Discover the Unique Work Culture of Vietnamese People

Vietnam’s job market is growing rapidly, drawing attention from both local talent and international businesses. With the country’s fast economic growth, job opportunities in Vietnam are on the rise, leading to a diverse and vibrant work environment. However, succeeding here means understanding and adapting to the local work culture.

In this article, we’ll dive into the unique elements of Vietnamese work culture to give you a better sense of what to expect when working in Vietnam.

What Makes Vietnamese Corporate Culture Stand Out

Vietnam’s corporate culture shares many traits with other Asian cultures due to regional influences. 

Here are some of the defining features of Vietnamese corporate life:

Hierarchy and Respect

“Hierarchy” is an important concept in Vietnamese society, reflecting a deep respect for older people and those in higher positions. 

In the workplace, this is evident in the way employees show respect to their superiors and older colleagues. Seniority is often valued, and decisions are typically made by higher-ups and passed down.

For foreigners, understanding and respecting this hierarchical structure is crucial. Show respect to older colleagues and superiors, avoid direct confrontation, especially with those in higher positions, and familiarize yourself with the company’s ranking system to communicate effectively and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

Communication Style

Vietnamese people often prefer indirect communication—meaning the real message is sometimes hidden behind the words. Being able to “read between the lines” and understand non-verbal cues is essential for effective communication. For instance, a “yes” might really mean “no,” but it’s said to avoid conflict or offense.

For those new to this style, it can take some getting used to. Be mindful of body language, tone of voice, and underlying messages. Building trust with your colleagues will also make communication easier over time.

Balancing Work and Life

Family is a central part of Vietnamese culture, and while Vietnamese workers are dedicated, they also value their time with loved ones. Even though they’re willing to put in extra hours when needed, they prioritize family time. Many companies organize social activities after work to build team spirit and strengthen relationships among colleagues.

Foreigners should respect the family values of their colleagues and familiarize themselves with important holidays and events in Vietnamese culture. Participating in team activities is also a great way to build strong relationships and better understand local customs.

Adaptability and Resilience

Vietnam is a country undergoing rapid changes, and Vietnamese workers are known for their ability to adapt. They are quick learners and open to new knowledge, often finding creative solutions to overcome challenges. Despite obstacles, they remain optimistic and persistent.

Foreigners working in Vietnam should stay flexible and be open to adapting to a changing environment. Recognize and appreciate the problem-solving skills of your Vietnamese colleagues, and be patient as they, too, adjust to new ways of working.

A Growing Divide in Vietnamese Corporate Culture

There’s a noticeable gap in how corporate culture is approached in Vietnam, especially between large enterprises and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Corporate Culture in Large Companies

• Big companies usually have a long history, solid finances, and well-established organizational knowledge.
• They understand how crucial corporate culture is for building their reputation, attracting top talent, and ensuring long-term growth.
• These businesses invest time and resources into creating and nurturing a strong corporate culture that aligns with their vision, motivating employees, and supporting sustainable growth.

Corporate Culture in SMEs

• For SMEs, the focus tends to be on immediate concerns like finances, production, and day-to-day operations, which can make corporate culture seem like a luxury.
• Many SMEs struggle to build an authentic culture due to:
  • Copying models from other companies without considering their own unique characteristics.
  • Creating a culture that doesn’t reflect the vision and values of leadership.
  • A lack of understanding and agreement between leaders and employees, leading to a forced and ineffective culture.

Leading Examples of Corporate Culture in Action

Several leading companies in Vietnam, such as FPT, Viettel, and Vinamilk, demonstrate just how impactful a strong corporate culture can be. Each company has created a unique work environment that fuels both individual and organizational success.

FPT: A Culture of Collaboration and Openness

FPT values constant creativity and encourages individuals to express their opinions while fostering strong teamwork. Their culture is a balanced mix of collaboration and openness, which creates an inclusive atmosphere where everyone is empowered to contribute and grow.

Viettel: The ICADO Digital Culture

Viettel has embraced the “ICADO Digital Culture,” which emphasizes creativity, a customer-first approach, flexibility, digital thinking, and openness. This culture acts as the foundation for all of Viettel’s operations, allowing them to stay agile and responsive in the digital era.

Vinamilk: Guided by Six Core Values

Vinamilk’s culture is built around six core principles: Integrity, Responsibility, Excellence, Collaboration, Creativity, and Results-focused. These values not only drive employee behavior but also solidify the company’s image as a reliable and trustworthy business partner.

Effective Strategies for Building Corporate Culture in Vietnam

Building a strong corporate culture in Vietnam can be challenging, but it’s crucial for long-term growth and success. It takes a combination of approaches that fit both the local culture and the unique business environment. 

Here are some key strategies:

Define and Communicate Core Values

Core values are the backbone of corporate culture. They reflect who the company is, its goals, and what it stands for. These values should be clearly defined, easy to understand, and communicated in a way that every employee can grasp and live by.

Core values shouldn’t just be buzzwords or slogans. They need to be communicated consistently through internal channels, training, and most importantly, through the actions of leadership. People follow what they see.

Lead by Example

Leadership is critical in shaping corporate culture. Leaders need to walk the talk by living the company’s values in their day-to-day actions, whether it’s how they treat employees or make business decisions.

Leaders should also create a work environment where employees are encouraged to embody the company’s core values. Recognizing and rewarding positive behavior motivates others to follow.

Build a Positive Work Environment

Here’s how you can foster a workplace where everyone feels valued and engaged:

Foster Open Communication

Encourage open, two-way communication where employees can share ideas and feedback. This creates a culture of trust and mutual respect, making the workplace more inclusive and engaging.

Promote Fairness and Respect

Ensure the workplace is fair and provides equal opportunities for all employees. When people feel valued and respected, they are more likely to give their best effort.

Support Mental Health

Take care of your employees’ well-being by creating a stress-free work environment that promotes work-life balance. When employees are happy and healthy, they’re more productive and loyal.

Invest in Training and Development

Offer training programs that help employees understand the company’s values, culture, and behavior expectations. This helps them not only learn but also adopt the mindset needed to align with the company’s culture.

Invest in both technical and soft skills training to help employees grow professionally and contribute more effectively to the company. Developing your people is an investment in the future success of the business.

Continuous Improvement

Regularly ask employees for feedback on the company’s culture, work environment, and other areas. Listening to their input helps identify what’s working and what needs adjustment.

Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your cultural initiatives and make necessary adjustments as the company evolves. Corporate culture should grow alongside your business.

Key Takeaways

• Be Consistent: Your corporate culture needs to be consistent across all levels of the company. Consistency builds trust and reliability.
• Be Patient: Building a strong corporate culture takes time. It requires patience and dedication from both leaders and employees.
• Be Flexible: Your corporate culture should be adaptable to changes in the business environment and employee needs. Flexibility helps the company stay resilient in a fast-changing world.

By applying these strategies thoughtfully, Vietnamese businesses can develop a corporate culture that attracts and retains talent, improves performance, and leads to sustainable success.

Understanding and embracing local work culture is essential to thriving in Vietnam. By incorporating these strategies, you can build strong relationships with colleagues and partners, setting yourself up for success in your career.

Looking for a dynamic coworking or coliving space that promotes collaboration and cultural exchange? Get in touch with The Sentry today! We’d love to welcome you into our community and support your career journey in Vietnam.