If you're working in China, Japan, Korea, or almost any Asian nation, you as a foreigner will be viewed as an outsider. And while there are many advantages to this distinction, there is certainly a downside as well.
Your input might not be as welcome as you might think. This is especially true if you are working in a country like China, where a hierarchical company structure discourages (often it's an unspoken rule) you from speaking out of line. If you come from a Western culture, you might feel it's your place to say something in a situation where your Asian coworkers would remain silent. Be careful, and more importantly be subtle and tactful at such times. It's tricky.
Companies in Asia have been known to take care of their employees for life. But of course, unless your job in Asia is permanent, you may not enjoy the same long term benefits as your Asian coworkers. And even if you were there long term, there's never any guarantee that you'll ge the same benefits as locals.
It's always wise to reseach cultural differences, so I encourage you to read up culture shock for starters. It's critical that you go into things with an open mind, and all yourself to roll with the punches.
Be like bamboo. You don't break in the wind. You bend.
Comments