Difference between tendency to reply email: Asia vs. Europe?

Question

Hi all, I am an Asian working in Germany. Although this topic is a bit generalizing, it would be great to get your perspective.

In Germany, there were several times that people didn't respond to my email (stretching across different parties such as a partner at my company, the landlord, and the relocation agency). Although most were not critical and urgent situations, I am hypothesizing that there is a tendency that Germans only reply to emails when they feel “there's a need”. On the opposite, in Asia, we tend to reply to emails promptly and be “responsive”, no matter whether it addresses a critical issue or not.

Would be great to know about your observation and experience! Thanks.

Answer 1

That's interesting. As a non-German living in Germany, I've rather noticed the opposite (it depends, of course, on what you compare it with).

I would say that it also differs depending on the industry that you're talking about. All the German consultants that I've worked with would feel pressured to respond to emails within the hour (or a few hours from receiving them), whereas consultants from another region would respond the next day or the day after.

So, on average, I always perceive Germans as being super responsive and diligent with replies.

‘Citizens,' so to say, like landlords, might be less responsive because they might not be as digitally savvy.

Hope you get your replies soon :)
Best,
Cristian

Answer 2

Hey!

Yeah, probably a cultural thing. European culture is more individualistic in nature, whereas Asian culture is more collectivist: with more reverence for social interactions, hierarchy and formality.

Being from an Eastern Europe myself, I find myself in the middle of both worlds: sometimes I would reply to all emails / messages in order to seem as polite as possible, but sometimes I would avoid replying if I see there's really no need to. Also, excessive replies can just overwhelm the recepient's inbox, so I'm doing the other person a service by not replying.

Regards,
Nick

Answer 3

I agree with Cristian here. I've generally found Germans to be super prompt with responding.

You have to remember there are so many other factors here though.

Country, company size, industry, company culture, level of person responding, time of year, how you wrote the email, etc. etc.

Answer 4

Agree with Cristian and Ian. This really depends on what you are comparing with :)