13377: Dawn: RE: 13368: Slavin on Rudeness and Roots

[corbetre@webster.edu]

From: Dawn <dianadawn@hainet.net>

Having lived in Haiti for the past ten years I have experienced BOTH
extreme rudeness and extreme politeness in retail establishments.  I
think actually I have seen a progression toward MORE politeness in many
places.  There are still some businesses where the clerks are rude, but
I also have noticed that some business owners are replacing them with
more customer friendly employees.  When I encounter rude behavior I try
not to frequent that business again.  In some cases  I haved talked to
the employer.  Some of my Haitian friends here say those rude people
"think they are working in government offices."

As far as rudeness and politeness, it seems that a person's training at
home and personality have more to with it than their salary.  I agree
with the person that suggested that being polite first helps but only
SOMETIMES.  Making a joke or also helps sometimes.  However some people
just are rude and ignoring them works well.  Just "bay vag"  because
sometimes rudeness is a way of getting a reaction from you.


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-haiti@lists.webster.edu
[mailto:owner-haiti@lists.webster.edu] On Behalf Of corbetre@webster.edu
Sent: Monday, October 14, 2002 7:13 AM
To: haiti@lists.webster.edu
Subject: 13368: Slavin on Rudeness and Roots

From: PSlavin@unicefusa.org

Please, an obvious point: maybe if so many Haitian workers were not paid
nearly slave wages they would provide more courteous and professional
service. I mean...what do you expect? If you have a complaint about
customer service -- and maybe I've been gone from the country for too
long
but I can't remember Haiti suffering from an acute lack of worker
professionalism in the private sector (or if a lack was apparent, there
was
plenty of competition to bring my meager business to (as for the public
sector, well...))- I say look also to management for a lack of training
and
for lousy wages. Companies that train their workers well in Haiti, and
then
treat them with respect -- like, for example, the Villa Creole -- look
out.
They are worthy of chapters in future editions of "Commitment to
Excellence."

Try in a business transaction being the first one to be polite and
friendly
-- that's when the doors of Haiti truly open wide, and a reason why so
many
blanc are crazy for the country. If you find yourself freaking out about
customer service  -- that's always a sign you need a long weekend in
Miami.
Chill.

Patrick

PS
Thanks to all who supported the La Tortue hospital fundraiser on
Saturday.

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF and join the Fight to End Polio! Download or
order free orange collection boxes and educational materials at
www.unicefusa.org or call 1-800-252-KIDS.


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