In a Korean medical drama, there were patients (VIPs – Very Important Persons) who, because of their social status, demand preferential treatments, despite being informed that other patients also needed the resources. The doctors, who believed in equality in treatment, denied their requests. Unfortunately, these patients, who were middle-aged men, would physically abuse and threaten them.
I think elder Asians tend to regard giving special treatments to VIPs as normal and this stemmed from the hierarchical structure of Asian society -- people of lower social status are expected to treat people with higher status with respect and be subservient to them. However, as society progresses, meritocracy and equality are rebuffing such antiquated views towards treatment of VIPs.
This intercultural conflict provides a lesson in handling conflict. The doctors in the drama calmly explained to the VIPs why their requests could not be granted. However, the doctors failed to identify with the emotional need of the VIPs to feel respected, causing the confrontation. I think this showed that although people may understand the reason for a rejection, they may not feel good about it (due to loss of face, for example). This “not feeling good” constitutes the emotional barrier to listening as mentioned in the textbook. Thus, we should pay attention to the tone of delivery (not sound arrogant even if we have a valid reason) and empathize with them, so as to cushion any emotional blow inflicted. This is true regardless of the age of the person we are interacting with.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
ES2007S Post #4: Evaluating Intercultural Behaviour
"New Heart" is a drama of Korean MBC broadcast network
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
First of all, I will like to say that the lead Korean actor in the surgeon overalls looks terrifying to be trifled with. Well, that is besides the point.
ReplyDeleteI was shocked to realise that some Koreans still indulge in the outdated segregation of humans according to social classes. I agree with Jackson that all humans should be treated with equality despite their social status. However, if such situation still persists, doctors should use their wit in persuading these inconsiderate patients of their protocols. Obviously, urgent and dying patients should be treated first. If all else fails, the police should step in to avoid any unnecessary physical conflict.
I agree with Rauf that the doctors should use their wits. However, care must be taken when using wits or it might even aggravate the situation when a display of wits is perceived as being arrogant or toying with the patients.
ReplyDeleteI feel that especially in the aspect of healthcare, everyone should be treated equally. Like Jackson mentioned, it is important that rejections are put acrossed well. This will lessen the impact of the bad news on the other party, allowing him to accept the situation will more ease. Perhaps a clear notice could be put up near the entrance of the clinic regarding equality of treatment.
ReplyDeleteI will say that its very hard to determine the equality of treatment. In any hospital, one can be easily discriminated.In paying more to stay in a 1-person-room will definitely get more attention from the nurses while a 6-person-room will not.
ReplyDeleteYes, I will agree that everyone should be equally respected and treated irregardless of status.However, sometimes financial status will really make a difference in the medical aspect. Sometimes, I wonder the very rich ones is able to get medical help while the very poor ones also get medical help out of pity , then how about the average ones?
Jackson's sharing reminds me another beauty of Korean culture. As to what I know from my Korean friends and through the Korean drama which reflects the true scenario in their culture, I found that Korean are somehow very humble and obedient to the people who hold the higher position or elder than them.
ReplyDeleteTheir humility in many situation could avoid them from having conflicts with the others who have excessive demand to them. What if they are not humble to follow the instruction give? Think sure will trigger the fire between them. So to me, their humility is vital for an effective communication as well.
Of course my opinion may not applicable in the scenario that Jackson has described since it challenges the equality in treatment and life of people. Just a sharing of mine.:)
I think Pin Xuan brought up a very good point. The average person is usually forgotten. For example, we have scholarships for students who consistently top their batch and we have scholarships for students who initially lagged behind their peers but through hardwork, they surpassed their peers. However, the average students get nothing. Perhaps it is a human nature that we put emphasis on extraordinary events, persons and et cetera. Thus it led to such a culture that the average person is, unfortunately, usually neglected.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hsuan Huey that Koreans are very humble and obedient to the people in higher positions. Like Japanese, they treat seniority very seriously. From what I have seen, they would usually not voice their unhappiness directly at their seniors. Instead, they would vent their frustrations when the seniors are not around. I think while doing so would avoid a direct conflict, but it would not solve any problem since the seniors would not know the feelings of their juniors and thus will continue to antagonize their juniors out of ignorance or knowingly.
It's interesting that you chose an inter-generational conflict and you are right that we should be alive to the ideas of the older generation. Change has been so rapid in the last fifty years that they must feel as if they are living in a foreign land. It is also very hard for old people to change so sympathy should be shown but at the same time you need not give in to their demands.
ReplyDeleteMrs Richardson
I agree with Jackson that it is important to treat every patient equally. However, as patients in hospital are suffering from disease, their emotion will be affected and they tend to be more aggressive. Hence, like what Jackson mention, it is crucial to decline the patient's request carefully without creating the 'not feeling good' emotion especially to those VIPs. Maybe the doctor can direct the VIPs to their director who is more familiar with handling this kind of situation.
ReplyDelete