tiểu luận report differences in business communication culturebetween germany and vietnam

Being on time is crucial in German culture,showing honesty, respect, and good planning, especially in business White et al.,2010.. Withgenerous vacation allowances, Germany promotes a cu

Đoàn Như QuỳnhNguyễn Khánh Uyên

March 20 , 2024th

Table of Contents

III.Time Orientation 2

IV.Power Distance 3

X.Plan for 2-day visit 1

XI.Budget Plan 6

XII.References i

I. Introduction

Communication is the foundation of human contact, acting as the means bywhich ideas, values, and emotions are communicated and understood However, thecomplexities of communication go well beyond language and include culturalnuances that have a substantial impact on interpersonal relations Understandingcommunication cultures is critical for navigating complex social environments andestablishing effective cross-border relationships In this report, we will look intoindividuality and temporal orientation, as well as power distance, uncertaintyavoidance, formality, materiality, and context sensitivity.

Our analysis seeks to illuminate the intricate tapestry of cultural diversity,shedding light on both the disparities and commonalities that characterizecommunication across different societies Through this exploration, we endeavor toglean insights into the complexities of cross-cultural communication and proposestrategies for fostering mutual understanding and collaboration in an increasinglyinterconnected world.

Each cultural context offers invaluable lessons, from the emphasis onindividual autonomy in German society to Vietnam's reverence for authority andtradition By delving into these nuanced dynamics, we aspire to equip readers withthe tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of humanconnection with sensitivity, empathy, and cultural competence Join us on this journeyas we embark on a quest to unravel the intricacies of communication cultures andforge stronger bonds of understanding across borders.

Individualism refers to the degree of interdependence that a society maintainsamong its members Individualism focuses on whether people define themselves as“I” or “We” An individualistic society emphasizes on the satisfaction of self andimmediate family needs only On the other hand, a collective society emphasizesgroup and team spirit Germany is highly individualistic as it has a score of 67 onindividualism Germans have small families that focus on themselves rather than theextended family A nuclear family focuses on each other more than their relatives.The Germans largely believe in self-actualization thus the desire to achieve personaldesires and goals Germans also develop loyalty based on their personalpreferences for people Germans also value communication and honesty even if thetruth may hurt It is through honest communication that individuals learn from theirmistakes.

The biggest difference is between German individualism and Vietnamesegroup orientation They have the strongest impact on the behavior of the people ofeach country and are even sometimes considered the basis for all other culturalstandards Although their own family, friends and colleagues are also very important

Business Communication

to Germans, they place the greatest value on themselves and their privacy For thisreason, they keep different areas of their own lives very separate from each otherand never mix them together in order to best enjoy each Because of this strongseparation, they focus heavily on specific tasks in different areas and tend to do thembest For example, they are only connected to other colleagues through a commoncause and role and the need to maintain a friendly working atmosphere is consideredunnecessary That's why they don't worry about whether their open criticism hurts theother person or not, but they always see direct expression as something positivethrough which they can improve themselves and correct their mistakes

In contrast, the Vietnamese always remember the groups and the friendlyrelationships between the members They even consider maintaining a harmoniousmood in all areas of their life to be the most important goal From the Vietnameseperspective, their collaboration could only be good if the colleagues not only got toknow each other well, but also knew in detail about each other's private lives That'swhy the Vietnamese like to discuss personal matters during working hours, while theGermans tend to avoid such topics The desire for harmony of the majority ofVietnamese also means that they have a tendency not to hurt the feelings of theother person under any circumstances Mistakes, especially those made by peoplewith higher social positions, are necessarily not shown and criticized directly, but arediscussed “through the flower” or even overlooked.

Time Orientation refers to the cultures that perceive time as a scarce resourceand that tend to be impatient With Germany's historical association with clocks andtimepieces, it should come as no surprise that punctuality is considered one of thehigher virtues (Culture and Society, n.d.) Germans value punctuality, often saying"Pünktlichkeit ist die Höflichkeit der Könige" (Punctuality is the courtesy of kings)(Pommrich & Pietzner-Clausen, 1956) Being on time is crucial in German culture,showing honesty, respect, and good planning, especially in business (White et al.,2010) According to Schmidt-Lauff & Bergamini (2022), Germany places a high indexon time sensitivity and punctuality They meticulously examine details and take theirtime in decision-making processes, prioritizing efficiency and strict adherence toschedules and deadlines Meeting deadlines and delivery dates punctually isessential, as contracts may include penalty clauses for delays Surpassingexpectations by delivering ahead of schedule can leave a favorable impression.Meetings and events are well-organized with clear agendas In Germany, last-minutedecisions are rare, as thorough examination and discussion are preferred,particularly in government and business Germany's attitude to time that prioritizeswork during work hours, respecting personal time and vacations Socially, arriving ontime is expected for dinners, meetings, and parties to avoid inconveniencing others.According to Burgoon and Raess (2009), in Germany, strict regulations govern workhours, with employees limited to eight hours a day and 48 hours a week, aiming toprioritize worker welfare Germans emphasize focused work, scheduling

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appointments for non-urgent matters outside of work hours Mandatory breaks anddays off on Sundays and holidays underscore the significance of relaxation Withgenerous vacation allowances, Germany promotes a culture valuing punctuality,efficiency, and work-life balance.

Time orientation, which refers to how different cultures perceive and utilizetime, varies significantly between Germany and Vietnam about business context InGermany, time is highly valued and the culture is often described as fast-paced Innavigating business communication in Germany, it's imperative to adhere to thecountry's formal and structured approach to meetings and negotiations, characterizedby a strong emphasis on punctuality, efficiency, and methodical decision-making.Meetings follow set agendas, minimizing small talk and focusing on achievingobjectives promptly, and constructive feedback on plans is welcomed Negotiationscan be prolonged due to meticulous research and attention to detail, with agreementstypically documented to ensure clarity and accountability Time sensitivity isparamount, with penalties often included in contracts for tardiness, and arriving lateto meetings can convey disinterest and is strongly discouraged (Expatica, 2024) Onthe other hand, Vietnam’s perception of time is influenced by both Confucianism andBuddhism, which promote patience as a virtue In conclusion, while Germany’s timeorientation is characterized by punctuality and efficiency, Vietnam’s time orientation ismore flexible and patient, reflecting the country’s traditional values and recenteconomic changes These differences in time orientation can have significantimplications in cross-cultural interactions and business practice.

Power distance refers to the extent to which individuals within a society acceptand expect unequal distribution of power Germany, with its strong emphasis onegalitarianism and meritocracy, exhibits a relatively low power distance culture.According to Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory, Germany scores relatively low onpower distance, indicating that people in German society tend to value equality andexpect a relatively equal distribution of power and authority (Hofstede, 1980) Thiscultural orientation manifests in various aspects of communication.

In German communication culture, there is a preference for direct and explicitcommunication People value honesty, transparency, and clarity in their interactions.Feedback is typically given openly and constructively, regardless of hierarchicalpositions This is because individuals in German society feel comfortable expressingtheir opinions and challenging authority when necessary (Gudykunst & Nishida,2001).Furthermore, decision-making processes in German organizations ofteninvolve consultation and consensus-building among team members, reflecting theegalitarian ethos of the society Leaders are expected to be approachable andparticipative rather than authoritarian, fostering a culture of open communication andcollaboration (Trompenaars & Hampden-Turner, 1997).

On the other hand, Vietnam, characterized by its Confucian heritage andcollectivist orientation, tends to exhibit a higher power distance culture InVietnamese society, there is a strong respect for authority and hierarchy, andindividuals are more likely to accept and defer to those in positions of power (Leung& Bond, 2004).

In Vietnamese communication culture, indirect communication is oftenpreferred, particularly when dealing with authority figures or elders People may usenonverbal cues, such as gestures and facial expressions, to convey messagesindirectly, avoiding direct confrontation or disagreement (Nguyen, 2008) Additionally,there is a tendency to prioritize harmony and save face in interactions, leading to apreference for ambiguity and implicitness in communication (Nguyen & Maitland,2016).

Decision-making processes in Vietnamese organizations often follow a down approach, with leaders making decisions and subordinates expected to complywithout questioning Feedback may be less direct, and dissenting opinions aretypically expressed more subtly, if at all, to maintain harmony and preserverelationships (Phan, 2009).

top-In summary, while Germany and Vietnam both have distinct communicationcultures shaped by their respective power distance orientations, they differsignificantly in their approaches to communication Germany's low power distanceculture emphasizes directness, egalitarianism, and participative decision-making,while Vietnam's high power distance culture values indirectness, deference toauthority, and harmony Understanding these cultural differences is essential foreffective communication and collaboration in diverse multicultural contexts.

Uncertainty avoidance, refers to the extent to which individuals within a culturefeel uncomfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty and seek to mitigate it throughrules, regulations, and structured communication patterns By examining thesimilarities and differences in their approaches to uncertainty avoidance andcommunication, we can gain insights into how cultural factors shape interpersonalinteractions in these societies.

Germany, often characterized by its strong adherence to rules, precision, andorderliness, exhibits relatively low uncertainty avoidance according to Hofstede'scultural dimensions theory Germans tend to be comfortable with ambiguity and areopen to innovation and change (Hofstede, 1980) However, this does not imply thatuncertainty avoidance is absent in German culture Instead, it suggests that Germansmanage uncertainty through structured communication and clear guidelines Inbusiness settings, for example, Germans prefer detailed contracts and agendas formeetings to minimize ambiguity and ensure clarity (Earley & Gibson, 2002).

In interpersonal communication, Germans value honesty, directness, andclarity They tend to express their opinions openly and appreciate straightforwardcommunication devoid of ambiguity (Hofstede, 1980) Moreover, Germans prioritizelogical arguments and factual evidence in discussions, emphasizing rationality andobjectivity (Larkey, 1996) This preference for explicitness and precision reflects theirlow uncertainty avoidance orientation.

In contrast, Vietnam scores relatively high on uncertainty avoidance accordingto Hofstede's cultural dimensions Vietnamese society exhibits a strong preferencefor stability, tradition, and conformity, leading to a greater discomfort with ambiguity(Hofstede, 1980) This is rooted in Vietnam's Confucian heritage, which emphasizeshierarchy, respect for authority, and adherence to social norms (Nguyen &Fernandez, 2016).

In Vietnamese communication culture, indirectness and implicitness arecommon strategies for managing uncertainty Rather than expressing disagreementdirectly, individuals may use nonverbal cues or subtle language to convey theiropinions, preserving harmony and avoiding conflict (Nguyen & Fernandez, 2016).Moreover, hierarchical relationships play a crucial role in communication dynamics,with deference and respect shown towards individuals of higher status (Le, 2005).

Despite their differences in uncertainty avoidance orientation, both Germanyand Vietnam exhibit a preference for structured communication, albeit throughdifferent means While Germans prioritize explicitness and clarity, Vietnamesecommunication relies more on implicit cues and hierarchical dynamics Furthermore,both cultures value harmony in interpersonal interactions, although they manifest itdifferently – Germans through directness and honesty, and Vietnamese throughavoidance of confrontation and emphasis on respect.

In conclusion, uncertainty avoidance significantly influences thecommunication culture of Germany and Vietnam, shaping their approaches toambiguity, conflict, and hierarchy Understanding these cultural dynamics is crucialfor effective communication and collaboration in multicultural contexts, whether inbusiness, diplomacy, or interpersonal relationships.

German business communication reflects a strong emphasis on formality andprofessionalism Interactions are conducted with a high degree of respect forhierarchy and protocol In meetings and negotiations, Germans adhere to astructured approach, often beginning with formalities such as handshakes andexchanging business cards Clear and direct communication is valued, with anemphasis on precision and clarity in language Titles and last names are commonlyused to address colleagues and business partners, underscoring respect for authorityand professionalism Additionally, Germans prioritize punctuality and adherence to

schedules, expecting meetings to start and end on time This formal approach fostersa sense of reliability and trust in business relationships.

In Vietnam, business communication tends to be more informal andrelationship-oriented While initial meetings may involve formalities such as greetingsand exchanging pleasantries, interactions quickly become more relaxed andpersonal Business partners often address each other by first names or familialterms, emphasizing closeness and familiarity Communication is often indirect, withan emphasis on maintaining harmony and avoiding confrontation Criticism, ifnecessary, is delivered tactfully to preserve relationships Moreover, businessmeetings may involve socializing and sharing meals as a way to strengthen bondsand build trust This informal approach to business communication underscores theimportance of interpersonal relationships in Vietnamese business culture.

In German business circles, the focus isn't so much on flashy appearances orlavish gifts as it might be in some other parts of the world, like certain Asian or MiddleEastern cultures Instead, Germans place a premium on professionalism,competence, and getting things done efficiently When it comes to appearances, whatreally matters to Germans is the substance of what's being said rather than howsomeone looks Of course, dressing appropriately is important, but showing offwealth or status can actually raise eyebrows rather than garner respect Similarly,gift-giving isn't as common or expected in German business culture as it might beelsewhere In fact, some Germans might see it as trying to manipulate or influence abusiness relationship, which goes against their preference for straightforward andtransparent communication If gifts are given, they're usually small tokens ofappreciation rather than extravagant gestures Overall, in German businesscommunication, it's all about being professional, competent, and keeping thingsstraightforward.

On the other hand, Vietnam is influenced by Asian culture, so Vietnamesepeople also pay much more attention to material form than Germans Material culturein Vietnamese business settings is influenced by tradition, symbolism, and personalrelationships Vietnamese businessmen must dress formally when going to work,which also shows their position and is considered a way to show respect for theirpartners Business gifts in Vietnamese business environments are common and oftencarry symbolic significance, reflecting respect and gratitude These gifts may rangefrom traditional handicrafts to luxury items, depending on the nature of therelationship and the occasion Material possessions are seen not only as functionalassets but also as expressions of status and goodwill in Vietnamese businessculture.

VIII. Context Sensitivity

Context Sensitivity refers to the cultures that emphasize the surroundingcontext, make extensive use of body language, and take the time to buildrelationships and establish trust Cicourel (1980) believes that there are three levelsof information in context that all participants need to pay attention to whencommunicating, which are linguistic and non-verbal elements such as gestures Itrefers to the ability to understand and respond appropriately to the context in whichcommunication occurs (Viên, 2020) Germany's business culture exhibitscharacteristics of a low-context culture, similar to the U.S., where communicationrelies heavily on explicit verbal exchanges rather than implicit cues from the context(Geib, 2023) However, understanding the specific context of a conversation ornegotiation remains crucial for effective communication in Germany Communicationis direct and functional, emphasizing factual information over emotional expression,particularly in work settings Thorough preparation is highly valued, with anexpectation for communication partners to be well-prepared, culturally aware, andsensitive to verbal and non-verbal cues Formality and precision are also key aspectsof German communication, especially during initial contacts, where formal languageand addressing colleagues by their last names are common practices, althoughthere's a recent trend towards less formality, particularly among co-workers (Odağ etal., 2022) Overall, Germany's business context emphasizes the importance ofunderstanding and responding appropriately to the surrounding circumstances tofoster effective communication and build trust.

Context sensitivity in business communication varies significantly betweenGermany and Vietnam Germany is generally considered a low-context culture,meaning Germans tend to prefer direct and explicit communication In business, thistranslates to a preference for clear and concise communication that leaves little roomfor interpretation On the other hand, Vietnamese business culture is high-context,often relying on implicit or indirect language Vietnamese communication can beindirect and nuanced Cultural differences’ research between Vietnam and Germanyin Context sensitivity of Nguyet (2022) are clearly evident in two scenarios In one,German respondents prioritize rules over personal relationships, while Vietnameserespondents consider helping family members through friendship Germans areinclined to treat everyone equally, regardless of personal connections, reflecting theirfactual orientation For example, the German respondents had to decide whetherthey would follow the rules or help their good friend's cousin get a place in theircompany Meanwhile, the Vietnamese said they would use their friendship to helptheir unemployed cousin apply for a job However, the German responded that shewould tell her Vietnamese friend that his cousin could apply for this job, but would notreceive any preference and treat them the same as other applicants Conversely,despite Vietnam's strong family focus, Vietnamese respondents refrain from seekingfavors for relatives in job applications In another scenario, Vietnamese colleaguestend to discuss personal matters, such as marital status, in the workplace, which

makes German counterparts uncomfortable These instances highlight contrastingapproaches to personal and professional boundaries between the two cultures.

Context sensitivity is also expressed through Hoa (2015) article that silenceholds significant communication context, often differing between East and West InVietnamese culture, silence is revered, symbolizing respect and restraint (freedom ofsilence) Conversely, Western societies prioritize vocal expression, often viewingsilence as impolite or lacking engagement (freedom of speech) This contrast isevident in workplace dynamics, where silence signifies agreement or enthusiasm inVietnam but may require explicit acknowledgment in German cultures When there isa point of tension or difficulty that can’t be resolved, Vietnamese businessmensometimes resort to sitting in silence This is their way of allowing the conversation tosimmer back to harmony so that there is a clear space for a new topic of discussion.Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective business communication Inconclusion, while Germany’s business communication is characterized by directnessand functionality, Vietnam’s business communication is more implicit and nuanced,reflecting the country’s high-context culture.

In conclusion, the comparison between the communication cultures ofGermany and Vietnam reveals fascinating insights into the diverse ways in whichsocieties perceive and prioritize communication Germany, with its emphasis ondirectness, clarity, and efficiency, fosters an environment where communicationserves as a tool for precision and effectiveness in both personal and professionalinteractions Conversely, Vietnam's communication culture, deeply rooted in respect,hierarchy, and indirectness, reflects the significance of maintaining harmony andsaving face within social contexts.

Despite their differences, both cultures underscore the importance ofunderstanding and adapting to diverse communication styles in an increasinglyinterconnected world Recognizing and appreciating these cultural nuances not onlyenhances intercultural communication competence but also cultivates mutual respectand collaboration across borders As global interactions continue to flourish,acknowledging and embracing the unique communication values of each culturebecomes imperative for fostering meaningful connections and promoting successfulcross-cultural exchanges Therefore, by acknowledging the strengths and intricaciesof communication cultures in both Germany and Vietnam, individuals andorganizations can navigate cultural differences with sensitivity, empathy, andeffectiveness, ultimately paving the way for enhanced intercultural understanding andcooperation.

X. Plan for 2-day visit

The main characteristics of German business culture are businesscommunications, corporate etiquette, corporate labeling, internship and placementsfor students, cost of living and work and social media The etiquette of business inGermany is of great importance when doing business within Germany Germany isan extremely individualistic nation It always requires a lot of respect The higheststandards are therefore expected All future business negotiations could be damagedby any unethical behavior Germans are masters when it comes to planning Everyaspect of a project is thoroughly considered in the German process of thinking.Careful design gives your corporate and personal lives a sense of security.

Business communications, corporate etiquette, corporate labeling, internshipand placements for students, cost of living and work and social media are the primarycharacteristics of German business culture When doing business within Germany,the business customary is of great significance Since Germany is a highlyindividualistic country, individuals always require high respect; therefore, the higheststandards are expected Even a small gesture that is in contrast with their ethics canruin a business negotiation and its future The German thought process takes intoaccount all facets of a project You feel secure in both your personal and professionallives because of thoughtful design.

According to Elkins et al (2024b), the German corporate culture ischaracterized by planning, organization, and excellence German principles oftimeliness, secrecy, and order are reflected in the formality of business interactions.At the top of the organization, there is a strict vertical structure and a decision-makingprocedure.

In order to make a good impression during first encounters, it is usually a goodidea for your business partners to be aware of the prevalent corporate customs inVietnam In Vietnam, meetings are often attended by one person at a time, anddespite the size of the gathering, each person should be greeted individually Whenconducting business with Vietnamese people, there are several culturalconsiderations to make, including the custom of exchanging presents and cards, theuse of body language, and showing particular regard for Vietnamese women.

As for Maxfield Brown (2020) in Vietnamese business culture, personalrelations play an important role Introduction by third parties is nearly a requirementbecause Vietnamese people prefer to work with those they know and trust.Confidence is the key to good work for them Be aware, too, that business people inVietnam might take spoken words as facts.

Saving face is an important mindset in Vietnamese culture, and they will go toany length to avoid losing it When dealing with problems right away, avoidconfrontation or outright complaining Criticizing someone in public may carry the riskof having them lose face.