It is often very easy to judge people based on our own set of beliefs and values. We have heard of the need to place ourselves in other people’s shoes and this is so especially true when one is dealing with people from other cultures.
During my exchange to Denmark, I had a module that is solely based on group work and my Singaporean friend and I was paired up with two other Danes. Perhaps due to my long accustomed mode of group work in Singapore, I was expecting to go straight down to business once we are given our projects to do. However, during the first few meetings, while my friend and I are already considering the project, the two Danes are joking around and taking things slowly. At first I was quite frustrated, as I thought that the few hours that we met are quite a waste of time as nothing substantial was done. However, after the first few meetings, I realize this is their mode of working. They actually do take their work seriously, they just express themselves differently. Through half joking and half seriousness ( they have the ability to crack jokes in the middle of a dead serious discussion), they can turn in work that is of a high standard and allowed my friend and me to appreciate their different but brilliant way of thinking.
This is a valuable experience as it shows that things in life can be treated in a more light-hearted manner while ensuring quality deliverance. Perhaps this different outlook can be a way of dealing with the piling stress that we sometimes feel in Singapore.
Hi SiXiao,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very clear post and I can see that the post is keep short and sweet which makes it easy for me to follow through your post.
You raised the point with regards to the judgment of others' behaviors based on our own beliefs and values, yes I agree with you that judgement should not occur if one wish to have effective communication with the other party. However, it is heartwarming to know how you eventually understood where the Danes were coming from and their culture of incorporating humour into work. It is good to mention in the post what you have gained out of this experience as it shows that you have not only been involved in an intercultural conflict but also learn something from it.
For this post, I also noticed that excellent structure of the post: introduction, conflict and conclusion. Keep it up!
Regards,
Shu Yan
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Si Xiao,
ReplyDeleteThis post is clear and concise. I am able to read through it without much effort.
It is nice to work in a different environment with people from different cultures. I agree with you that we should withhold our judgement while working with others. Your post reminds me of how stressful Singapore can be. I read an article in The New Paper about work life in Singapore and Australia. I had scanned and uploaded it here.
http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae160/gohkenneth/IMG_0001.jpg
Regards
Kenneth
Dear Si Xiao
ReplyDeleteI am wondering whether it is the typical behaviour of Danes to joke and clown around and be serious at the same time. It's a pity you didn't ask them.
Here's a link to doihng danish business:
http://www.globalnegotiationresources.com/cou/Denmark.pdf
Perhaps you could sum up the responses and conclude with a parting remark.
Regards
Happy
Hi Si Xiao,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting post you have written as the scenario is not something I have encountered or heard of before.
It is indeed intriguing to see a different style of working, unlike the Singapore, straight-forward way, but just as effective. What I liked most of all was that in spite of the cultural difference, you were able to realize and understand them in time to ensure a cordial working relationship, instead of a forced and unpleasant one.
It is therefore vital that we take a step back and put our personal biases aside which might blur our vision of better things, things we can learn from.
Overall, it was a very easy to read and well-written post, except for a few errors in tenses you might want to watch out for.
Regards,
Prameet
Dear all,
ReplyDeleteThank you all for taking the time to read and comment. Your efforts are very much appreciated :)
To Kenneth,
Thank you for taking the effort to find and scan the post! That is one interesting read that brought a new perspective to things.
The Australians,just like the Danes, work less hours and enjoy more leisure time. I have always thought it is just that they learn to enjoy life more while Asians are too stuck into the notion that working hard is the key to success. This point about efficiency and not a matter of dilligence is a very refreshing point for me! Definitely a wake up call to how we soon-to-be graduates should approach our future jobs.
To Ms Goh,
I think your link would have been very useful for students going on an exchange to Denmark to read beforehand! I wished I had known about how it is normal for periods of silence in between conversations as it would have prevented my friend and I from some awkward moments during interaction with Danes. In addition,the part about women equality is very true indeed. Working women in Denmark are known to be successful and earn a very high salary. However, the point about Danes generally given to speaking in quiet and gentle tones does not quite fit in with my memory of my Danish people. They strike me as a fun loving lot who do not hesitate physical contact among close buddies and is often given to speaking in loud tones, especially when they are feeling happy. Then again, perhaps the passage is more in context with Danes' behavior in a business setting. An interesting and informative read nonetheless.
Regards,
sixiao