Successful international communication is difficult, even when you think you’re prepared. Rob Hendriks is HR Business Partner at Zurich Insurance Singapore and an experienced expat. He lived in the UK, Australia, Indonesia and now Singapore. Most people assume that from a cultural point of view, the move to Asia looks like the most significant step. It isn’t.
An English treat
“When I started working in the UK I was invited to attend a board meeting on my first day. It seemed like a great opportunity to meet my colleagues. That morning I stepped into the meeting room, introduced myself to everyone with a firm handshake and sat down. The response of my colleagues was somewhat tame but I blamed it on the Monday morning blues.
The next day, during my English business course, the proper business introduction came up. Guess what? The custom is to walk into the room, sit down quietly and wait till the chairman introduces you.. Oops.”
English isn’t English everywhere
The concept of one ‘western culture’ is not correct. The culture of the UK is quite different compared to the Dutch, more hierarchic and formal. Compare this to Australia (a former British colony) and you find other contradictory habits like the popular ‘G’day, mate’ and other colourful language that would be unthinkable in business in other western countries.
“For my relocation to Australia we had the luxury of a 3-day culture course. We also discussed aspects of living in Australia. It was enlightening, but you can only truly experience the culture when you’re actually there. You think we Dutch are direct? Try living in Australia.
Australians get quickly down to business, practically without small talk and they expect the same from you. They appreciate brevity and bargaining is not common: they expect your proposition to simply have a narrow margin for negotiation. And keep in mind: punctuality is important so no Dutch we-always-start-5-minutes-late.”
Don’t settle for less
No western culture, so no Asian culture as well. “Working in multiple countries in Asia I see the differences very clearly. In Singapore lunch is important but in Indonesia all lights automatically go out: lunch is social time and not working time.
In Singapore the unemployment rate is low, it’s easy to find another job. Combined with the flexible labour law, it leads to lack of intrinsic motivation and the focus on salary. Changing jobs without a raise is unthinkable in Singapore.
Other remarkable characteristic is the pressure on achievements. We Dutch often are satisfied with the proverbial ‘six’. In Singapore children start learning very early and are pressured to be the best. Reason is their moral obligation to enhance the family pride, bad behaviour will bring shame to the family.
Korea is even worse: if you don’t belong to the absolute top, you’re nothing. Its society has placed so much emphasis on academic achievement that it makes those who are unable to achieve it, feel left out.
Be culture clever
As an HR professional I believe that being clever in your job is not enough. Soft skills are absolutely necessary to be successful. Even if you have both, you’ll make mistakes. A culture training can help but you have to be patient. Important is that as long as you show respect, your mistakes will be forgiven, no matter in which culture you are.
See also our Succesful Expat Program
