It is TRUE Asians, especially
Far-Easterners, never say 'No'.Well... to most of us...
But don't ever think of taking advantages on this 'opportunity', because it does not work that way.
Because when Asians say 'Yes', it does not always mean 'Yes' either.
No, they are not really lying. They are just saving your face. According to
culture, being said 'NO' to is very embarrassing. If an Asian gives you a 'NO', it means they won't want any more contact with you. And it means he/she is offending and insulting.
So... how could you get a right answer to your question?
Easy... Just ask
right question.
Be careful not to ask a wrong question -- for example, if you ask, "can you do that?" , an Asian employee or partner of yours will always say "Yes" even though he knows for sure what you've asked is not practical and
result will be more losses to
business.
This is because (1) He CAN really do what you've asked -- if he says he can't do it, it'll take his pride; and (2) Telling you your order is not quite right will embarrass you (according to
way he thinks). When he says yes, he is saving
faces of both you and himself.
For Asians who have been involving in International business for a long time, they could be different. But do you want to take a chance?