Singaporeans strong value and adhere to a hierarchical relationship in society, as a
result of Confucian teaching (JoAnn Meriwether Craig, 1993). They see society as
composed of people who are inherently unequal in rank and standing, and differences
in rank are signalled and reinforced by the style of the interaction between the parties
involved. Deference, respect and formality towards superiors are the norm. In addition,
juniors are supposed to keep their opinions to themselves unless specifically and
directly asked. Hence, subordinates in Singapore are unlikely to question authority
and are less likely to initiate upward communication unless requested to do so 3
because its culture values: “the importance of status differences and hierarchies”