WHAT ELICITS PASSIVE RESISTANCE?
Once we know the Western behaviors that elicit passive resistance, we can make the small changes that have a major impact on productivity. 1. Decision-Making The Western system rewards good, independent decision-making. We value the philosophy of individual accountability and are taught to ask to speak directly to the decision-maker. When customer issues arise, we demand that someone take responsibility. In China, the senior person makes major decisions, and lesser decisions are reached by consensus, in which cases, no one person is responsible. When you pressure Asian colleagues for a decision, you are asking them to defy their instincts, culture and training. They will not act because they cannot act alone. So the decision you want will stall. To speed the decision process, slow down. Make sure all parties receive the same detailed information. Keep everyone in the loop. 2. Problem-Solving The freewheeling Western brainstorming practice goes against strict hierarchical codes of condu
