"Indonesians are just plain lazy"

Pause for a moment. How did that statement make you feel? Can you recall a moment in your workplace where you faced such culturally insensitive remarks, especially from someone in a leadership role? Unfortunately, such scenarios are more common than they should be.

I've lived half of my life in different countries. Lucky me, this experience not only taught me to appreciate the richness of the culture of each country I lived in but also allowed me to be more conscious of the local customs practiced by the locals to the point where I was entrusted with the role of a freelance cultural coach to expatriates coming in to work in Myanmar (sounds weird considering I am an Indonesian, but coaching Myanmar culture).

So upon hearing stories of such insensitive remarks expressed towards some old colleagues and my fellow countrymen, I was intrigued. Should such remarks be expressed openly, if not at all?

The Science of Cultural Insensitivity

Before we delve into how to handle such situations, let's try to understand why they occur. Research indicates that cultural insensitivity often stems from ignorance, lack of exposure, or an ingrained superiority complex. According to Dr. Edward T. Hall's theory of intercultural communication, many individuals operate within their own cultural bubbles, leading them to judge others based on their own cultural standards. It's akin to judging a fish by its ability to climb a tree. The fish might be an excellent swimmer, but if you only judge it based on tree-climbing, you'll always see it as incompetent.

The Heartbeat of Indonesian Culture and the Impact of Insensitive Remarks

A study published in the Journal of Southeast Asian Studies highlighted the deep-rooted cultural values that shape the Indonesian ethos. Unity, respect for elders, and the belief in mutual cooperation, known as "gotong royong," are pillars that have held the archipelago together for centuries.

Given this context, blanket negative remarks don't just harm an individual's morale but shake the cultural foundation, causing feelings of marginalization and disrespect, hence it isn't just an affront to an individual but to the community at large. Moreover, research from the International Business Review revealed that when local employees feel their culture is valued and respected, their engagement, productivity, and loyalty towards the organization increases manifold.

The Impact of Cultural Sensitivity on Performance

According to a study in the International Journal of Business and Management, culturally insensitive remarks can severely hamper team morale, especially in places like Indonesia that value social harmony. On the flip side, leaders who showed understanding and respect for local cultures fostered environments where creativity and productivity thrived.

Tips for Expatriates in Indonesia:

1. Understand Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions: Geert Hofstede's research emphasizes understanding Power Distance, Individualism vs. Collectivism, and Uncertainty Avoidance among other dimensions. For instance, Indonesia scores high in Power Distance, meaning hierarchical structures are respected.
2. Engage in Local Traditions: Attend local ceremonies or events. This shows respect and a willingness to learn.
3. Open Conversations: Establish an open dialogue with your team. Ask about their customs, festivals, or any nuances you should be aware of.
4. Seek Feedback: Sometimes, you might unknowingly make an insensitive remark. Encourage your team to provide feedback.
5. Attend Cultural Training: Before starting your role, attend workshops or training sessions that provide insights into local customs.

To draw an analogy from Minangkabau's philosophy in West Sumatra: "Dimana bumi dipijak, di situ langit dijunjung." It means, "Where we stand (on earth), there we uphold the sky." This is a call for respecting and honoring the local culture.

In Conclusion

For employees facing such bosses, remember that your worth isn't determined by someone's uninformed perspective. For expat bosses, Indonesia offers a rich cultural landscape. To harness the full potential of your team, dive deep into understanding and respecting it.

Wouldn't a world where we appreciate and learn from our differences be a harmonious one and much richer in diversity work in?