4 main differences between Asian and European work culture

Work culture is one of the key factors that affects the way a company operates and its success. When western companies recruit IT specialists from Vietnam, they often have to deal with cultural differences that can affect their effectiveness. In this article, we will discuss these differences and provide tips on how to deal with them.

1. Hierarchy

The culture of hierarchy is more prevalent in Vietnam than in western countries. Respecting hierarchy is very important in Vietnamese culture and has a big impact on communication and decision-making. Vietnamese employees often expect instructions from their superiors and do not feel comfortable making decisions without their approval. In western companies, however, employees are expected to be more independent and make decisions based on their own judgment.

It is important for western managers to be clear in their expectations and also to provide a work environment that encourages Vietnamese employees to express their opinions. It is worth considering onboarding training in autonomy to encourage decision-making directly by employees.

2. Communication

Vietnamese tend to avoid conflicts and criticism, which means they do not always speak directly about their problems or concerns. In western companies, however, open and direct communication is crucial.

How to deal with this: Western managers should show openness and invite Vietnamese employees to have honest conversations. They should also encourage them to share their thoughts and expectations, as well as to ask questions when they have doubts. It is worth verbally rewarding them for expressing their own opinions and reporting their mistakes, to break the eastern upbringing

3. Time Management:

In Vietnam, the work culture is less “time-oriented” than in Western countries. This means that employees may be more inclined to stop and chat with colleagues or set aside a project to help with another task. In Western firms, time is usually treated as a valuable resource, and time planning and control are crucial. To deal with this cultural difference, clear and precise schedules and expectations should be established to minimize misunderstandings and ensure proper time management.

4. Group Work:

In the Vietnamese work culture, working in a group is valued more than individual work. Employees usually value their relationships with other team members and strive to maintain a positive atmosphere in the workplace.

However, the approach to group work in Vietnam may differ from Western standards. For example, in Asia, it may be more acceptable for one team member to take on the majority of the project or make most of the decisions, while in Western firms, work is typically expected to be evenly distributed among all team members, and decisions are made through discussion and consultation. Therefore, it is essential to discuss issues related to the approach to group work during the recruitment process and clarify expectations to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts in the future.

Summary:

In summary, cultural differences between East and West can affect the way people work and the relationships between employees. It is essential to understand these differences and learn to adapt to both cultures to succeed in recruiting Vietnamese programmers and retaining them long-term in the company. Paying attention to aspects such as hierarchy, communication, working time, interpersonal relationships, and initiating changes in the company’s organizational culture can help facilitate the integration of Asian employees and build positive relationships within the team. It is also important to provide cultural difference training and implement an integration policy to ensure that all employees feel comfortable and valued in their work. Ultimately, using strategies that consider cultural differences can help increase employee engagement and satisfaction, leading to greater productivity and company success.