Top Tips on Singapore

Top Tips on Singapore

Tip 1
Singapore is probably the most heavily Western-influenced of all the major Asian economies and, as such, presents a sometimes confusing mix of solidly traditional Asian values and ultra modern business techniques.

Tip 2
Singapore is an eclectic mix of ethnic Chinese, Malays, Indians and global expatriates and is therefore difficult to categorise. What is true of the ethnic Chinese approach may be very different in an Indian-oriented company or the regional headquarters of a major MNC.

Tip 3
Business structures tend towards the hierarchical with decisions made at the top by senior management before being cascaded down the chain.

Tip 4
It is unusual for people to display open disagreement with a decision made. Any debate would be held in private.

Tip 5
Ensure that people of a similar status deal with senior people. Do not show disrespect by expecting them to deal with younger, more junior colleagues.

Tip 6
Age is respected and managers tend to be older. As with all Asian countries, age brings automatic respect and it is more difficult for younger people to interface as equals at senior management level.

Tip 7
Managers expect and receive respect. In return for that respect they take a holistic interest in the all-round well being of subordinates.

Tip 8
Performance determines promotion within an organisation – except within family firms where family bonds are strongly felt.

Tip 9
Harmony is sought in meeting situations and everything should be done to promote and maintain that harmony.

Tip 10
Remember the importance of safeguarding face. Relationships are the key in Singapore and relationships become difficult if people have lost face.

Tip 11
Maintain respect for the hierarchy of the delegation at all times. Do not belittle the arguments of the manager in front of his or her team.

Tip 12
Remember that diplomatic and coded language is the norm and that what is said is not what is necessarily meant. Try to look for the meaning beneath the actual words but if in doubt return to the issue later.

Tip 13
Teams work on a consensus decision-making basis, which can be lengthy and frustrating. Patience is definitely a virtue in these situations.

Tip 14
English language levels are almost universally high with much of Singaporean education being conducted in English. In addition, many Singaporeans complete their education in the U.K., U.S.A. or Australia.

Tip 15
No does not always mean no and yes may merely be an indication of comprehension. Always try to explore beneath the surface level as to what may actually be meant.

Tip 16
Humour, although appreciated in social situations, can be confusing and undermining in a more serious business context.

Tip 17
Gift giving is less prevalent in Singapore than in most other Asian countries and gifts should be modest in nature to avoid any whiff of corruption.

Tip 18
Women play an active and senior role in business life and will be found in most functions of an organisation. Overseas women will be dealt with on their merit.

Tip 19
Dress codes are less formal than in many other countries with jackets and ties being used in only the most formal of situations.

Tip 20
Be aware of any potential sensitivities around dealing with Malay Muslims – avoid pork, alcohol etc.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Singapore only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.