(Insight Column for The Jakarta Post 14 June 2006)
“Teamwork is integral to Asian values and managers can learn a lot about teamwork from society at large. For example, in Indonesia there are enshrined values about showing mutual grace, developing trust, not bragging about achievements, showing respect to elders, supporting the young and newcomers, and bonding together in times of crisis. Donald Trump’s “You’re Fired” type of very direct and abrupt approach might make for entertaining TV but it will not work in most Asian countries, where even weak performers are provided a face saving exit. In the ancient cultures of Japan, China, Korea, India, Thailand and Indonesia there has traditionally been an emphasis on reaching out, respect for each contribution no matter how small and working toward a collective rather than individualistic goal.
“The Indonesia corporate scene is currently seeing an interesting cultural clash – between the old bapak-bapak guard (conservative, low profile, relationship oriented) and the ambisius newcomers (risk takers, flashy, transaction driven). Companies also have a fair sprinkling of expatriates who complicate the dynamics by seeking to demonstrate their usefulness, at times outlived.
