How Asian and Western Cultures Differ

I am often asked for specific examples illustrating the specific ways in which cultures differ. An interesting white paper entitled "The Challenges of Being Different" written by Raymond Selvaraj contrasts Asian and Western cultures and highlights the importance of culture in navigating diversity, particularly in the workplace.

An Indian living in New Zealand, his perspective as a "minority" on the pressures to assimilate and compete with "majority" culture echo many of the issues minorities face in America. Summarizing one of the main challenges faced in corporate America, he points out that "Minorities need to work harder to prove themselves and take up more challenges to be recognised as equal team members," and at the same time, acknowledges that "The last thing one wants to believe is that advancement was brought on by race, rather than skills."

Particularly valuable, is the contrast he provides between Asian and Western cultures, briefly summarized below:

• Asian: Group interests, group harmony, and consensus transcend individual concerns
  
  Western: Individual concerns matter most and majority rules
  
  
• Asian: Actions speak louder than words - "Asians are less likely to utter the phrase 'thank you' to peers and this is often misinterpreted as 'rude.' In fact, Asians are likely to carry on with the appreciation and reciprocate it at a different occasion." In a similar vein, Asians are more likely to show love than announce it.
  
  Western: Western philosophy in this regard can be summed up in the old adage: Say what you mean, and mean what you say. We aren't sure we are loved, until someone tells us they do. We place a premium on words, as well as polite gestures.
  
  
• Asian: Asians are wary of using and interpreting non-verbals, which often has the effect of making them appear to be inaccessible and closed. A smile can often be a signal of discomfort and embarrassment.
  
  Western: Wearing our hearts on our sleeves, we rely on non-verbals to communicate what we mean and interpret what others are trying to say. Researchers have discovered that over 80% of what gets communicated in the U.S. stems from non-verbals! Smiles are almost always interpreted as an indication of happiness.
  
  
• Asian: Eye contact is a sign of aggression and/or disobedience.
  
  Western: Eye contact is expected, particularly in business situations, as traits such as trustworthiness and honesty are assigned to direct eye contact.
  
  
• Asian: Stemming from their hierarchical societies, many Asians demonstrate loyalty by waiting for leaders to exercise their authority and make decisions for the team.
  
  Western: Weseterns, on the other hand, may equate reliance on leadership direction with lack of initiative, which is a sure career-killer in today's competitive environment. Those who stand up and take the initiative are those who are considered to demonstrate natural leadership abilities.

Further illustrating these differences and providing insight into the way westerners are viewed by eastern cultures, Raymond Selvaraj shares a poem written by Dr. Mai Van Trang of the Indochinese Resources Center. A brief excerpt is included here. (The white paper contains the poem in its entirety):

We are always at rest. You are always on the move.
We like to contemplate. You like to act.
We accept the world as it is. You try to change the world according to your blueprint.
We live in peace with nature. You try to impose your will in her.
Religion is our first love. Technology is your passion.
We believe in freedom of silence. You believe in freedom of speech.
We marry first, then love. You love first, then marry.
Our marriage is the beginning of a love affair. Your marriage is the happy end of a romance.
Our love is mute. Your love is vocal.
Self-denial is our secret to survival. Self-assertiveness is the key to your success.
We are taught from the cradle to want less and less. You are urged every day to want more and more.

When we listen to voices from other cultures, only then can we understand how cultures truly differ. And only when we understand how cultures truly differ, can we see how misunderstandings can easily result from simple differences in perspective and meaning.

I've heard over and over from those who believe that discourse on diversity and multicultural perspectives is pointless, or worse, that it is damaging. In response, I ask, if we do not work to understand how and where our worldviews diverge, then how can we ever figure out how and where we can come together?