Interacting with Cambodian people LY François TEA Valéry YON Aline 9th June 2006

Summary I - The Cambodian context an its culture II - Relationships between Cambodians and foreigners III - How to behave and to communicate with Cambodian people

Geographical location 14 million inhabitants

Consequences of the civil war ( ) The awful Khmers rouges genocide The economy and the education are severely damaged The population can’t forget this tragedy

The Khmer civilization People today are the descendants of the powerful Khmer empire It’s a country founded with agriculture People are very proud of this identity of farmer

The influence of Buddhism All is pain Desire and ignorance are the sources of pain Meditation, compassion Reach the Nirvana, nothingless, the awakening 95% of the Khmer people are buddhists

Some aspects of the Cambodian culture Traditional Khmer dance

Some aspects of the Cambodian culture Festival of the dead (Pchun Ben)

II - Relationships between Cambodians and foreigners

Signs of the French colonization Formal french colonial « White people » are big hospitality, friendship / politeness ehancement economic context: training for overseas (diplomacy, development work, business)

Intercultural exchange »In companies hierarchical orientation Instability of Cambodian governement lacks of personal internal leadership. »In villages relationship orientation

III- How to behave and communicate with the Cambodian people

1) In everyday life Influence of Buddhism : how to –Greet –Speak : peace and patience –Dress –Women do not touch Buddhist monks

1) In everyday life Trompenaars –Collectivism Family calling people Where are you going ? –Neutral Do not shake women’s hand Do not look in the eyes Do not touch heads

1) In everyday life How to eat How to sit

2) In business Polychronic Trompenaars : particular –Maintaining proper relationships in the office takes priority over the work. –Proper behaviour is more important than work performance. Hofstede power distance : high Losing face

Conclusion Great influence of Buddhism Collectivism Neutral Civil war

Thank you for your attention