Transforming workplace communication culture - A key to success.

In the first part of the talk, Dr. Nguyen Van Hau addressed the fundamental basis of Vietnamese culture, a long-standing rice-farming culture, along with the interaction and adaptation with Chinese and Western cultures throughout the history of socio-economic development. These distinctive elements create identity, but also leave many shortcomings in the perceptions, habits, communication, and behavior of the people as society enters a new period of development. For example, the "culture of complacency" in work – being late, missing deadlines, not thoroughly resolving issues, lacking principles, etc. – partly stems from the production mindset of a fragmented agricultural economy dependent on weather conditions. Furthermore, emotional thinking and a sentimental approach to behavior can easily conflict with principles in the workplace, leading to negative impacts on work efficiency. In the concept of communication, Vietnamese folk culture (and Eastern culture in general) shows a tradition of considering communication as a "measure of human value" (the wisdom or incompetence of a person is judged by their pleasant and approachable words and behavior; success or failure is discussed flexibly and adaptably, in harmony with nature); while Western culture only considers communication as a tool, emphasizing rational thinking, highlighting the ego, and the inherent capabilities of the individual. All these cultural clashes and interactions in a context of social integration and a transitional period require us to acknowledge both the positive aspects and limitations, the barriers; and at the same time, to analyze and adjust scientifically and appropriately.

Dr. Nguyen Quang Lieu, Head of the Political and Student Affairs Department and Vice President of the University's Trade Union, stated: "Communication in the workplace, especially at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, is like a tree. Therefore, it needs to be nurtured. Based on the University's established tradition of communication culture, it needs even more care to become even better." Dr. Nguyen Quang Lieu also interestingly analyzed the issue: What is "Communication," and what is "Reception"? How should communication be conducted in the activities of a university to be appropriate and effective? The University of Social Sciences and Humanities must be a unique institution. The daily communication activities of the administrative staff include: communication with leaders, communication with colleagues, communication with the public, and communication with learners (students, trainees, and researchers from Vietnam and abroad, young and old, of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds...). The accountability of those involved in training and supporting training is crucial and is the highest principle in the educational environment.

After a lively discussion, Dr. Nguyen Van Hau summarized some criteria for building and innovating workplace communication culture, emphasizing that the clearer, more specific, and consistent these criteria are, the more effective they will be.

ButCore values ​​system(Vision, Mission, Philosophy of Action, Action Motto, Core Values)

- Code of conduct: from the way of addressing, gestures, behavior, posture, speech... towards people and also towards other objects such as clothing, work tools, the environment, equipment...

ButRules for handling workWorking hours, implementation procedures, work priorities, deployment methods, occupational safety (emphasizing safety in communication, protecting personal and collective reputation, crisis management), technological innovation - methods, protecting the sustainable development of the natural environment (consistent in guidance and teaching content towards respecting objective laws and environmental sustainability), how to interact with customers and partners...

- Public service ethicsEach position has its own set of ethical standards; from managers to officials, lecturers, and workers, everyone has appropriate ethical guidelines. It's necessary to determine: what are you allowed to do? What are you not allowed to do? What should you do?

ButMechanisms for recognition, rewards, and motivation.Based on the principles of understanding the meaning of work, trusting leadership, fairly recognizing employee achievements, having equal opportunities for advancement, and promoting the spirit of sharing benefits...

Dr. Ngo Thi Kieu Oanh, Head of the Personnel Department, shared: "Innovating communication culture is not a new topic, but implementing it thoroughly and effectively is very difficult and requires a long time." Through the training session, each officer and employee can draw on experiences to perform their work even better.

In line with the school's overall development goals, the process of administrative reform, workplace culture innovation, and enhancing a sense of responsibility and work efficiency is linked to each individual and each job position. This process may encounter many difficulties and obstacles, but with the collective efforts of all staff and employees of the school, many positive results will certainly be achieved.