Training about Asian American values, cross-cultural communication and the work place in the context of a faith-based non-profit organization.
Text of Asian American Values, Cross-Cultural Communication and the Work Place
Self Examination: I am
ASIAN AMERICAN VALUES, CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION AND THE WORK PLACE TechMission, April 2008
Agenda
Self Examination: I am
Why is Ethnicity Important?
Dont Stereotype
Asian American vs. Mainstream (Western) Values
What Colleagues May Say About Asian Americans
Asian American Behaviors and Mainstream Perceptions
Good Organizations for Asian Americans
Why This is Important in This Context (Jesus, Justice)
Reflection
Questions // For Possible Future Discussion or Training
Self Examination: Ethnic Identity Questionnaire
Why is Ethnicity Important? 1
A Good Summary Statement from Paul
For though I am free from all, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more. And to the Jews I become as a Jew, that I might win the Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law, though not being myself under the Law, that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some. (1 Cor.9:19-22)
Lesson : God communicates spiritual truths through human languages and cultures. Hence if we are to better understand God, we must understand ethnicity and culture. And if we are to better let God love others through us, we must understand ethnicity and culture.
Self Examination: Ethnic Identity Questionnaire: Take home: Take 20-30 minutes to answer the following questions on your own.
Dont Stereotype 2
These are generalities and there are always exceptions. These can simply be helpful categories to reflect upon.
As generalizations, may not totally reflect the values of specific Asian Americans or specific Asian groups. While organizations reward those who hold the dominant cultural values at the managerial level, values of both groups are important
For those in minority groups, if brought up in primarily mainstream environments, will have had to learn at least some Mainstream (Western) values to survive.
Those who have lived several generations in the US may find themselves holding values from both cultures.
What Colleagues May Say About Asian Americans 2
From a workshop survey of 40 young professionals, ages 23-35, Asian and non-Asian
General description:
quiet, dont speak up
Submissive
Good at math/science
Good producers/hardworking
Smart
Well educated
Dont ask a lot of questions
Not involved with the community
Cliquish with other Asians
Not fluent in English/perceived as foreigners
Loyal/dont do a lot of job-hopping
What Colleagues May Say About Asian Americans 2
From a workshop survey of 40 young professionals, ages 23-35, Asian and non-Asian
Perceived behaviors:
They tend to not speak up in meetings or wait their turns in meetings.
They rarely complain about policies or work initiatives.
They form Asian cliques.
They are soft-spoken and dont make much eye contact.
Theyre not good at self-promotion and marketing themselves.
They tend to be risk averse.
They are always busy working and never have time to socialize after hours.
Asian American Behaviors and Mainstream Perceptions 3 Asian American Behavior Possible Interpretation by Person from Mainstream Culture
Quiet, doesnt speak up
Isnt interested, doesnt understand or knows it all
Not assertive (according to the dominant value)
Lacks leadership, could not be authoritative when necessary
Limited facial expression, demonstrative behavior
Has no investment in the matter at hand, no feeling; therefore seems to have no vulnerability, which could be a threat
Asian American Behaviors and Mainstream Perceptions 3 Asian American Behavior Possible Interpretation by Person from Mainstream Culture
Doesnt complain, good worker
Not interested, lacks knowledge or information, unwilling to share, secretive, lacks confidence
Doesnt socialize after work
Lacks respect, shows no interest, no confidence, is unable to read nonverbal cues of those he or she is talking to, shifty, untrustworthy
Asian American Behaviors and Mainstream Perceptions 3 Asian American Behavior Possible Interpretation by Person from Mainstream Culture
Unwilling to take chances
Lacks leadership skills to manage a group
Speaks with an accent
Is not credible; doesnt know much; cant speak, read, write or understand English
Physically short, small
Lacks maturity, has limited ability to influence, organize, motivate others
Asian American Behaviors and Mainstream Perceptions 2 Behavior Perceived Liability Positive Attributes Respect for authority
Perceived as a yes-man
Does not push back or speak up about issues
Exploitable
Genuine loyalty to employer
Has desire to learn from others; is teachable
Collectivist
May not make decisions quickly
Not considered innovative or out-of-box thinker
Afraid to stand out from the pack
May avoid conflict to save face with the group
Collaborative decision maker
Inclusive leader
Easy to work with
Asian American Behaviors and Mainstream Perceptions 2 Behavior Perceived Liability Positive Attributes Controlled/emotionally restrained
Unemotional, lacks enthusiasm and drive
Lacks passion about organizations mission
Arrogant, not interested in work product
Has internal strength to tolerate crisis situations; does not lose it
Demonstrates a resilience to changes in organizational structure
Modest/humble about accomplishments
Work efforts go unrecognized
May be overlooked during promotion season
May not get assigned high-visibility projects or to special task forces
Encourages team members to receive credit for their work
Team player
Asian American vs. Mainstream (Western) Values 3 Asian American Values Mainstream (Western) Values
Self control/discipline
Speaks only when spoken to
Inner stamina/strength to tolerate crisis
Solid performer
Doesnt show emotions
Spontaneity/casualness
Importance of social skills, informal relationships, small talk
All right to show all kinds of emotion
Promote flexibility
Fatalism
Acceptance of ambiguity and uncertainty
More patient, more ready to accept things as they are
Respect for change/control over ones environment/belief in self-determination
More risk-taking
More aggressive
Concrete/strive for explicitness
Initiates
Asian American vs. Mainstream (Western) Values 3 Asian American Values Mainstream (Western) Values
Obedient to authority/ Respect for elders
Respect those who lead
Loyal
Trustworthy
Follow through on assignments
All right to question authority
Anticipates problem areas, opportunities and initiates appropriate actions
No fear of challenging or opposing authority; ability to push the envelope with parents, professors, bosses, clients
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