Hi,
In Novartis, Wenlei is currently attending a series of English courses
designed for Asian employees. In one course, the tutor introduced students an
out-of-printed book, "Working with Americans".
Accidentally, I discovered the book in Wenlei's bag and started
reading it. It is an excellent book not only comparing cultures in America and
in Asia countries, but also providing suggestions for Asian employees. The
more I read, the more I understand the reasons behind a lot of
observations I made in U.S.
For example, while reading one chapter discussing American's
individualism and the desire to control, instantly, I understand why
cars are so popular in U.S.
Another example comes from the observation I made on
software. Software in nowadays allow users to configure according to
users' own tastes. To the maximum extent, a user can totally change
the outlook of the software. Again, the motivations behind the design
are American's individualism and the desire to control.
No one shall undertake the cultural impact from using software majorly
designed by Americans. The impact is intangible, but real. For
me, it is hard to use software which I can't configure since I
already unconsciously accepted American's individualism and the desire
to control by using software which I can configure.
--peter
