The Differences Between Vietnamese and American Planning Advisors

As a Vietnamese planning advisor, I am constantly busy with a multitude of tasks and responsibilities. One aspect that I find challenging when working with my American counterparts is their relentless pursuit of information, regardless of whether the person they are working with is ready to answer or not. In a recent bilateral meeting for an Official Development Assistance (ODA) project, the American side bombarded me with questions about the plan to support our new project from the administrative office of the province. Being a co-leader of the programme, I already have a heavy workload, and answering these questions properly takes time. That is why we often request them to send us the questions in advance. However, they don't always understand or sympathize with our situation. Last week, during our meeting, Mr. E, the Western representative of the project sponsor, asked me for an estimated time for the implementation of the X&Y project. This type of question is not easy to answer, as it requires careful consideration. However, in an official meeting with many people present, you cannot simply avoid answering. Westerners always seem to get what they want, when they want it. I told them that I was not quite sure yet, but it may take about three months. They expressed their desire to see our detailed proposal. However, after thorough discussions with my Vietnamese staff, we all agreed that it would take at least five months, considering the various phases involved. Just yesterday, we received feedback from the Westerners stating that our plan is not convincing enough and they fail to understand why the implementation time needs to be extended by two months. They must understand that when I mentioned three months, I also mentioned that I was not quite sure yet, so it was not a definite timeframe. There are situations where you cannot avoid giving an answer, even if it may not be entirely accurate. In conclusion, the differences between Vietnamese and American planning advisors lie in their approach to obtaining information and their understanding of timeframes. While the Americans may be more assertive in seeking answers, the Vietnamese tend to prioritize thoroughness and accuracy. It is important for both sides to communicate effectively and find a balance that respects each other's working styles and constraints.