Indonesian vs. Confrontation: How Cultural Politeness Shapes Workplace Dynamics and Performance

Indonesia, with its vibrant cultural diversity and rich history, is a country where social norms and values shape every aspect of life, including how people communicate and behave at work. One of the most striking characteristics of Indonesian culture is the emphasis on politeness, harmony, and the avoidance of confrontation. While these traits are admirable and contribute to the warmth and friendliness that expats experience upon arriving in the country, they can also present significant challenges in the workplace. 

For many expatriates working in Indonesia, navigating this cultural landscape can be tricky. What may appear as politeness and non-confrontation to Indonesians can sometimes be misinterpreted as lack of directness or hesitation by expats who come from more straightforward communication cultures. Understanding how this cultural dynamic works and the ways it can impact workplace performance and communication is essential for building a successful working relationship in Indonesia. 

The Culture of Politeness in Indonesia 

Indonesian society places a high value on maintaining harmony and avoiding conflict, often referred to as “rukun.” This stems from centuries of communal living, where maintaining peace within communities was crucial for survival and social cohesion. The idea of  “face” – preserving one’s own dignity and that of others – is deeply embedded in daily interactions. Consequently, Indonesians tend to be indirect in their communication, especially when dealing with sensitive topics. 

For instance, instead of giving negative feedback directly, an Indonesian colleague might say something like, “Maybe this can be improved a little,” or “I think we could think about this more.” While this can sound diplomatic, it can leave expats guessing about the real issue or how to address it. 

In addition to the indirect communication style, another common challenge expats face is the Indonesian habit of nodding and smiling in response to instructions or questions, which can often be misinterpreted. In many cases, when you ask an Indonesian colleague for confirmation or feedback, they may nod and smile, giving the impression that they fully understand or agree with what you’re saying. However, this response doesn’t always mean that they have grasped the full details or are entirely on board with the plan. Due to the cultural pressure to maintain harmony and avoid confrontation, many Indonesians might be hesitant to ask for clarification or admit that they do not understand something. This reluctance can lead to significant miscommunication, where tasks are either not completed as expected or misunderstood entirely. 

For expatriates, this can be a source of frustration, as they may feel like their instructions were clear, only to find out later that key points were missed. The challenge lies in recognizing that a smile and nod are not always a sign of agreement but sometimes a way to maintain politeness while avoiding uncomfortable situations. 

Tips : Expats must learn to gently probe for more detailed feedback and ensure clarity by asking follow-up questions or requesting confirmation in writing to avoid potential misunderstandings. 

How This Affects Workplace Performance 

At work, the desire to avoid confrontation can have a significant impact on productivity and performance. Since many Indonesians prefer to avoid conflict, they may refrain from voicing concerns, even when something is not working as expected. Instead of raising a red flag early on, employees might wait until the situation becomes critical, which can lead to inefficiencies or even project delays. 

In meetings, for example, Indonesian employees may hesitate to challenge ideas or offer critical input, fearing they might offend their colleagues or superiors. As a result, decisions might be made without all the necessary information or alternative viewpoints being considered, affecting the overall quality of the outcome. 

This reluctance to engage in direct confrontation can also affect the way feedback is given and received. In many Western cultures, feedback is seen as a tool for growth and improvement. However, in Indonesia, giving direct feedback, especially negative feedback, can be seen as disrespectful. Employees might avoid delivering constructive criticism to their peers or subordinates, and when they do, they might soften their words to such an extent that the message gets lost. 

The Communication Gap for Expats 

For expatriates, especially those from countries where direct communication is the norm, adjusting to this indirect communication style can be frustrating. Many expats report struggling with reading between the lines or understanding when something is wrong because their Indonesian colleagues rarely say it outright. The desire to avoid confrontation can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication in the workplace. 

Expats who are used to a more direct approach might inadvertently cause discomfort among their Indonesian colleagues by being too blunt. What they perceive as being clear and efficient may come across as rude or overly aggressive in the local culture. On the other hand, expats may find themselves confused by the subtle and non-verbal cues that Indonesians rely on to convey dissatisfaction or disagreement. 

One of the biggest challenges expats face is knowing when to push for clarity without crossing cultural boundaries. Indonesians may nod or agree in a meeting, not necessarily because they agree with the decision, but because it’s culturally expected to maintain harmony and avoid openly opposing someone. This can be misleading for expats, who might interpret the nods as enthusiastic agreement, only to discover later that their instructions were misunderstood or not fully embraced. 

Confrontation and Leadership 

For expat managers in Indonesia, leading a team where confrontation is avoided can be particularly challenging. In Western cultures, it’s common for managers to hold direct performance reviews, address issues head-on, and expect team members to raise concerns openly. In Indonesia, this approach needs to be modified to fit the cultural context. 

Indonesian employees might feel uncomfortable discussing personal or performance issues directly with their manager, particularly if the manager is seen as a figure of authority. They may prefer to bring up problems subtly or through a third party, which can slow down the problem-solving process. For managers, understanding this dynamic is critical in ensuring that issues are addressed without causing discomfort or offense. 

Additionally, expat leaders may need to invest more time in building trust with their Indonesian team members. Trust and relationships play a key role in communication here. Once trust is established, employees are more likely to open up and share their concerns, even if indirectly. This means expat managers should focus on creating a supportive and non-threatening environment, where employees feel safe expressing their thoughts. 

Strategies for Overcoming These Challenges 

Understanding and navigating the cultural nuances of communication and confrontation in Indonesia is crucial for expats working here. Here are some strategies to overcome these challenges: 

Cultural Sensitivity Training

For expats, undergoing cultural sensitivity training before or shortly after arriving in Indonesia can help them understand local customs and communication styles. This training can provide valuable insights into how to interpret indirect communication and how to approach sensitive topics in a culturally appropriate way. 

Encourage Open Dialogue in a Safe Space

Managers should create an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their ideas and concerns. This can be done by encouraging dialogue in informal settings, where employees may feel more relaxed to speak up. 

Ask Open-Ended Questions

When seeking feedback or input, ask open-ended questions that allow employees to express their opinions without feeling like they are contradicting someone else. For example, instead of asking, “Do you agree with this plan?” ask, “What do you think about this plan? Is there anything we might improve?” 

Read Non-Verbal Cues

In Indonesian culture, body language and non-verbal cues are often as important as verbal communication. Expats should pay attention to facial expressions, tone of voice, and other non-verbal signals that might indicate disagreement or discomfort, even if the words are polite. 

Build Strong Relationships

Take the time to build relationships with your Indonesian colleagues. The stronger the personal connection, the more likely they are to communicate openly and honestly with you, even about difficult topics. 

If you’re an expat looking to improve communication and build strong relationships in Indonesia’s culturally diverse workplace, here are some simple, practical strategies that can help:Invest in One-on-One Meetings

Upon arrival, set up individual meetings with key members of the company. These personal discussions help establish rapport and give you valuable insights into the company culture, communication styles, and any unwritten rules that may exist.

Engage with Field Teams

Regularly chat with the field team or frontline workers to gain a deeper understanding of the work culture. These informal interactions can reveal insights into operational challenges and employee dynamics that may not be shared in formal settings.

Host Workshops and Team-Building Activities

Organize workshops or team-building activities to encourage collaboration and openness. These events provide a relaxed environment where employees can bond, share ideas, and communicate more freely, ultimately strengthening team cohesion.

Embrace Invitations to Social Gatherings

Be open to accepting invitations to personal gatherings, such as weddings or celebrations. These social events are integral to building trust and strong relationships in Indonesian culture. Similarly, hosting an event at your home and inviting the team can be an excellent way to strengthen bonds.

Show Compassion and Learn Names

Take the time to memorize and use the names of your employees. It shows respect and fosters a sense of belonging. A personalized approach to communication can make employees feel valued and more comfortable sharing their opinions.

Offer Active Listening and Feedback

During meetings or discussions, actively listen and gently probe for more detailed feedback. Asking for clarification in writing or requesting employees to summarize key points helps ensure everyone is on the same page and prevents misunderstandings.

Cultivate a Safe Space for Feedback

Encourage open dialogue by making employees feel that their feedback is welcome and valued. This can be done by asking open-ended questions like “What improvements can we make?” rather than “Do you agree with this plan?”

Conclusion 

Politeness and the avoidance of confrontation are deeply ingrained in Indonesian culture, and while these traits contribute to the overall warmth and friendliness of the people, they can also pose challenges in a professional setting. For expatriates working in Indonesia, understanding and adapting to this cultural dynamic is essential for effective communication and collaboration. By embracing cultural sensitivity, fostering open dialogue, and building strong relationships, expats can bridge the communication gap and ensure a harmonious and productive workplace.