Working with Vietnamese people
According to data from the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, Vietnamese nationals constituted the largest group of foreign workers in Japan, totaling 453,000 in 2021. Additionally, it's a best practice to provide explanations for technical term abbreviations when first used to ensure everyone comprehends. This is partly due to the reputation of Vietnamese individuals for their strong work ethic, making them highly sought-after by many companies.
With a social network community of over 120,000 Vietnamese individuals, our corporation has facilitated employment for many Vietnamese expatriates.
This article offers valuable insights into Vietnamese culture that individuals planning to collaborate with Vietnamese colleagues should be aware of in advance to prevent potential cultural misunderstandings and knowledge gaps.
(Reference: Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, "Summary of Notification of Employment Status of Foreign Nationals (as of the end of October 2021)
1）What to know about Vietnam
〈Basic Knowledge〉
Vietnam, officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a country with an elongated geographical shape running from north to south. The country's capital is Hanoi, while its largest city is Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam's landmass is roughly 88% the size of Japan, excluding Kyushu. A one-way flight between Vietnam and Japan typically takes 5-6 hours.
The climate in Vietnam varies between the northern and southern regions. The northern region, centered around Hanoi, experiences a subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. From June to August, the weather is hot, humid, and muggy, while temperatures drop to around 10°C from December to February. Meanwhile, the southern part of the country, centered around Ho Chi Minh City, has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers year-round. There is a rainy season from May to November, with frequent heavy downpours (known as squalls). Conversely, the dry season occurs from December to April and features sunny days.
〈Religion〉
Mahayana Buddhism, originating from China, is widely practiced in Vietnam, accounting for 80% of the population. No changes are needed for the final sentence.
Vietnam has, however, developed its interpretation of Mahayana Buddhism, infused with indigenous culture. Christianity, especially Catholicism, is the second most prevalent religion and was introduced during the French colonial period.
〈Food〉
Because of Vietnam's historical ties to China and France, Vietnamese cuisine reflects influences from both Chinese and French culinary traditions. Rice and noodles are staple foods, with chopsticks and bowls commonly used, similar to China. Additionally, the influence of French culinary culture is evident in the popularity of French bread and coffee.
Food culture in northern and southern Vietnam also differs due to climate variations. In the northern region, where Hanoi is situated, the favored dish is pho. Meanwhile, in the southern region, where Ho Chi Minh City is located, popular dishes include Vietnamese-style spring rolls, known as "goi cuon," and Vietnamese-style savory pancakes, called "banh xeo." Rice is extensively cultivated throughout Vietnam and serves as a staple food, whether in the form of rice or rice noodles.
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Indica rice, a slender, lengthy variety, is commonly prepared using a rice cooker and consumed much like in Japan. Additionally, Vietnamese people have a high affinity for coffee, known for its sweet aroma reminiscent of coconut.
See (2) Vietnamese Character for further details.
2）Vietnamese Character
〈Personality/Temperament〉
Vietnamese individuals are often described as diligent and serious, which is comparable to the Japanese temperament. However, unlike the Japanese, many Vietnamese are comfortable expressing their genuine disinterest in a task or their dislike for something. Furthermore, Vietnam's relaxed atmosphere differs from Japan's.
Many Vietnamese immigrants in Japan have prior experience with dekasegi and have heard positive stories from those who have lived in Japan, leading to a favorable view and pro-Japanese sentiment.
〈Working Ethic〉
Vietnamese work ethic differs from that of Japanese citizens, as their culture prioritizes family values. Family often takes precedence over work, and for Vietnamese individuals, work is seen as a means of survival rather than the central focus of life. It should also be noted that the Japanese concept of "overtime work" is not applicable in Vietnam. To request overtime work, it is important to explain that overtime will be compensated and ask the employee to stay on the job.
3）Effective Communication with Vietnamese people
To ensure smooth communication and collaboration between Japanese and Vietnamese colleagues, it's important to provide clear instructions that avoid slurring or abbreviating words. Japanese individuals tend to use incomplete sentences and omit words. For instance, a common phrase like "This is a little bit..." should be expanded into full sentences that unambiguously convey the intended meaning. Vietnamese individuals may not understand that you are providing work instructions. To provide clear directives, specify "what, when, where, how, when to report, and in what form to report." Avoid vague instructions like "If possible, can you do it tomorrow?" when there is a deadline. Instead, request, "Could you please complete this by tomorrow?"
To ensure optimal communication, please consider implementing these recommendations.
4）Conclusion
These are the essential facts to be aware of before collaborating with Vietnamese colleagues. By studying Vietnamese culture, values, and contrasts with Japan beforehand, we can establish a conducive environment for the coexistence of Japanese and Vietnamese.