Confucianism
o The teachings of Confucius influence the Vietnamese describe the position of the individual in Vietnamese society.
o Confucianism is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards one another based upon their relationship.
o The basic tenets are based upon five different relationships:
. Ruler and subject
. Husband and wife
. Parents and children
. Brothers and sisters
. Friend and friend
o Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority, and sincerity.
The Family
o Vietnamese life revolves around the family.
o The Vietnamese family consists of the nuclear as well as the extended family.
o It is not uncommon for three generations to be living together under one roof.
o In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter and make important decisions.
o Within the same tradition it is believed that after someone dies their spirit lives on. Descendents will "worship" their ancestors to ensure their good favour. On the anniversary of a person's death, ceremonies are held in their memory. They are also remembered during certain lunar festivals and souls are consulted prior to important decisions or occasions such as a birth or a wedding.
Face
o As with many other Asian nations, the concept of face is extremely important to the Vietnamese.
o Face is a tricky concept to explain but can be roughly described a quality that reflects a person's reputation, dignity, and prestige.
o It is possible to lose face, save face or give face to another person.
o Companies as well as individuals can have face or lose face.
o For foreigners it is important to be aware that you may unintentionally cause a loss of face so it is important to be aware of your words and actions. Understanding how face is lost, saved or given is critical.
o Someone can be given face by complimenting them for their hospitality or business acumen. Accusing someone of poor performance or reprimanding them publicly will lead to a loss of face.
Collectivism
o In general, the Vietnamese are a collectivists.
o The individual is seen as secondary to the group - whether the family, school or company.
o As a result there are strict guidelines for social interaction that are designed to protect a group's face
Hierarchy
o As with most group-orientated societies there are also hierarchical structures.
o In Vietnam these are very much based upon age and status.
o This derives from Confucianism, which emphasizes social order. Everyone is seen as having a distinct place and role within the hierarchical structure, be it the family or workplace.
o An obvious example is seen in social situations where the oldest person in a group is greeted or served first.
o Within the family the head would be responsible for making decisions and approving marriages.
o The teachings of Confucius influence the Vietnamese describe the position of the individual in Vietnamese society.
o Confucianism is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards one another based upon their relationship.
o The basic tenets are based upon five different relationships:
. Ruler and subject
. Husband and wife
. Parents and children
. Brothers and sisters
. Friend and friend
o Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority, and sincerity.
The Family
o Vietnamese life revolves around the family.
o The Vietnamese family consists of the nuclear as well as the extended family.
o It is not uncommon for three generations to be living together under one roof.
o In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter and make important decisions.
o Within the same tradition it is believed that after someone dies their spirit lives on. Descendents will "worship" their ancestors to ensure their good favour. On the anniversary of a person's death, ceremonies are held in their memory. They are also remembered during certain lunar festivals and souls are consulted prior to important decisions or occasions such as a birth or a wedding.
Face
o As with many other Asian nations, the concept of face is extremely important to the Vietnamese.
o Face is a tricky concept to explain but can be roughly described a quality that reflects a person's reputation, dignity, and prestige.
o It is possible to lose face, save face or give face to another person.
o Companies as well as individuals can have face or lose face.
o For foreigners it is important to be aware that you may unintentionally cause a loss of face so it is important to be aware of your words and actions. Understanding how face is lost, saved or given is critical.
o Someone can be given face by complimenting them for their hospitality or business acumen. Accusing someone of poor performance or reprimanding them publicly will lead to a loss of face.
Collectivism
o In general, the Vietnamese are a collectivists.
o The individual is seen as secondary to the group - whether the family, school or company.
o As a result there are strict guidelines for social interaction that are designed to protect a group's face
Hierarchy
o As with most group-orientated societies there are also hierarchical structures.
o In Vietnam these are very much based upon age and status.
o This derives from Confucianism, which emphasizes social order. Everyone is seen as having a distinct place and role within the hierarchical structure, be it the family or workplace.
o An obvious example is seen in social situations where the oldest person in a group is greeted or served first.
o Within the family the head would be responsible for making decisions and approving marriages.
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