Computer training in China, cultural concerns

[Kwaipie]

I have an office in mainland China where we employed someone to maintain a server and about 40 WinXP computers. His skill set isn't as high as we would like, so we'd like to get him some additional professional training. Culturally, Chinese people have a thing called "guanxi" as well "Mianzi" as having to "save face" in all cases. Therefore, when we ask him if he understands a concept, he readily agrees. This is a cultural norm to the best of my understanding. I just wonder if we send him to a class, is he going to nod his head throughout the entire class and save face by saying he understands everything? Or are the instructors well versed enough to get past this idea of guanxi and actually train these people?

disclaimer: This is in no way a slam at their culture, I've gone through a lot of training to understand this behavior, I'm just looking for a little guidance.

 

[effowe]

Wouldn't the tests at the end of the course prove whether or not he learned the material?

 

[lyssword]

Just because he nods to everything doesn't mean he doesn't actually understand. Maybe he doesn't understand only 10% of stuff, like most people. No matter what, training will improve his knowledge, whether he nods or not..

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

This is business, not an ego trip. He wants to work with an offshore company, he has to adapt.

You're not asking the guy to give up his chinese name, food, language, etc., you're just asking him to be more clear about what he knows and doesn't know. Who is he saving face to? Tell him he has a job and will get to keep it if he cooperates.

Don't waste time figuring this out, just tell him to come clear on everything and you guys will work with him on educating him.

Good read: http://www.serviceuntitled.com/use-outs...ed-staff-to-your-advantage/2007/05/01/

Edit: Assuming the above doesn't work, just get him training on different things and see his test results. Maybe ask that he's given a test in the beginning and then the end as well so his progress can be watched.

 

[Shortcut]

if you test them on it, they'll learn it.

the international students in our class (specifically the ones from china) RARELY ask questions in class. however, they do team up after class to learn the material that flew over their heads during lecture.

 

[LongCoolMother]

I don't think that will happen. If he goes to class-- even though he's "lost his face" with you, he'll still learn the material as best he can.