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
