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Digg It - Mastering Singaporean Business Etiquette: 7 Tips
To the first-time International Assignee to Singapore - or Asia for that matter - the mere thought of experiencing a wholly different culture is daunting enough. In addition to putting in his best work performance so as to make his expatriation experience worthwhile.
All is not lost if the Assignee has made thorough preparations before his transfer. Fo
All is not lost if the Assignee has made thorough preparations before his transfer. Fo
According to USFDA, a combination product is one composed of any combination of a drug and device; biological product and device; drug and biological product
r instance, the following digestible tips that he could take note of when liaising or communicating with Singaporeans. Although Singaporeans generally speak English with varying proficiency standards; the Assignee is advised to exercise due care given the cultural differences.
1. Small-talk
Small-talk is one of the most common
1. Small-talk
Small-talk is one of the most common
; or drug, device, and biological product and fixed dose combination would include two or more combinations of drug.
Examples of combination products may in
Examples of combination products may in
traits observed by business communities across Southeast Asia. It also takes place between parties who meet for the first time. Making small-talk may be seen as a pointless time-wasting exercise for some Western executives. However, to Asians, engaging in small-talk is a form of establishing long-term collaborative relationship. Besides, it is also a wa
lude drug-coated devices, drugs packaged with delivery devices in medical kits, and drugs and devices packaged separately but intended to be used together.
y of establishing rapport and trust.
Topics ranging from asking after the Assignee's family to if he has gone on holiday/vacation. However, unlike their Asian counterparts elsewhere, Singaporeans are not as intrusive as they go for safer topics like the weather. Neither do they discuss any topic at length; it is usually about 10 to 15 minutes thereabou
Topics ranging from asking after the Assignee's family to if he has gone on holiday/vacation. However, unlike their Asian counterparts elsewhere, Singaporeans are not as intrusive as they go for safer topics like the weather. Neither do they discuss any topic at length; it is usually about 10 to 15 minutes thereabou
here is enormous increase in the number of combination products entering the market in the recent years. Combination products have proven advantages but fixe
ts. Singaporeans are pressed for time that is why.
2. Business Cards
Business cards in Asia serve as an extension of the person's business reputation. Hence, the ritual-like exchange whereby the cards are presented and received with both hands simultaneously - it takes some practice to do so. The trick is by holding the top cor
2. Business Cards
Business cards in Asia serve as an extension of the person's business reputation. Hence, the ritual-like exchange whereby the cards are presented and received with both hands simultaneously - it takes some practice to do so. The trick is by holding the top cor
d dose combinations are still in the process of convincing regulatory authority on their advantages over the single ingredient formulations.
Combination pro
Combination pro
ners/part of one's card with name facing the receiver. And then receiving the counterpart's with the left hand when both cards "meet".
The Assignee could show interest towards his counterpart by studying the card for a moment and then asking questions relating to their business or work. If this takes place during a formal meeting, the card is placed on
The Assignee could show interest towards his counterpart by studying the card for a moment and then asking questions relating to their business or work. If this takes place during a formal meeting, the card is placed on
ucts have become life saving products for the pharmaceutical companies who doesn’t have many innovative molecules in their product pipeline and have been inc
the table to the Assignee's right for referencing purposes.
Last but not least, the Assignee ought to take note of the following:
[a] Never put the card inside his shirt pocket immediately; or trouser/pants back pocket as this gesture is deemed disrespectful towards his counterpart. That is, he is literally sitting on them - the horror.
[b] Never wr
Last but not least, the Assignee ought to take note of the following:
[a] Never put the card inside his shirt pocket immediately; or trouser/pants back pocket as this gesture is deemed disrespectful towards his counterpart. That is, he is literally sitting on them - the horror.
[b] Never wr
easingly used in the product life cycle management. Even the companies having product patents are trying to extend their product life cycle through the combi
ite on his counterpart's business card as this implies he is defacing the card
3. Saving Face / Loss of Face
There is a subtle difference between these two phrases as described in the following scenarios:
[a] Saving face - a long-running dispute between two departments whose members do not wish to bring the
3. Saving Face / Loss of Face
There is a subtle difference between these two phrases as described in the following scenarios:
[a] Saving face - a long-running dispute between two departments whose members do not wish to bring the
nation products and maximize the revenues. But the companies involved in this practice are overlooking that they are burdening the patients both economically
matter up to their respective supervisors. Else they appear as difficult or petulant they do their utmost to "save face".
[b] Loss of Face - scribbling onto a Singaporean's [especially ethnic Chinese] business card in his presence will cause him to "lose face". I made this mistake several years ago at my first job. I innocently jotted down the person'
[b] Loss of Face - scribbling onto a Singaporean's [especially ethnic Chinese] business card in his presence will cause him to "lose face". I made this mistake several years ago at my first job. I innocently jotted down the person'
and physically. They need to rightly judge the benefits of the combination products and they have to even look at the risks involved when combining the produ
s particulars on the back of her business card, completely oblivious to her stare. And here I was wondering why.
4. Non-Confrontational Stance
It is Singaporeans' aversion to "losing face" - or inclination for "face saving" - that they come across as non-confrontational. Even if a conflict arises over trivial matters, they woul
4. Non-Confrontational Stance
It is Singaporeans' aversion to "losing face" - or inclination for "face saving" - that they come across as non-confrontational. Even if a conflict arises over trivial matters, they woul
ts. Some of the combination products were well accepted by physicians while others suffered. Companies involved in development of combination products are fi
d rather save the other party's face instead of thrashing out the issue. Such behaviour may appear difficult or strange for the Assignee to grasp.
However, Singaporeans believe in achieving results together collectively, hence their preference for a harmonious work relationship. It can also be said that they do not have a propensity to kick up a huge f
However, Singaporeans believe in achieving results together collectively, hence their preference for a harmonious work relationship. It can also be said that they do not have a propensity to kick up a huge f
ding difficulty in defining their combination products and facing various challenges from selecting a combination to marketing it.
Following aspects would a
Following aspects would a
uss.
Similarly, any wrongdoing committed by the Assignee's peers or staff should be discussed behind closed doors. Rather than risking a "face losing" episode by confronting - or embarrassing - the wrong-doer loudly in the common area. They may turn out to be not guilty.
5. Hierarchical Structure / Deference to Authority
The
Similarly, any wrongdoing committed by the Assignee's peers or staff should be discussed behind closed doors. Rather than risking a "face losing" episode by confronting - or embarrassing - the wrong-doer loudly in the common area. They may turn out to be not guilty.
5. Hierarchical Structure / Deference to Authority
The
dd to the challenges in developing combination products:
Which markets to tap where the combination products can do fairly well?
Which combination prod
Which markets to tap where the combination products can do fairly well?
Which combination prod
top-down management philosophy is practiced in Singapore whereby respect is automatically accorded to a "senior". Thus, if the Assignee arrives with management responsibilities, he is expected to make important decisions which are deferred to him. Unless he works in a Multinational Enterprise, the egalitarian approach is a fairly foreign concept to Sing
cts are meaningful and rational?
Which therapeutic categories to select?
Which Combinations can address unmet needs of the patients?
Do combin
Which therapeutic categories to select?
Which Combinations can address unmet needs of the patients?
Do combin
aporeans.
To be brought into the company - or Singapore for that matter - means there is no local equivalent or "talent" for the job. The Assignee is held in high regard and considered as an unrivalled expert in his field as a result. Additional pressure on him to succeed in his assignment!
Consequently, knowledge-sharing amongst or between himself an
To be brought into the company - or Singapore for that matter - means there is no local equivalent or "talent" for the job. The Assignee is held in high regard and considered as an unrivalled expert in his field as a result. Additional pressure on him to succeed in his assignment!
Consequently, knowledge-sharing amongst or between himself an
tions increase the patient compliance?
What would be the developing cost?
How to tackle the risks encountered during combination product developmen
What would be the developing cost?
How to tackle the risks encountered during combination product developmen
d his subordinates or peers is near non-existent. Secondly, for the Assignee to elicit opinion or suggestion is to lower himself to the level of his peers or employees - or "losing face".
6. Consensual Decision-Making
As discussed above with regard to deference to authority; and their non-confrontational sta
6. Consensual Decision-Making
As discussed above with regard to deference to authority; and their non-confrontational sta
t?
As combination products don't fit into the traditional categories of drugs, medical devices, or biological products, the USFDA is in the process of devel
As combination products don't fit into the traditional categories of drugs, medical devices, or biological products, the USFDA is in the process of devel
nce that Singaporeans appreciate consensual decision-making. Especially amongst peers or if it is a matter that involves the entire department.
For instance, someone in the department suggests a coffee percolator so that everyone could brew a cuppa. His colleagues are expected to be asked for their opinion or agreement so that they can all reach consen
For instance, someone in the department suggests a coffee percolator so that everyone could brew a cuppa. His colleagues are expected to be asked for their opinion or agreement so that they can all reach consen
ping new procedures for reviewing their safety, efficacy and quality.
Professional from academic institutions, pharmaceutical industries, health care indust
Professional from academic institutions, pharmaceutical industries, health care indust
sus. Even if it pertains to the percolator brand. There may be those who do not agree, but go along all the same just to maintain peace and harmony.
7. "What would you like to drink? Water?"
Most long-term expatriates in Singapore are aware of this intriguing question that they practice it too, such that it becomes second natur
7. "What would you like to drink? Water?"
Most long-term expatriates in Singapore are aware of this intriguing question that they practice it too, such that it becomes second natur
y and representatives from various regulatory agencies are working out to design the regulatory requirements for manufacture and sale of combination products
e to them. Likewise, guests to Singaporean - regardless of ethnicity - homes are asked same. A guest having travelled a distance is deemed thirsty - especially in tropical countries like Singapore - thus a drink is proffered.
Singaporeans would ask guests their beverage preferences like coffee, tea or simply a glass of water. In other words, a warm ges
Singaporeans would ask guests their beverage preferences like coffee, tea or simply a glass of water. In other words, a warm ges
.
As there is an increasing trend of the combination products companies manufacturing such products should be able to tackle the problems involved in the de
As there is an increasing trend of the combination products companies manufacturing such products should be able to tackle the problems involved in the de
ture of welcome that surely makes guests comfortable; or putting them at ease.
In Conclusion...
It is not too difficult to master the Business Etiquette of a particular country or culture as expounded on this article. All it takes for the International Assignee is an appreciation of the workings of each practice as featured.
In Conclusion...
It is not too difficult to master the Business Etiquette of a particular country or culture as expounded on this article. All it takes for the International Assignee is an appreciation of the workings of each practice as featured.
elopment. They need to be wiser in analyzing the market trends and the regulatory requirements.
Companies that provide selfless information through particip
Companies that provide selfless information through particip
He clearly has an edge over his peers in the long run when he eventually becomes adept at the intricacies.
Bear in mind though that what appears weird and idiosyncratic to him, his very own practices will appear exactly same to his hosts. To "Do as the Romans Do" is certainly more relevant than ever in today's increasingly diverse and global workplace.
Bear in mind though that what appears weird and idiosyncratic to him, his very own practices will appear exactly same to his hosts. To "Do as the Romans Do" is certainly more relevant than ever in today's increasingly diverse and global workplace.
tion in industry events and feedback to regulatory authorities would be able to face the challenges and will be successful in developing combination products
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