Doing Business in APAC: Navigating multicultural environment efficiently

I am often asked how I manage teams to deliver across diverse cultures in APAC. My short answer: be aware, don’t overthink, and be genuine. 

BE AWARE

Culture is the product of centuries of history, religion, and geopolitical shifts. While we cannot dedicate a lifetime to mastering each, we can adopt humble shortcuts considering two elements: the Cultural Background and the Don’t.

Cultural Background

Religion

• Christianity frames life in terms of beginnings and endings, encouraging binary thinking.

• Many APAC philosophies embrace rebirth, shaping flexible views of time and facts.

• Religions with strong hierarchies reinforce seniority over competence.

• Shintoism emphasizes harmony and purity, discouraging open conflict.

• In Muslim countries, trust, honesty, and respect form the foundation of relationships.

Geopolitical History 

Wars, invasions, and shifting borders leave cultural imprints (resentments, sensitivities), and mixed religious influences. Knowing these helps avoid potentially fatal missteps in communication and strategy.

The Don’ts

• Don’t use your left hand for greetings, food, or business cards (two hands)

• Don’t joke about sacred symbols, politics, or royalty (especially in Thailand)

• Don’t be arrogant, abrupt, or openly critical

• Don’t display too much emotions, especially anger or raising your voice in public

• Don’t point with fingers or feet

• Don’t assume gifts will be opened in front of you, check appropriateness with relations

There is nothing right or wrong here. These factors simply explain workplace behaviour. It is useless to push our own thinking pattern but necessary to activate the local one.

DO NOT OVERTHINK

You will never be fully local, nor anticipate every reaction. Accept this and rely on universal principles:

• Respect: fairness in treatment

• Reward: recognition through words and promotions

• Vision: articulate a shared future

• Trust: walk the talk, even at personal cost

BE GENUINE

Educated professionals tolerate mistakes from foreigners if acknowledged with humility and demonstrated willingness to adapt. This vulnerability builds authentic relationships. Ignoring mistakes or hiding oneself brings risks of exclusion. To thrive in Asia, be ready to show weakness and use strength with humility. 

* AI generated pictures