Sitting --- I had the privilege of serving in various Asian countries for 15 years. In many of them (especially in Eastern Asia), the place where one sits is of paramount importance and it can make or break a relationship or negotiation. This is true for any seating, from the dinner table to the negotiation room. And it is true in professional as well as social meetings. People will sit in a strict order which is pre-set and which gives preference (or the place of honor) to either the oldest in the room or the person of highest rank. Breaking these rules can cause grave offence.

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx