Learning the Far East: Different Countries, Cultures and Ways of Doing Business 1966 - 1968
Different Countries
Working and travelling in the Far East (South East Asia) requires a good attitude towards many things that are different from your home country, in my case the USA. Each country has it's own flavor, tempo, sounds, smells and local people. Each of these countries had some unique aspects as well as those in common with many Asian countries. To understand some of these factors see the following: Taiwan, Republic of China (Taiwan), Philippines (Philippines), Singapore (Singapore), Malaysia (Malaysia) and Thailand (Thailand) especially in the 1960's. I was fortunate to quickly understand some of these differences since I was living in Hong Kong and frequently visiting these other Asian countries several times a year and in the case of Taiwan, sometimes several times a month. Travelling with a US passport was much easier for me than for the Chinese staff in our Hong Kong office so I frequently made last minute trips to these various places (see Travel History 1965 to 1968).
Different Cultures
Culture is usually defined as: shared beliefs and values of group; the beliefs, customs, practices, and social behavior of a particular nation or people as well as shared attitudes: a particular set of attitudes that characterizes a group of people and art, music, literature, and related intellectual activities, considered collectively. Frequently these various aspects of a culture can be overwhelming, resulting in "culture shock." Fortunately ways of doing business are usually not that drastically different to cuase this effect, but other aspects relating to daily life can be strenuous.
Different Ways of doing Business
There are many things that are common among the South East Asian Business communities but there are also some significant differences. One of the key differences from the US is the importance of relationships. In the 1960's business relationships in the US were often "arms length" in nature. In today's business relationships are much more important. But, in the 1960's they were very important. Getting to know your business associates was extremely important and consumed many hours of social activity which in some cases was very pleasant and in others very trying on ones patience.
Lessons Learned about "Doing Business" in a Different Culture
Have an open mind about cultures that are different from your own.
Realize that everyone is proud of most aspects of their culture.
Increase your knowledge of a specific area before attempting to do business there.
Research the firms that you might be engaging in business transactions.
Try to determine the power structure of each organization.
Politely determine the levels of authority you may encounter.
Determine the level of authority of the person you are dealing with as frequently the controlling executive may not speak English and you may be dealing with an underling because they can speak English.
Have patience and do not attempt to rush the progress of your negotiations. many Americans are considered to be too direct and pushy.
Start with small transactions and build the relationship upon your experience with a particular firm.
Remember that polite agreement should not always be taken seriously.