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10/08/2015

Topic Reading-Vol.1275-10/8/2015

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,
The toughest dilemma for a returning expat
Cultural difference often gives challenges to returnees from a foreign country. Teaching style is one. In many countries especially in Asia, listening to the teacher, taking notes, memorizing things and taking exams still seem to be the most common style at school, while western education requires participation and contribution to the class activities. In work places, seniority and respect mean more than the title in some countries but hierarchy and authority are the absolute power in other places. In Japan, building good team work through consensus is the must qualification for managers.
Working in different countries and cultures require skills and patience, not to mention understanding and respecting the local practices, on top of the expected performance for the job.
But is that just culture that makes difference in work places? What about the industry, the size of the workplace or the management style of the organization?
Enjoy reading and thinking what sorts of challenges expatriates face.

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