Mini project The differences in meetings between American and Vietnamese

Mini project The differences in meetings between American and VietnameseMini project The differences in meetings between American and VietnameseMini project The differences in meetings between American and Vietnamese

Accumulative Report Title: The differences in meetings

between American and Vietnamese

c

Course: Mini project: British – American work styles and communication

- Bình Dương,

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PHIẾU CHẤM

Điểm

Bằng số Bằng chữ

Liên quan trực tiếp Khá liên quan Liên quan từ xa Hoàn toàn

Chủ đề

không liên quan

0.75-1 điểm 0.6-0,75 điểm 0.3-0,5 điểm 0-0.25 điểm

Tổ chức tốt; sắp Có tổ chức, nhưng Một số phần lan Tổ chức kém;

xếp hợp lý, phát phát triển chưa man; bắt đầu và không tiến triển

triển logic; bố cục logic, cảm giác kết thúc không rõ logic; bắt đầu

Bố cục

rõ ràng chỉ có phần bắt ràng và kết thúc mơ

thông phần chủ đề trợ chủ đề thể

tin và

2-2,5 điểm 1.4-2 điểm 0.7-1.3 điểm 0-0.6 điểm

độ thú

vị

Lỗi viết Không có lỗi Chỉ một hoặc hai Nhiều hơn hai lỗi Nhiều lỗi gây

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1.6-2 điểm 1.1-1.5 điểm 0,6-1 điểm 0-0.5 điểm

Trích dẫn và trình Trích dẫn và trình Trích dẫn và trình Trích dẫn và bày tài liệu tham bày tài liệu tham bày tài liệu tham trình bày tài liệu

Trích khảo, hình vẽ, bảng, khảo, hình vẽ, bảng, khảo đúng quy tham khảo không

biểu rõ ràng và đúng biểu đúng quy định định nhưng chưa rõ đúng quy định,

dẫn và

trình

chưa rõ ràng.

bày

TLTK

1.6-2 điểm 1.1-1.5 điểm 0,6-1 điểm 0-0.5 điểm

ĐIỂM TỔNG CÁ NHÂN

ĐIỂM THỐNG NHẤT

Page 3

Table of Contents

Chapter I: Introduction 5

Chapter II: Content 7

2.1 Background Concepts 7

2.1.1 Definition of meeting 7

2.1.2 Common Styles of Meeting 7

2.2 Three main differences 7

a Main Feature 1: Communication Styles 7

b Main Feature 2: Dress code 8

c Main Feature 3: Conflict Resolution 9

References 11

Page 4

Chapter I: Introduction

1.1 Background Information of the Research: Context and Subjects

In today’s interconnected world, business meetings are an essential part of organizational communication However, cultural differences significantly shape how meetings are conducted, affecting everything from communication styles to decision-making processes This research examines the differences in meeting practices between two culturally distinct countries: The United States and Vietnam These two countries have different social, cultural, and professional norms that influence the way meetings are organized and the behavior of participants

1.2 The Reason for Choosing the Topic

This topic was chosen to explore the significant cultural differences that influence business practices across different countries With an increasing number of international collaborations and cross-border meetings, it is vital to understand how culture shapes the way meetings are conducted Misunderstandings or inefficiencies in meetings due to cultural differences can lead to ineffective communication, poor decision-making, or damaged relationships By analyzing the distinct meeting practices between American

and Vietnamese cultures, this research aims to provide valuable insights that can improve cross-cultural communication and foster more effective international collaboration

Understanding these differences is crucial for businesses operating globally, as it helps employees navigate cultural nuances and enhances their ability to work together productively, despite cultural barriers

1.3 The Main Ideas in Chapter II

Chapter II delves into the three main differences in meetings between American and

Vietnamese cultures:

Communication Styles: Direct communication in American meetings versus indirect communication in Vietnamese meetings

Dress Code: The flexibility of American business attire versus the formality and cultural significance of Vietnamese attire

Conflict Resolution: The solution-focused and direct approach in America versus the harmony-focused and hierarchical approach in Vietnam

Each feature is examined through theoretical comparisons, illustrative data, and analytical interpretations to provide a comprehensive understanding of these cultural contrasts

1.4 Brief Description of Data Collection

This study used a qualitative approach, systematically observing and analyzing scenes from selected films depicting professional and social meetings Research tool is checklist Data collection focused on analyzing communication patterns, dress codes, and conflict resolution strategies during meetings, with results synthesized to highlight cultural distinctions

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Chapter II: Content

2.1 Background Concepts

2.1.1 Definition of meeting

A meeting is defined as "a gathering of two or more individuals who come together

to discuss specific topics, share information, or make decisions to achieve a common objective" (Doyle, 2002) Meetings are essential for facilitating communication and collaboration within organizations

2.1.2 Common Styles of Meeting

Meetings are a fundamental component of organizational communication, serving various purposes and styles depending on the context and goals (Henneman & Kahn, 2019)

One prevalent style is the informational meeting, where the primary goal is to

disseminate information to participants These meetings are typically structured with

a clear agenda and a focus on presentations from key speakers (Katz & Kahn, 1978)

Decision-making meetings are another important style, focused on reaching a consensus

or making specific choices (Roberts, 2018) These meetings typically involve a structured format where participants evaluate options, discuss pros and cons, and ultimately come to

a conclusion

2.2 Three main differences

a Main Feature 1: Communication Styles

Communication styles differ significantly across cultures, shaped by values of individualism versus collectivism and high-context versus low-context communication theories In American meetings, direct communication is preferred, reflecting the value placed on individual expression and assertiveness (Hall, 1989) Americans generally value problem-solving efficiency, so clear and direct feedback is encouraged Conversely,

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Vietnamese meetings tend to follow an indirect style Vietnamese culture, influenced by collectivism, emphasizes harmony and respect for hierarchy, which means feedback is often more tactfully phrased and confrontations are avoided, especially with senior members (Nguyen, 2017)

Film How does the communication style in the meetings?

Table 1 Communication Style Comparison Table

In American meetings, communication tends to be more direct, with 67% of participants preferring straightforward interactions This reflects the cultural values of individualism and clarity, where open expression is encouraged to facilitate decision-making and problem-solving A smaller portion, 16.5%, use indirect communication, and another 16.5% utilize a mix of both styles, depending on the context In contrast, Vietnamese meetings are characterized by a predominant preference for indirect communication, with 50% of participants choosing this style This aligns with the collectivist culture, where maintaining harmony and avoiding confrontation is essential Only 34% of Vietnamese

The dress code in meetings reflects cultural values and professional norms in both America and Vietnam In American meetings, business attire is typically formal, with men often wearing suits and ties, and women donning business suits or dresses However,

in more casual industries or smaller companies, business casual is common, where participants might wear slacks, blouses, or polo shirts In contrast, Vietnamese meetings generally maintain a more formal dress code across all industries, reflecting a respect for hierarchy and professionalism Men typically wear suits or long-sleeved shirts with ties, while women opt for formal dresses or áo dài (traditional attire), especially during formal

or government-related meetings The differences highlight the American emphasis on comfort and industry-specific norms, while Vietnamese dress codes align with tradition and social respect

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Table 2 Dresscode Comparison Table

When it comes to attire, American meetings typically see 67% of participants dressing in traditional or formal attire, while 33% opt for modern clothing The flexibility in American business attire reflects the country's emphasis on comfort and industry-specific norms, where business casual attire is common in some sectors In contrast, Vietnamese meetings show a stronger adherence to traditional and formal attire Half of the participants choose traditional clothing, such as the ao dai for women, indicating the importance of cultural heritage and formality in the workplace A smaller proportion (34%) wear formal business attire, while 16% choose modern attire, which reflects more casual settings or industries

c Main Feature 3: Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution styles in meetings differ significantly between American and Vietnamese cultures, reflecting their underlying values and communication preferences

In America, conflict resolution tends to be direct and solution-focused, with an emphasis

on open discussions and quick decision-making Disagreements are viewed as opportunities for improvement, and participants are encouraged to voice their opinions openly In contrast, Vietnamese conflict resolution is often indirect, prioritizing harmony

Film How do teams usually approach conflict resolution?

Table 3 Conflict Resolution Comparison Table

Regarding conflict resolution, American teams tend to avoid conflicts in 67% of meetings, reflecting a preference for maintaining efficiency and preventing disruptions However, 33% of American team resolve conflicts through compromise, and a smaller number rely on mediation to solve issues Vietnamese teams show a different approach: 67% prefer compromising to resolve conflicts, indicating a focus on achieving mutually agreeable solutions that maintain group harmony Only 33% of Vietnamese teams avoid conflicts, and mediation is also used, reflecting the cultural importance of maintaining social balance and hierarchy in conflict situations

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Chapter III: Conclusion

This study highlights the significant differences in meeting practices between American and Vietnamese cultures, particularly in communication styles, dress codes, and conflict resolution approaches American meetings reflect values of directness, flexibility, and efficiency, whereas Vietnamese meetings emphasize harmony, tradition, and hierarchy These differences underscore the importance of cultural awareness in international business contexts

By identifying these distinctions, the research offers valuable insights for professionals working in cross-cultural environments, enabling them to navigate meetings effectively and build stronger interpersonal and organizational relationships The use of questionnaires and observations ensured a balanced and practical perspective on the topic, with findings providing a foundation for future studies or training programs focused on cross-cultural communication and collaboration

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References

Doyle, M (2002) The art of meeting: How to plan and run successful meetings New York:

Wiley

Hall, E T (1989) The dance of life: The other dimension of time Anchor Books.

Henneman, A., & Kahn, R (2019) Organizational communication and meeting dynamics.

Oxford University Press

Jones, M (2020) Dress Codes in America: A Reflection of Freedom and Individuality.

Cultural Studies Review, 12(3), 45-56

Lewis, T R (2006) The cultural dimensions of conflict management in international

business negotiations Journal of International Business Studies, 37(3), 279-293.

Nguyen, H T (2017) Conflict management in Vietnamese culture: A cross-cultural

perspective International Journal of Cross-Cultural Management, 17(2), 227-243.

Vietnamese Cultural Publishing House.

Pham, K (2021) Social Norms and Attire in Contemporary Vietnamese Society Asian

Fashion Studies, 5(1), 23-30

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