How do cultural differences impact the collaboration between ECVN and US NGOs in community development?

With the growth of globalization, partnerships between US NGOs and the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (ECVN) have expanded, particularly in community development. This study explores how cultural differences impact these collaborations. Drawing from Erin Meyer’s The Culture Map as an analytical framework, the research investigates how differences in communication styles, trust-building, leadership, flexibility, and decision-making affected collaboration between ECVN and US NGOs. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted with ECVN’s leaders who have been working directly with US NGOs. The study revealed that cultural differences shaped how partners (1) interpreted Vietnam’s cultural and historical context, (2) chose the methods to build trust, (3) approached project flexibility, and (4) empowered local leadership. The research highlights the need for mutual understanding, humility, and adaptive leadership in fostering sustainable, culturally sensitive collaboration.