Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam, the land of paradox!
Vietnam has a long history scarred with both battles against foreign invaders and welcoming foreigners as friends, not foes. It is a country in which socialist ideals co-exist with a capitalist economy; a place in which the young and old are living lives apart; and a home in which its proud people, while still adhering to their ancient ways of thinking, eagerly absorb new ideas from the West on a daily basis.
To understand the complex psyche and the pragmatic approach of the people of Vietnam is to understand their culture.
Let Cultural Detective Vietnam guide you to a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese people.
Cultural Detective Vietnam contains the following stories and critical incidents:
- Negotiation:
An English team’s strategy for negotiating with a Vietnamese company doesn’t seem to work out.
- Reorganization:
Mr. Phong smiles, but he doesn’t want the new position.
- Sponsorship, A:
Some well-intentioned words and actions cause problems for a French company in Việt Nam.
- Office Practice, An:
Word of a reprimand gets around, and an employee leaves to join a competitor.
- Bad Interview, A:
An expatriate’s political comments bring a sudden change of topics.
- Beginning of a Joint Venture:
A Japanese representative in a joint venture questions a Vietnamese assistant’s performance.
- Expatriate, The:
An Australian executive is frustrated when his Vietnamese staff seem unwilling to approach him.
Cultural Detective Vietnam is authored by Phuong-Mai Nguyen, Seraphine Nguyen-Ngoc and Dianne Hofner Saphiere.