Malaysia Culture Etiquette/Morals (IB)
Non- Verbal Communication:
Physical Contact:
It is not encouraged to touch random people in Malaysia and is seen as inappropriate behaviour. Due to it being a predominantly Islamic country, people are not accustomed to have physical affection from anyone unless they are a family member. Touching of the opposite gender is avoided at all costs.
Silence/Pausing:
After the speaker states their points, it is important to be silent or pause before you would give a response. This shows the speaker that you are being considerate of their statement.
Pointing:
Pointing with your index finger is known as a impolite gesture and is not encouraged.
Eye Contact:
It is important that Malaysians avoid eye contact with the opposite gender and also should lower their gaze if they speak to an elder.
The Head:
The head is known to be the most important part of the human body so to touch a person’s head is considered disrespectful.
Bow:
The way to say ‘excuse me’ in a nonverbal form is by bowing when entering or passing people.
Verbal Communication:
Indirect Communication:
It is important that what is being said, in what tone and how it’s presented is not in any way offending the other person. The approach or meaning of the words are not assertive at all but appropriate. The importance is that Malaysians value politeness in conversations and is what makes them want to build a friendship with the speaker.
Language Style:
Malay language is based on figurative language. This type of language allows the person to express their feelings/ideas indirectly. Using styles like smilies, proverbs, verses and idioms to get their point across.
Voice Tone:
In Malaysia, the people would speak in a soft tone as loud or shouting is seen as negative and is not encouraged. People should speak softly and gently when in a conversation whether they are frustrated or not.
Spatial Perception:
With that being said, when it comes to spatial perception and interacts, Malaysia is okay with close distance during conversations as long as there is no physical contact involved as it is a modest country.
Just like it’s neighbour Singapore, Malaysia is considered to be quite moderate and rather small. With areas that consists of a tight city where you see building after building and then another area of just forestry all grouped together. In those cities such as Kuala Lumpur which is the capital, the city is urbanized so people live close to each other and would easily know their neighbours and often run into them.
Time Perception:
Malaysia’s time perception is a polychronic culture. Compared to other countries who are monochronic, Malaysia is more flexible or fluid with their timing. Malaysians prefer to do more than one task at a time. The country values the completion of tasks at a given schedule, commitments and relationships/friendship. Meetings or appointment times are not exact and if set will not be met at the specific time. People of monochronic culture must adjust to the way Malaysia handles appointments and deadlines.
Hofstede Dimensions:
The Top 3 Important Cultural Dimension:
Power Distance:
Score: 100
This cultural dimension is based on the idea that all individuals within the society are not equal. Power Distance is the ,“extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country accept that power is distributed unequally.”
Malaysia has a score of 100 which is the highest out of six dimensions. This means that the people will accept the hierarchy in which everybody is at a certain level and there is just no further explanation. The hierarchy is an inherent inequality and whoever is above them must listen to their orders and do them. Leadership within the state is seen as challenging and difficult.
Indulgence:
Score: 57
If socialization does not exist, then we are not considered “human” in that sense. This dimension is the “extent to which people try to control their desires and impulses based on the way they were raised”. Cultures can be both restrained or indulgent.
Malaysia has a score of 57 which shows that the culture is of Indulgence. In a society where it is Indulgent, people will realise their desires with regards to enjoying life as it is. They will be positive and tend to be very optimistic. Their spending habits are of no worry.
Masculinity:
Score: 50
Masculinity has a high score which means that the country is going to have success and competitiveness. Since success is defined by who the winner is, it is taught in school as an important value to possess and to obtain throughout.
Feminine has a low score which means that being considerate of other and the quality of life is the most important values that a society should possess. A society that is ‘feminine’ is the best for success since the quality of life and care for others are important.
Business Etiquette (What to Do and Not Do)
During the Meetings:
Don't: If you were to schedule in a business meetings, avoid Friday’s at all costs as it consists on Jummah Prayers for Muslims.
Do: You must arrive on time to a meeting but wait for Malays and Indians as they are more relaxed when it comes to a scheduled meeting, whereas the Chinese are always punctual.
Don't: Do not expect to have the business meeting to be where decisions are made between the two parties.
Do: The first meeting is based on building a relationship, familiarity and trust as Malaysians value those traits.
Don't: No personal questions are allowed but questions based on the person’s interest is acceptable.
Do: The Malaysian culture is based on respect within the hierarchy. So if a person is a senior or has a higher ranking, you must treat them respectively.
Don't: Never show any signs of frustration or anger as it is considered a rude attitude. When conversing, avoid saying “no” as a form of response to the other person, but rather say “I will try”.
Do: It is best if you wait a moment before you answer the question as it shows your taking the question into consideration and want to carefully respond in an appropriate manner.
Don't: Do not give pork, alcohol or gelatin related items as a gift since they are considered wrong in the culture.
Outfits:
Do: Men must wear formal business attire which consists of a suit, pants, long sleeved shirt and a tie (usually black or dark blue).
Do: For women, they have the option of wearing their cultural clothes or business attire (skirts or trousers).
Don't: They are to avoid revealing too much skin. It must cover their entire body.
Handshake:
Important to Malaysian culture as it determines first impression of future business partner.
Don't: When it comes to handshakes, Malaysia is very particular on the physical touching as it is a Muslim country. The touching between the two sexes is prohibited as it is seen as a inappropriate behaviour.
Do: To be on the good side of the business meeting, always wait for the women to reach out her hands first as Malay women try not to shake hands with men. If the women does not end up extending her hand, then you only bow.
Don't: For the Chinese do not reach out to shake first.
Do: It is appropriate for the Chinese to handshake but only if the women reaches out first.
Do: For Indians, a simple nod and smile is good enough.
Don't: Try not to reach for a handshake first.
