Why Asian Don't Speak Up? (Part 2)

Continuation... Why Asians Don't Speak Up? (Part 1)

• We normally do not say no directly. This is considered rude. If a person says "I'll think about it." or "Yes, but...", this normally means NO. So be prepared to get a rejection by email, phone call or sms. As we are indirect, you could even receive a long email but if you read again and again, you know it only means no. We do this because we do not want the other person to lose face.

• We usually make friends, do project or business together ONLY if we have the trust, good relationship and we believe that we can work together as an in-group. Without these elements, the result would be negative red. So relationships come first and once we trust, it's hard to break it. Remember this when you want to invest/negotiate in Asia.
  
  
• This also explains "why you won't be left alone" if you live in Asia. Employers would even treat you like a family member. They will invite you to meals, bring you out, play sport together, call you just to know how you are doing etc
  

• If you invite your friends for dinner/lunch and they are quiet, it is okay. This is not a bad thing or insult especially if you cannot stand silence. For us, you being there is enough and hence, talking is not so important.

The above only explains one aspect of cutural dimensions. Maybe i will write more next time. Hopefully, you can understand more now. Thanks for reading.