While I was doing an internship with an engineering firm, I had the chance to meet two newly-employed Thai engineers. I was able to communicate with them as they both spoke English.
On the other hand, they seemed to have problems communicating with their superior, who was the senior engineer of the firm. On several occasions, after delegating work to them, he asked if they understood and they always answered that they did. However, the Thai engineers did not carry out the tasks the way in which their superior had instructed them to. This behaviour puzzled those of us working there as they had little problem understanding us, yet they were unable to comprehend whatever the senior engineer said.
After some probing, we realized that the two engineers did not understand the Singlish that was used by their superior. He was Chinese-educated and while we locals could understand him, the Thai engineers could not make sense of what he said. Furthermore, we learned that it was considered rude in Thai culture to question your seniors or superiors. Due to this belief, the Thais acted as if they understood their superior even though they did not, as it would be considered rude and impolite not to do so.
Upon this realization, the senior engineer tried to converse in English when speaking to them. In addition, he would ask them questions to test their understanding, rather than to ask “yes” or “no” questions like he used to.
While it is important to abide by one’s culture and customs, I feel that the Thais could have made an effort to ask their fellow colleagues for help when they did not understand their superior’s instructions. After all, a simple mistake at such a firm could lead to dire circumstances. I also think that what the senior engineer did was commendable. Even though he was more used to speaking in Singlish, he was willing to step out of his comfort zone in attempt to communicate more effectively with the Thais. This shows the importance of respect for other cultures, in order to foster intercultural communication between groups.
Comments: (7)
Lee Shi-Chen Gwen
xx Sunrise Lane
Singapore xxxxxx
Mobile: (+65)9xxxxxxx
Home: (+65)6xxxxxxx
Email: u0703864@nus.edu.sg
7th February 2010
Mrs M. Cairns
Campus Recruiter
Bloomberg L.P
23 Church Street
Capital Square
Singapore 049481
Dear Mrs. Cairns,
I am enclosing my resume in response to your advertisement for the above post which appeared in The Straits Times on 5th February 2010.
I am currently a final year student from the National University of Singapore, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Science with specialization in Statistics and Applied Probability. I have acquired a wide range of IT and finance-related skills during my three years there. As a Statistics major, I have experience in calculating numerical data and analyzing it, summarizing information and writing reports. I am also skilled in applying statistical software including R, SAS and SPSS for data analysis and forecasting.
While pursuing my studies, I worked as an intern at Winston Engineering. I was posted to the accounting department, where I organized files and verified financial accounts. In addition, I worked as a sales assistant during vacations. Handling customers and cashiering allowed me to interact with people at different levels. I learnt to be customer focused by anticipating their needs. As a sea scout, I had to organize a camp for students. Planning the event as a team leader taught me how to work effectively and efficiently as a group. I also gained strong interpersonal skills from my interaction with the camp participants.
In review of your company’s objectives and possible openings, I believe that I am qualified to meet your current needs. As a fast leaner with an innate curiosity for financial structures, I would find the post of Professional Analytics Representative very challenging and fulfilling. I look forward to an opportunity to be part of the Bloomberg Professional Service, and I hope you will look favorably at my application. I can be reached in confidence at one of the above telephone numbers and look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Lee Shi-Chen Gwen
xx Sunrise Lane
Singapore xxxxxx
Mobile: (+65)9xxxxxxx
Home: (+65)6xxxxxxx
Email: u0703864@nus.edu.sg
7th February 2010
Mrs M. Cairns
Campus Recruiter
Bloomberg L.P
23 Church Street
Capital Square
Singapore 049481
Dear Mrs. Cairns,
Professional Analytics Representative, Job Reference No. 24185
I am enclosing my resume in response to your advertisement for the above post which appeared in The Straits Times on 5th February 2010.
I am currently a final year student from the National University of Singapore, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Science with specialization in Statistics and Applied Probability. I have acquired a wide range of IT and finance-related skills during my three years there. As a Statistics major, I have experience in calculating numerical data and analyzing it, summarizing information and writing reports. I am also skilled in applying statistical software including R, SAS and SPSS for data analysis and forecasting.
While pursuing my studies, I worked as an intern at Winston Engineering. I was posted to the accounting department, where I organized files and verified financial accounts. In addition, I worked as a sales assistant during vacations. Handling customers and cashiering allowed me to interact with people at different levels. I learnt to be customer focused by anticipating their needs. As a sea scout, I had to organize a camp for students. Planning the event as a team leader taught me how to work effectively and efficiently as a group. I also gained strong interpersonal skills from my interaction with the camp participants.
In review of your company’s objectives and possible openings, I believe that I am qualified to meet your current needs. As a fast leaner with an innate curiosity for financial structures, I would find the post of Professional Analytics Representative very challenging and fulfilling. I look forward to an opportunity to be part of the Bloomberg Professional Service, and I hope you will look favorably at my application. I can be reached in confidence at one of the above telephone numbers and look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Lee Shi-Chen Gwen
The conflict described in the previous post is actually an ongoing problem between two of my friends. The general consensus from the comments posted is that Y is at fault and that V should initiate a talk with Y. I agree with this approach and will definitely advise V to work things out with Y. Thanks for the suggestions!