malaysian manager's perspective

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JASA 2 | January 2007 69

Culture in the Land Down Under:

A Malaysian Managers PerspectiveThomas S.C. YapResearch & Corporate Affairs Projects, [email protected]

Abstract

Keywords: Culture, Cultural Diversity, Managing Across Cultures

1. CROSS CULTURAL THEORIES: ANINTRODUCTION

Geert Hofstede, an influential Dutch expert on the interactionsbetween national cultures and organizational cultures, conducteda comprehensive study of how values in the workplace areinfluenced by culture, upon which he developed a model thatidentified four primary Dimensions to assist in differentiatingcultures: Power Distance - PDI, Individualism - IDV,Masculinity - MAS, and Uncertainty Avoidance - UAI(www.geert-hofstede.com). He later added a fifth Dimension,after conducting an additional international study with a surveyinstrument developed with Chinese employees and managers,

known as Long-Term Orientation LTO (www.geert-hofstede.com). However, this fifth Dimension will not bediscussed in this paper.

Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner (1997, pp. 8-10), on the otherhand, propose that there are seven Dimensions to culture coveredunder three broad headings: Relationships with People, Attitudesto Time, and Attitudes to the Environment. The first fiveDimensions can be found in the heading Relationships withPeople. These are Universalism versus Particularism,Individualism versus Communitarianism, Neutral versusEmotional, Specific versus Diffuse, and Achievement versusAscription. The remaining two Dimensions happen to be the

remaining two headings. For the purpose of this paper, we willfocus only on Hofstedes four Cultural Dimensions.

2. PERCEPTION OF AUSTRALIA BEFORE

MELBOURNE VISIT

During his stay in Perth, the author found Australians to be avery hospitable and friendly group of people. The localauthorities, particularly, made a tremendous impression on him.The Immigration and Customs officers at the airport as well asthe Immigration Office were professional and efficient. The local police too were well organized and equally professional in

carrying out their duties. As a result, the author had alwaysbelieved that Australians, although laid back, took great pride intheir work and were highly conscientious of the level of qualitythey delivered.

It would not be uncommon to assume (as the author has) thatmost Caucasian Australians are of Anglo-Saxon origin. In actualfact, many Australians have very diverse origins. For exampleMr. Michael John Segon (a lecturer with RMIT University) hasItalian blood, Dr. Thierry Volery (a lecturer from Perth) migratedto Australia from France almost a decade ago, and PastorGraham Johnston (Senior Pastor at a church the author used toattend in Perth) was born in Dallas, Texas.

The author perceived Australians to be generally tolerant and thathey easily accepted other cultures but a one and a half hour-longconversation with Geoff, a Grayline tour coach driver, on theway back to Melbourne from Philip Island revealed a slightlydifferent twist.

3. PERCEPTION OF AUSTRALIA DURING AND

AFTER MELBOURNE VISIT

A. Population and Racial Mix

Table 1. Comparison of Population & Racial Mix Before and After

Residential Visit [7]

ItemsPerception Before

Residential Visit

Understanding During &

After Residential Visit

Population 18 19 million 20.09 million

Caucasian) 60% 92%

Asian 20% 7%

Aborigines &

Others20% 1%

The author had the privilege of spending three (3) years, from 1997 to 1999, in Australia while undertaking a course of study at a

university in Perth, Western Australia. His perception of Australia before travelling to Melbourne, therefore, was largely shaped by

his experience in Perth. His short stint in Melbourne seemed to have altered certain views that he had held to be true. Perhaps it may

not be that he had a wrong perception of Australia whilst in Perth but rather that there is also a cultural difference between stateswithin Australia. This is among numerous other discoveries that the author made in Melbourne. In this paper, Hofstedes Cultural

Dimensions will be used to analyze the Australian and Malaysian cultures.


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The misconception of the ethnic make-up or racial mix is, to alarge extent, influenced by the authors experience in Perth,Western Australia. The Asian and aboriginal communities therewere fairly large back then in 1999. It should also be noted thatthe population in Melbourne alone is approximately 3 million.The Asian community in Melbourne seems a lot larger than thatin Perth as well. Even the aboriginal communities in Australiaare varied. The aborigines in Perth are known as the Noongarwhile those in Melbourne are known as the Koori.Comparatively, theNoongarcommunity is much larger than that

of the Koori. Hardly any aborigines were seen in MelbournesCentral Business District. The author was told that they couldonly be found in the suburbs. In Perth, the aborigines are quiteurban and a common sight in the city. The more highly educatedaborigines hold corporate positions while others work at petrolkiosks, drive taxis, or work with the local town councils.B. The Australian People

Aussies, as the Australians are affectionately known, wereperceived to be generally tolerant and that they easily acceptedother cultures. To the uninitiated, this may seem to be true butone needs to dig deeper below the surface to uncover the reality.

The author spent close to an hour and a half just having a casualconversation with one of the Grayline tour coach drivers taskedwith taking the tour group to and from Philip Island. Geoff, whomigrated from East London in the late 1970s, seemed like thetypical Aussie bloke. He was passionate about Footy (Aussierules football) and could not stop talking about his favouriteteam, the St. Kilda Saints.

No doubt, Australians are generally tolerant of foreignimmigrants including Asian and Muslim migrants, but thingsbecame touchy when it came to culture. Geoff said that Aussiestend to welcome these migrants, who usually bring with themcuisine new to Australia, and interesting festivals like Chinese

New Year and Aidilfitri that were relatively unheard of inAustralia before, with open arms. However, it is the tendency ofthese migrant groups to congregate together, or in Geoffs wordsthe herd mentality, which puts Australians off. What is worseis that some of these groups even demand for ethnic-typeschools, such as Chinese schools or Islamic schools. Australianstake offence at such a demand as it is viewed as a form of racialdiscrimination. We dont mind Asians, or any foreigners forthat matter, migrating into Australia. Just dont try to change us!

They should learn to assimilate and become Aussie Asian, or

Aussie Greek, or Aussie whatever! They shouldnt expect Aussiesto change and suit them! Geoff exclaimed at one point of theconversation. Being a migrant himself, it was good to note thatGeoff practised what he preached.

The conversation with that elderly Aussie Englishman revealedthat Australians and Malaysians had at least one thing incommon: the land that we are currently occupying cannot reallybe called home. In fact, both Australians and Malaysians aremigrant nations to begin with. Malaysians would be able toidentify with Geoffs rationale because that is precisely how wefeel about the foreigners that migrate to our country.

The Australians, keenly aware that they are a migrant nation,have given theKoori a special place in society. Many Australiannames of places and animals have their roots in the tribal

language of the aboriginal people, the original natives of the landnow known as Australia. For example, the word kangaroo thename of one of Australias mascots means I dont know inthe native language. Similarly, Canberra was made the officiacapital city of Australia because it was the meeting placebetween the early settlements of Melbourne and Sydney. Anotherexample would be that of the Yarra River. It literally meansriver that flows. These are only some of the many examples ofadaptations of aboriginal words in the modern Australian society

C. Economy and Principal Industries

Table 2: Comparison of Economy & Principal Industries Before and After

Residential Visit [7]

Items

Perception

Before

Residential Visit

Understanding

During and After

Residential Visit*

GDP Growth 5% (wild guess)3.5% (based on2004 estimates)

Unemployment 8% (wild guess)5.1% (based on2004 estimates)

Inflation 4% (wild guess)

2.3% (based on

2004 estimates)

Principal

Industries

Agriculture,Poultry &LivestockFarming,

Automotive,Dairy Products,

and Tourism

Wheat, Barley,Sugarcane, Fruits,

Cattle, Sheep,Poultry, Mining,

Industrial andTransportation

Equipment, FoodProcessing,

Chemicals, andSteel

Australia employs a Western-style capitalist economy, with a percapita GDP on par with four dominant West Europeaneconomies, namely the United Kingdom, France, Germany andItaly. Rising output in the domestic economy, robust businessand consumer confidence, and rising exports of raw materialsand agricultural products are fuelling the economy. TheGovernment's emphasis on reforms, low inflation, and growingties with China are other key factors behind the economy'sstrength. The impact of the combination of drought, weak foreigndemand, and strong import demand pushed the trade deficit upfrom $8 billion in 2002, to $18 billion in 2003, and then down to$13 billion in 2004.(www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/as.html)

While Australias strengths lie in various aspects such asinnovation, health and education plans, research, and theagriculture industry, it faces serious issues in thecommercializing of the ideas, and balance of payments and balance of trade deficits. Such issues need to be addresseswiftly to ensure its economic survival.


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4.CROSS CULTURAL ANALYSIS

A. Culture Defined

Before we begin analyzing cultures across borders, perhaps itwould be appropriate to first of all understand what culture isabout. Abdullah (1992, p. 3) defines culture as a shared andcommonly held body of general beliefs and values, which definethe shoulds and oughts of life of certain ethnic

communities. According to her, these beliefs and values wereusually acquired so early in life that people are usually unawareof their influence in their lives. In another book, Abdullah (1996, p. 2) adds that culture is a collection of behavior patternsrelating to thoughts, manners and actions, which members of a

society have shared, learned and passed on to succeedinggenerations.

Abdullah (1992, p. 3) quotes Hofstedes definition of culture asthe collective programming of the mind, which distinguishes the

members of one group from another. Hofstede (www.geert-hofstede.com) suggests that there are four Dimensions to culturenamely, Power Distance - PDI, Individualism - IDV, Masculinity- MAS, and Uncertainty Avoidance - UAI. Meanwhile,

Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner (1997, p.6) are of the opinionthat culture is the way in which a group of people solves

problems and reconciles dilemmas. They (1997, pp. 8-10)suggest that the basis of cultural differences lie in Relationshipswith People, Attitudes to Time, and Attitudes to theEnvironment.

B. Hofstedes Cultural Dimensions A Comparison

Between Australia and Malaysia

Chart 1: Comparison of Hofstede Scores

Between Australia & Malaysia [5], [6]

Power Distance PDI

According to Hofstede (www.geert-hofstede.com), the PowerDistance Index (PDI) focuses on the degree of equality, orinequality, between people in the country's society. A HighPower Distance ranking indicates that inequalities of power andwealth have been allowed to grow within the society. Thesesocieties are more likely to follow a caste system that does notallow significant upward mobility of its citizens. A Low PowerDistance ranking indicates the society de-emphasizes the

differences between citizen's power and wealth. In these societiesequality and opportunity for everyone is stressed.

From Chart 1, Australia has a relatively low PDI in comparisonto Malaysia. In other words, the Australian society emphasizes alot on equality and is generally not status conscious. In factAustralia has tough anti-discrimination laws in place to protectthe rights of each individual in the country. No communitywithin the Australian society is marginalized in any wayAustralians treat each other as equals. This is another uniquelyAustralian concept that differentiates it from Malaysia theconcept of mateship. Corporate executives dressed inexpensive suits have no qualms sitting next to a road repairs

worker and having a cuppa (a cup of coffee) together. Forexample, Professor Bennington, the Head of the RMITUniversity School of Management addressed lecturers andadministrators as her colleagues rather than her staff.

Malaysians, on the contrary, are relatively status consciousalthough they do not fit the description of following a castesystem that does not allow significant upward mobility of itscitizens. While most people view protocol as a funny thing anddo not take it seriously, Malaysians regard protocol as veryimportant and take it very seriously. Ali (2002, p. 24) reinforcesthis fact when he wrote, Everyone wants to be recognized. Thehigher he or she gets, his or her station needs to be recognized

This is especially so in this country (Malaysia) with all the titles

and ranks: the Tunkus and the Ungkus, the Tuns and Tan Sris

the Dato Seris and Datos All these people know their station

in life and expect to be accordingly treated. Because of this,

responsible people in this country (Malaysia) should take moreinterest in protocol.

Malaysian Managers, or anyone for that matter, should be carefunot to abuse the concept of mateship. A standard oprofessionalism at work must always be exercised.

Individualism IDV

Hofstede (www.geert-hofstede.com) advocates tha

Individualism (IDV) is concerned with the degree the societyreinforces individual or collective achievements andinterpersonal relationships. A High Individualism rankingindicates that individuality and individual rights are paramountwithin the society. Individuals in these societies may tend toform a larger number of looser relationships. A LowIndividualism ranking typifies societies of a more collectivistnature with close ties between individuals. These culturesreinforce extended families and collectives where everyone takesresponsibility for fellow members of their group.


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Chart 1 shows that Australia is a highly individualistic societywhile Malaysia is the opposite it is a more collectivist society.This is quite interesting because the concept of mateship watching out for your fellow man or woman is very strong inthe Australian society. Therefore, Hofstedes findings seem to bea little contradictory in this instance. However, his findings bearsome truth in that Australians hold their individual rights in highregard from gender equality at the workplace to freedom ofexpressing their opinions.

Malaysian Managers intending to migrate to or work in Australiamust be sensitive to these rights and tread carefully. Infringementof these rights may result in very serious consequences.

Masculinity MAS

Hofstede (www.geert-hofstede.com) suggests that Masculinity(MAS) focuses on the degree the society reinforces, thetraditional masculine work role model of male achievement,control, and power. A High Masculinity ranking indicates thecountry experiences a high degree of gender differentiation. Inthese cultures, males dominate a significant portion of the societyand power structure, with females being controlled by male

domination. A Low Masculinity ranking indicates the countryhas a low level of differentiation and discrimination betweengenders. In these cultures, females are treated equally to males inall aspects of the society.

Hofstedes scores for Masculinity for both Australia andMalaysia are contrary to the authors experience. In Chart 1,Australia has a higher Masculinity ranking than Malaysia. This israther unusual given that Aussies are highly aware of theirindividual rights, and have strict anti-discrimination laws.

A visit to the Geelong Ford Discovery Centre, southwest ofMelbourne, supports this opinion best. A heavy industrialfactory, similar to the Ford assembly plant, in Malaysia wouldhave more male workers than female. Female workers in suchfactories are a rare sight. Instead, they are often found inelectronic components manufacturing plants like Panasonic orMotorola where work is limited to soldering small electroniccomponents, packaging, or quality control. In the Ford plant inGeelong, there were quite a number of female workers workingon huge machinery and handling large and heavy enginecomponents.

Uncertainty Avoidance UAI

Hofstedes (www.geert-hofstede.com) Uncertainty AvoidanceIndex (UAI) deals with the level of tolerance for uncertainty and

ambiguity within the society. A High Uncertainty Avoidanceranking indicates that the country has a low tolerance foruncertainty and ambiguity. This creates a rules-oriented societythat institutes laws, rules, regulations, and controls in order toreduce the amount of uncertainty. A Low Uncertainty Avoidanceranking indicates that the country has less concern aboutambiguity and uncertainty and has more tolerance for a variety ofopinions. This is reflected in a society that is less rule-oriented,more readily accepts change, and takes more and greater risks.

According to Chart 1, Australia scored higher than Malaysiaindicating that Australia is less tolerant of uncertainty and

ambiguity compared to Malaysia. This can be attributed to thefact that Malaysia is a developing country. For it to progress, it iscompelled to take certain risks. For example, former MalaysianPrime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad had to take the riskof pegging the Ringgit against the US Dollar during the AsianFinancial Crisis instead of taking the easy way out by borrowingfrom the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This was to ensurethat Malaysia would not be too deep in debts, which wouldhinder its attainment of Vision 2020. His decision proved to be awise one.

5. CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES: CONCLUDING

REMARKS

The two-week experience has indeed been an eye-openingexperience. The author had the opportunity of discovering manynew things and, at the same time, analyze the differences andsimilarities between Australia and Malaysia. While, the culturamake-up of the two countries may differ, both share acommonality in that they are both migrant nations. As such, they both share relatively similar worldviews and perspectives oissues affecting their individual societies.

In the final analysis, managers must learn to be culture savvy inan era where business is increasingly extending beyond bordersOne cannot learn about another countrys culture by simplyreading from textbooks, journals or even the Internet. Whilethese resources are helpful in providing background informationthey are not sufficient on their own. The key to learning about acountrys culture is immersing oneself in it. The author personally learnt a lot by interacting with the typical Aussibloke andsheila on the street.

6. REFERENCE LIST

1. Abdullah, A. 1992, Understanding the Malaysian Workforce,Guidelines for Managers, Malaysian Institute of Management

2. Abdullah, A. 1996, Going Glocal, Cultural Dimensions inMalaysian Management, Malaysian Institute of Management

3. Ali, A. 2002, Malaysian Protocol & Correct Forms of Address, 3rdEdition, Times Books International

4. Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions,Australia Australian GeertHofstede Cultural Dimensions Explained, viewed 25 October 2005

5. Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions, Geert Hofstede CulturalDimensions, viewed 25 October 2005,

6. Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions, Malaysia Malaysian GeertHofstede Cultural Dimensions Explained, viewed 25 October 2005

7. The World Factbook,Australia, viewed 21 October 2005,

8. Trompenaars, F. & Hampden-Turner, C. 1997,Riding the Waves ofCulture, Understanding Cultural Diversity in Business, NicholasBrealey Publishing Ltd.

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