WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

96 WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES
Sensitivity is especially important when developing in-depth
relationships. An insensitive person who is programme-oriented but not
people-centred will insensitively try to structure people into his programme
or time-table. A sensitive person, on the other hand, would be acutely aware
of the feelings of people. He would consider whether they are ready to fit
into a particular programme or framework.
In many Asian cultures, relationships are more important than being
efficient and keeping schedules. Relationships are a priority. A dominant
characteristic of Asian societies is the awareness of shame that may be caused
to the individual or to his family and community. In human relationships,
one must be sensitive not to cause shame. One should preserve group
harmony and the reputation of family and the community.
Case Study for Discussion
Insensitivity to cultural ways can have serious repercussions.
Many years ago, a non-Asian missionary had a leadership role in an
Asian ministry. The missionary came from a culture that uses confrontational
strategies to deal with interpersonal problems. People would speak out as a
means of resolving difficulties. The missionary was therefore dissatisfied with
the non-confrontational approach by Asians when they communicate with
others about problems. One day, a young Asian in the ministry team wrote a
note about some problems. The leader rebuked that team member for writing
and lacking the courage to speak face to face about the problems. The leader
did not realise that it had actually taken a lot of courage to write the note.
The missionary continued to train other Asians, who were taught to
be outspoken and to confront others when there were problems. Sadly, this
leader was insensitive to the cultural differences between non-Asians and
Asians. In time, those who were trained became leaders. As the ministry grew
over the years, older ministry leaders began to realise that the younger leaders
were becoming increasingly non-Asian in some of their ways and approaches.
Insensitive leaders usually leave their mark and affect a work.
Questions for Discussion
1. If you were another young Asian in that ministry team, what could you or
others in the team have done after hearing about the rebuke by the leader to
your team member?