Understanding Vietnamese Work Culture

For expats entering the Vietnamese work environment, adapting to local work culture is essential for building positive relationships. It is important to note however that not all work cultures are the same and the Vietnamese work culture is typically influenced by centuries-old traditions and Confucian values which impact on daily interactions and can often cause misunderstandings.

However, it’s important to note that work culture in Vietnam can vary widely depending on the organization, setting, and even generational perspectives. For example, the younger workforce, such as Gen Z, often embraces open communication and casual interactions, contrasting with traditional norms. It is important therefore to be aware of the type of people you will be working with so that you are prepared!

This guide will provide an insight into the most important aspects of Vietnamese work culture, including the significance of hierarchy, norms for meetings, and tips on effective communication to help expats fit in.

Hierarchy and Respect

Vietnamese work culture places a strong emphasis on hierarchy, with a strong emphasis on respect for authority, elders, and social order.

In Vietnamese workplaces, respect for authority is paramount, and decisions are often made by the top-level management rather than through collective consensus. This top-down approach is very different to the approach in the West in which there is more of a collective decision-making process.

It is important to note that your colleagues will probably be unwilling to openly challenge their superiors or express dissent, which can often leave expats feeling quite isolated. This is not to say that internally they may feel the same way about a decision – it is simply that they are not willing to express this.

Titles and Addressing Superiors

When engaging with colleagues or managers, it’s important to be respectful, acknowledging their position and addressing them formally.

Addressing people with the correct titles is important in Vietnam. Titles are based on both age and position, and it is common to refer to someone by their title followed by their given name. For instance, if a manager is named Anh and holds the position of director, they might be addressed as “Director Anh.” This shows respect and adherence to local customs. Younger or more junior employees typically avoid addressing superiors by their first name alone, as this could be considered disrespectful.

Clear Role Definition

Roles are clearly defined, and employees generally work within the confines of their responsibilities. Asking a junior employee to make a high-level decision may create discomfort, as decision-making tends to rest with those at the top. Expats should be aware that respecting the chain of command is highly valued in Vietnamese workplaces, so although you may feel you are helping by including everyone in a decision-making process, in fact, you are causing discomfort.

Meetings in the Vietnamese Workplace

Meetings in Vietnam are important events where information is communicated from the top down, rather than platforms for open debate or brainstorming. Understanding meeting etiquette can help expats approach these interactions with appropriate expectations and contribute meaningfully.

Vietnamese meetings tend to be formal, with a structured agenda and clear objectives. You will often find the room is very well set up with warm water to drink, materials to write on prepared, small snacks and white tablecloths etc. While punctuality isn’t as rigid as in Western cultures, it’s still advisable to arrive on time to show respect. Being prepared, with materials organized in advance, reflects professionalism and respect for the meeting leader.

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Meetings in Vietnam are often more about listening than speaking, particularly for junior employees or those new to the company. Expats may find that voicing too many opinions early on can be perceived as overly assertive. Instead, actively listen, observe the dynamics, and share insights sparingly, especially in the beginning. Over time, as relationships build, you’ll be able to contribute more freely while still respecting the meeting norms.

Direct disagreement in meetings is uncommon and can be viewed as disrespectful. If you disagree with a decision or proposal, a more effective approach is to wait until after the meeting to discuss it privately with the relevant person, especially if they are in a senior position. This indirect approach helps maintain harmony and respect for the hierarchy.

Meetings often conclude with action points that are expected to be carried out with minimal follow-up. Proactively taking action on these items demonstrates your reliability and respect for the process. However, if clarification is needed, ask questions politely to ensure expectations are understood.

Communication Styles in Vietnamese Work Culture

In the West strong and honest communication is encouraged and valued, however in the Vietnamese workplace emphasis is upon being indirect, modest and of course deference to authority.

Vietnamese people generally prefer indirect communication to avoid confrontation and maintain social harmony. This may mean that criticism or disagreement is expressed subtly or through non-verbal cues rather than direct statements. Expats should be attuned to the nuances of what is said and, at times, what is left unsaid. For instance, if a manager says, “Perhaps it would be better to consider another approach,” it could mean that the current proposal is not ideal and needs rethinking. This does take practice, as expats are accustomed to directness and thus may take such phrases at face value and thereby continue to push for their point of view.

Non-verbal cues, tone of voice, and expressions carry significant meaning in Vietnamese communication. It is important not to look too upset or angry – instead, you will find that most people will smile – with this being used as a way to diffuse tension or convey politeness, even if the person disagrees with you. Try to be aware of your facial expression and do your best to keep it as neutral as possible.

Publicly criticizing colleagues or calling out mistakes can lead to a loss of “face,” which is an important concept in Vietnamese culture. To avoid embarrassment, address issues privately and with tact. Constructive feedback should be given in a way that allows the other person to maintain dignity and respect.

Email and Written Communication

Emails in the Vietnamese workplace are often more formal than in some Western workplaces. Use proper greetings, full sentences, and sign-offs when communicating by email.

When sending emails to superiors, be polite and concise. It is common to put the key items in numbered bullet points ( which can often come across as aloof and impolite to an expat) rather than full sentences as this is seen as respectful of a superior time by focusing on essential information.

Building Relationships

Building strong relationships is essential for success in the Vietnamese workplace – it is often not what you know but who you know that is important.

Although in the West, it is a personal choice as to whether to liaise with colleagues, in Vietnam there is an emphasis on social activities, such as after-work dinners or coffee breaks, with these being a key way to build rapport and strengthen connections. While these informal interactions are not always mandatory, they can significantly improve workplace relationships and trust.

Similarly, Vietnamese workplaces observe a number of cultural traditions and values, such as celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) with team events or exchanging small gifts during major holidays. Participating in these events, respecting cultural practices, and showing interest in Vietnamese customs go a long way in fostering goodwill with your colleagues.

Ultimately, thriving in the Vietnamese work environment is about having an awareness of local traditions and adapting to the cultural norms. With time, observation, and a respectful approach, you can integrate smoothly into your Vietnamese workplace and contribute effectively, while also enriching your own cultural experience in this fascinating country.