietnamese woman Office attire cece eteteeeteeee Figure 9: Vietnamese woman Office attire eect etree Figure 10: Inappropriate costume in busineSs Figure 11: ConfLiClUS cS n2 HH1 11121111

Figure 12: Junior emijployees - S1 S22 12 H11 ye

Figure 13: light-colored shirts without neckfies

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Inappropriate Clothing in business LH 1 H1 HH Hs

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I INTRODUCTION

Successful entrepreneurs often have a keen understanding of the business costume etiquette of the organizations they collaborate with In this way, they can foster sustainable cooperation between two businesses, thereby facilitating bilateral

connections between nations There are certain kinds of differences in costume at

work between Vietnam and Korea Such differences may have considerable impact not only on the external relations in business but also on Korean-invested enterprises in Vietnam, ultimately influencing long-term cooperation Given the multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Korea, it is imperative to comprehensively examine the similarities and differences in business attire between the two cultures This report focuses on analyzing the similarities and

differences between Korea and Vietnam in terms of business attire and their

implications on professional conduct, along with offering recommendations for suitable international business fashion styles

ll CONTENT 1 The origin of the costumes:

In the past, two traditional garments, the Ao Giao Linh from Vietnam and the Hanbok from South Korea, stood out as particularly suitable for modern business standards, combining practicality with formality The Ao Giao Linh, worn by people of all classes in Vietnam before the French conquest, was a versatile robe derived from the Chinese Han garment, offering wearers a great deal of freedom of movement Meanwhile, the Hanbok has been an integral part of Korean culture since the Three Kingdoms of Korea period, having undergone various changes influenced by neighboring cultures like the Chinese and Japanese, eventually evolving into the iconic costume known today In the present day, the modern formal attire of Vietnam and South Korea, heavily influenced by Western fashion, exhibits numerous similarities, bordering on near-identical elements

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Specific details about these contemporary clothing items will be elaborated on in the following section

2 Business costume manner: a Male business costume:

i Korea: Although Korea is famous for its national costume ‘hanbok', for men, its prevalence in business has notably declined over the years, primarily owing to its design In recent years, Korean clothing has been heavily influenced by Western clothing but still retains the country's characteristics of being conservative and modest Specifically, in business, men will often wear dark office suits such as black, gray, brown, navy with a tie and white shirt In addition, because the winter weather here is quite harsh, the outfit can be changed into a vest and sweater inside to keep the body warm Complementing accessories remain minimal, comprising predominantly black or brown Western-style shoes, understated watches, and simple jewelry Grooming practices underscore well- combed hair and clean skin, with a preference for avoiding colorful buttons or socks

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Figure 3: Korean business attire Source: (Pinterest, 2023)

Figure 4: Korean business attire Source: (Pinterest, 2022)

I1 Vietnam: While Vietnam has a traditional dress Known as the Ao Dai, its contemporary use in professional settings is limited to specific job requirements Vietnamese formal business outfit is modernized in accordance with Western clothing standards Men's formal wear in Vietnam embodies a modest aesthetic, often featuring vests paired with trousers in somber tones such as black, gray, brown, and navy There are typically two primary sorts of shirts: long-sleeved shirts worn in the

winter and short-sleeved shirts worn in other seasons Ties and other

accessories are often the same shade as the clothing Footwear choices favor closed-toe shoes in neutral shades, reflecting European fashion sensibilities Personal grooming norms emphasize neatly trimmed nails, well-styled hair, and an overall polished appearance

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Figure 7: Women's Korean office attire Source: (Miller, 2022)

1 Vietnam: The economic development of Vietnam is greatly influenced by the role that Vietnamese women play today They have more options than men do for business dress, and it is diverse They can dress formally in dresses or suits; blouses or other tops must have necklines and be neutral in color, such as black, navy blue, or beige Due to inconvenience and out of respect, they won't wear skirts that are too short above the knee Flats or low heels are frequently used as footwear due to the business culture's emphasis on conservative style and humility The qualities of being small, delicate, and unobtrusive are also used to

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pick accessories like jewelry Dark colors like black, brown, and other shades are used to color and precisely trim hair

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3 Inappropriate business costume:

When it comes to dressing in a formal business setting, there are certain things that should be avoided at all costs Listed below are some examples of what not to wear and why they are inappropriate for a professional environment:

1 Loud colors, patterns, and accessories: opt for understated choices that don't overshadow your professional demeanor or divert attention from your work Vibrant hues, bold patterns, and extravagant accessories might inadvertently clash with the company's dress code or culture, projecting an image that could be misconstrued Opting for subtle, elegant colors, patterns, and accessories is advisable, ensuring a refined and suitable appearance for any given occasion

Casual clothes will make you look less serious and affect your professional image while they can be impractical in certain situations (Jeans and T-shirts can be wrinkled easily and sneakers may not be comfortable to wear for long hours)

Wearing revealing clothes gives off the impression that the wearer is dressing for a party or date instead of work and can also be understood as saying wearer is trying to seduce his/her boss or client

Too revealing and flashy items can be extremely distracting to the other party and make you stand out in a bad way This is especially true if your company has a uniform or a fixed dress code So, you should choose subtle elegant and appropriate colors, patterns, and accessories to do

Table 1: Inappropriate clothing in business

Halter (ops ize Low-cut Tops Leggings

Figure 10: Inappropriate costume in business

Things that we have learned/experienced/observed:

Dressing with due consideration and respect not only reflects your personal style and professionalism but also signifies your awareness and respect for diverse cultural values and social norms Following the appropriate business attire etiquette can serve as a bridge to form meaningful relationships with people from different backgrounds and cultures This is crucial for achieving harmonious and respectful communication between individuals Interestingly, when comparing the business attire etiquette of Korea and Vietnam, we can see both similarities and differences These can be attributed to various factors, such as historical events, geography, societal structures, and cultural customs These influences have collectively shaped how people present themselves in a professional setting, highlighting their cultures’ unique and decadent aspects

Business costume comparison:

a Similarities:

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Both Vietnam and Korea follow the principles of Confucianism, which emphasize the significance of respect, modesty, and harmony in interpersonal relationships In business meetings, both nations prefer conservative and formal attire Men usually wear dark-colored suits with ties, while women often choose to wear skirts and blouses This clothing choice reflects their adherence to traditional norms and demonstrates their seriousness and professionalism in business

Figure 11: Confucius Source: (Buckingham, 2020)

It is important to note that in both countries, individuals tend to avoid wearing extravagant or attention-grabbing clothing in professional settings This includes avoiding bright colors, hats, sunglasses, shorts, sandals, visible tattoos, facial hair, or anything that might express excessive individuality Instead, they prioritize a more reserved and understated appearance that aligns with their cultural values of modesty and respect for others By adhering to these dress codes, individuals from both countries can convey their commitment to professionalism and respect for the business environment

It's worth noting that both Vietnam and South Korea attach great importance to dressing following one's status and role in business relationships This implies

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that people often consider their rank or position in the company when selecting their clothing For instance, higher-ups or senior employees may wear more formal and refined attire to showcase their authority and experience In contrast, junior employees may choose more modest clothing to exhibit deference and

respect towards their superiors

Figure 12: Junior employees

Source: (Syed, 2019)

b Differences: Korean business attire is known for its strict and uniform nature, which contrasts with Vietnamese business attire, especially in the northern region of Vietnam A wide variety of clothing choices can be observed, and greater flexibility and diversity are apparent Korean women usually choose bright pastel tones or elegant formal dresses with high necklines, which radiate sophistication and refinement Vietnamese women, on the other hand, tend to prefer darker hues, which exude understated elegance They often wear traditional ao dai dresses with alluring low necklines that reflect the country's rich cultural heritage Regarding business attire, Korean men usually wear white shirts perfectly matched with ties and dark-colored suits tailored to perfection This showcases their professionalism and elegance On the other hand, Vietnamese men tend to prefer a more relaxed and casual style, often opting for khaki pants or light- colored shirts without neckties This allows them to feel comfortable while still

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looking professional Additionally, while Korean business attire can change depending on the occasion and season, Vietnamese business attire remains consistent throughout the year, maintaining a sense of tradition and uniformity

3 Things to improve:

Regarding business etiquette and dress code, it's crucial to deeply understand and respect the diverse cultural differences and preferences in different countries This means recognizing and valuing the discrepancies in clothing choices in various situations and contexts Being adaptable and flexible is vital as it allows you to adjust your attire to suit the specific circumstances at hand This

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flexibility demonstrates your understanding and appreciation of the intricacies and nuances that underpin the diverse fabric of international cultures It's also essential to approach these matters with an open mind and curiosity, as this attitude helps you gain valuable insights and wisdom from the customs and traditions of each country By adopting this approach, you can truly celebrate and honor the richness and diversity that characterizes the global cultural landscapes, contributing to a more harmonious and respectful world

IV CONCLUSION

Vietnamese women typically wear business suits or dresses in understated, neutral tones, ensuring a professional appearance that exudes elegance, comfort, and courtesy They tend to choose minimalist accessories but good quality and light makeup so that they can become elegant, comfortable, and courteous Vietnamese

men wear conservative suits as well as ties with sedate colors which are suitable for

their offices Vietnamese has a wide range of choices: suits, formal pants or even the traditional costume “Ao Dai”

Korean women wear long skirts or suits with soft pastel colors in the workplace and they like to incorporate items like statement earrings, scarves especially in the winter

to elevate their outfits Korean men wear dark office suits with ties and with white

shirts, the outfit can be changed into a vest and sweater to keep their body warm in the winter They also choose minimalist accessories which are appropriate in business

The orientation for the future: National councils should organize many cultural exchange activities between two countries to increase the long-lasting relationship and to popularize knowledge not only in business costume etiquette but also in other aspects ranging language, custom, food from music

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