Malaysia

CARLA MCGINNIS

Kuala Lumpan

(Capital City)

Jalur Gemilang

(Strips of Glory) Flag

Bahasa Malaysia

(Official Language)

Several other languages, including English and Chinese, are

spoken as well.

Islam 60.4%

(Primary religion)

Religion

Islam

other

Tugo Negara

( Tourist attraction)

National Monument

Dedicated to Malaysian soldiers

during World War II and the
Malayan Emergency.

Represents: Unity, vigilance,

strength, courage, and sacrifice.

Menara Berkembar Petronas

Petronas Twin Towers

Citys most famous and

noticeable landmark.

Designed by Argentinean
architect Cesar Pelli.

(Tourist attraction)

National Cuisine
Malaysian Vindaloo

(Pork)

Malay Beef Rendang

(Beef)

Two stereotypes of the Malaysian People

Family is their number one
priority
Their food is very spicy.

Superstitions

The Waylang Kulit

The Pontianak

It is a theatrical performance that

explains the relationship
between Heaven and humans.

These are Malaysian versions of

vampires.

It is believed that the

performance protects them from
evil spirits.

Hand gestures

Greet a man by handshake, but only a woman if she offers her

hand first.

A first time greeting gesture is to place your right hand over your
left chest. This means I greet you from my heart.

Business Culture :

Etiquette and body language

Each ethnic group has different customs and rituals.

Modesty and fitting in are the keys to succeeding.

Mirror body language.

Indirect eye contact is best.

Be friendly but formal.

Business Culture:

Relationship building

Business is considered personal and based on trust.

Business Culture:

Communication styles in decision

making.

Pay great attention to non-verbal communication.

Negative, direct answers are avoided to prevent conflict.

Raising your voice may end negotiations.

Business Culture:

Power structures in decision

making.

Formal structure is hierarchies.

Corporate culture is generally consensus driven.

Respect and honor are preserved for the group as a whole.

Comparison:

Body language

United States

Malaysia

Firm handshakes with direct eye

contact with both men and
women.

Indirect eye contact and

handshake with men only unless
the woman offers her hand first.

Comparison:

Communication styles

United States

Malaysia

Direct, clear and straightforward

communication is best to avoid
miscommunication.

Often, direct communication may

lead to ending negotiations.

Comparison:

Power Structures

Untied States

Large businesses hierarchical

Informal business consensus

Small business or family owned

decision making rests on the
person on the top.

Malaysia

Formal is hierarchical

But main structure consensus

driven.

Platform

Weekly users - Malaysia (%)

Weekly users - global %

Facebook

88

47

YouTube

76

35

WhatsApp

72

22

Facebook Messenger

71

28

WeChat

61

30

Google +

52

28

Line

43

10

Instagram

36

11

Skype

36

15

Twitter

30

16

Yahoo! Messenger

30

12

Viber

21

LinkedIn

16

Tumblr

16

Snapchat

12

Individualism
versus
Collectivism
Malaysia is geared more
towards collectivism
because they focus more
on the greater welfare of
the entire group rather
than the individual in
business and personal
affairs.

Large or small power distance

Malaysia seems have large

power distance.

Strong versus weak uncertainty

avoidance

Malaysia seems to have strong uncertainty avoidance. They

avoid taking risk in business and often times ask for
renegotiations. But in family and religion they want absolute
truths.

Masculinity versus femininity

Malaysia is a culture of masculinity.

Comparison:

Individualism versus collectivism

United States

Malaysia

Individual needs and interests

are more important than the
group.

Group success is more important

than individual success.

Comparison:

Small versus large power distance.

United States

Malaysia

Small power distance - Power

remains with the leader but
employees and students are
encouraged to provide imput.

Large power distance - Power is

with leaders and remains with
the leader.

Comparison:

Strong versus weak uncertainty avoidance

United States

The United States is a weak

uncertainty avoidance country.

Leaders are more inclined to take

risks, tolerate deviating from
plans and encourage employees
to speak their mind.

Malaysia

Malaysia seems to have a strong

uncertainty avoidance.

They dont like to take risks.

They follow the rules as ordered.

Comparison:

Masculinity versus femininity

United States

Malaysia

The United States is still mainly a

masculine driven culture.

Malaysia is a masculine driven

culture.

Current events

Theories but no debris: A year

on, where is MH370?

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/07/
asia/mh370-theories/

Climate
Change Will Affect Malaysia Meteorological Department
Director-General

http://www.malaysiandigest.com/
news/546670-climate-changewill-affect-malaysiameteorological-departmentdirector-general.html