Learning about Myanmar’s work culture

Drawn by prominent Myanmar cartoonist Aw Pi Kyeh, the cartoons cover topics such as eating and drinking, dress code, greetings and body language and are designed to highlight the importance of listening to and learning from local people, to help prevent conflict and contribute to commercial success.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

“Respect for Myanmar’s many cultures is an important part of promoting equality, combating discrimination and creating a respectful workplace,” said MCRB director Vicky Bowman.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

“Minor cultural misunderstandings by foreign company employees can escalate into wider grievances – including with local communities – which can ultimately jeopardise investments. They can also contribute to a less motivated and unproductive workplace,” she added.

The publication seeks to help foreign managers and executives understand Myanmar culture and avoid cross-cultural misunderstandings with local communities. It was authored by the MCRB, in partnership with DICA – which is under the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations (MIFER) – and with input from other ministries.

“Responsible investment is respectful investment,” MIFER Minister U Thaung Tun said, referring to the launch of the guidebook. “Respect for diverse cultures and traditions will undoubtedly contribute to the wider goals of our government, including sustainable peace.”

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

The cartoons primarily focus on building mutual respect and understanding, rather than legal requirements. But the guide makes clear that investors should ensure that they are familiar with Myanmar workplace laws, such as labour, health and safety and environmental protection regulations.

.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

2. Learn a few Myanmar words e.g: ‘Mingalabar’ (Hello); ‘Kye-zu tin-ba-deh‘ (Thank you); ‘Ne-kaun-la’ (How are you?); ‘Ne-kaun-ba-deh‘ (I am fine); ‘thwa-meh, naw’ (‘Bye’/’I’m going’)

.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

3. If your message is important, check that what you say has been understood. Myanmar people may not feel comfortable to admit that they do not understand. You can try rephrasing your question with ‘Please tell me what you need to know?’ or ‘how are you going to do this?’

.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

4. Do NOT greet people by holding two hands, palms together in front of your chest. This gesture is reserved for greeting or listening to monks.

.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

5. Greet business contacts with a handshake rather than kisses on the cheek or hugs. Some women may prefer not to shake hands. Wait to see if she extends the hand first. Otherwise, smiles and nods are sufficient.

.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

6. The head of a person is considered sacred. Do not touch someone’s head, cheeks or hair, and do not pass objects over their head.

.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

7. Bow your head slightly when walking in front of someone senior who is seated, or a monk tao show respect.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

8. If you bump into someone, or reach over or behind them, say ‘ga-daw’ (‘Excuse me’) or ‘ga-daw naw’ (more casual).

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

9. Don’t point or touch objects with your feet, because feet, as the lowermost part of our body, are considered unclean.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

10. Objects should be handed carefully (with your left hand supporting the right hand or with both hands), to another person and not thrown towards them.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

11. Never put your foot into a water container such as a bucket. Pour the water over the foot to wash it.

.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

12. Myanmar people may fold (cross) their arms when they are listening: this shows respect.

.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

13. Avoid stepping over items, especially books or other printed materials such as newspapers, magazines etc., because this shows disrespect for knowledge.

.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

14. Myanmar is still a conservative society concerning dress codes, particularly skirt length for women. In religious buildings, knees and shoulders should be covered.

.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

15. Check whether you should take your shoes off before entering an office. It is customary to do so when entering a religious building or a home; some people even do when climbing on a stage.

.

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

16. (Women) employees should be informed in advance if it is not permitted for them to wear thanakha paste on their cheeks due to the risk of contaminating products.

The guide is now available online www.dica.gov.mm, www.mcrb.org.mm in English, Myanmar and Chinese languages. The cartoons are by Awpikyeh, reproduced with permission of MCRB.