Portfolio Exercise #6

Part 3: Cambodia Customs and Values

Objective: To understand some similarities between Emirati and Cambodian Culture

Task: Compare Cambodian and Emirati values

Highlight in yellow all the values that are similar to Emirati values

A.   Traditional Cambodian values include a strong family identity and loyalty

B.   Cambodian-born people have a respect for culture and older people.

C.   Cambodian families tend to be very private and reluctant to discuss family issues or conflict with non-family members

D.   Stoicism is a highly valued Cambodian character trait, reducing the tendency to complain about their health or services they are receiving

E.   Modesty, particularly for women, is very important

F.    Visitors to Cambodian-born people’s homes are often expected to remove their shoes, however they might not ask

G.   Accepting of food and refreshments when offered may break down barriers, open communication and build trust

H.   Cambodian-born people regard touching people on the head or pointing feet or shoes at them as offensive.

I.      Cambodians consider it impolite to make eye contact with someone who is older or considered a superior

J.    Cambodians have a tendency not to question instructions or authority

K.   ‘Yes’ may be an ambiguous response to a question or request, and does not necessarily indicate agreement. Reponses that might mean ‘no’ include; no response, changing the subject, or statements such as ‘it’s OK’ or ‘no problem’ or even an unconvincing ‘yes’

L.    It may take time to develop working relationships, trust and rapport

M.   Loud or over-familiar behaviour towards others is generally not favoured.

N.   Cambodians tend to avoid showing anger or getting involved in confrontation

O.   Cambodians prefer to be addressed using their correct title. For example Mr, Mrs and Dr

P.   Women traditionally retain their own family names on marriage or they may have two surnames. Cambodian names are traditionally written with the surname first, followed by the given name.

Q.   Cambodians may not recognise their names if they are pronounced incorrectly

R.   Cambodians may not always address people by their name

UAE versus Cambodia

The UAE and Cambodia have many similarities in both traditions and people behavior. For example, In Cambodia tradition they have a very strong family identity and loyalty which is similar to UAE tradition. Moreover, both countries show high respect towards culture and elders. Furthermore, The Cambodians tend to be more stoic, they don’t show emotions however, the Emirates are close to affective they show more emotions and gestures when arguing to If they have something to say. In addition, both countries show respect to women and act modest among them. Overall, in my opinion I think that both cultures have very similar foundation with sew differences in religion acts and beliefs.