Why does everything take so long?

The European people are focused on result. The Laotian culture is mainly focused on relations between people. People from Laos care more about maintaining the harmony than the outcome of the situation. 

Laos, an oasis of patience

The way the mind of the Laotians works is based on the Buddhist religion. Buddha believes in rebirth after death. Living now isn’t so important. Things are as they are. Why try to change the inevitable? Acceptance is their main thing in the world. 

It’s important to be aware of anything that can do damage. If the business isn’t satisfying in this life, maybe it will be in the next? It explains why the Laotians are so patient. 

Your job is not the most important

To work as an authorized person isn’t a hardworking job, the atmosphere is in harmony. A lot of time people are absent without any sustainable reason. The explanation is that the salary of just 30 euro’s isn’t much to life off. A lot of people try to make money with business on the side. Everything happens last minute. But if it’s necessary, Laotians can work really hard to reach the deadline. 

Decisions take time

Before a decision is being made, a lot of people are consulted first. There will be a lot of thinking and waiting and everything takes a lot of time. But after a decision is agreed on, then it proceeds very fast. Because the talking is done and over with.