“Across nine studies (n = 11,030), East Asians were less likely than South Asians and whites to attain leadership positions, whereas South Asians outperformed whites. The leadership attainment gap between East Asians and South Asians was consistently explained by cultural differences in assertiveness, but not by prejudice or motivation.”

East Asian cultures are rooted in Confucianism which promotes harmony over confrontation. This can lead to conflict avoidance and passive aggressiveness. Compare that to South Asian cultures that prefer approach-based styles of conflict resolution, especially negotiation, followed by confrontation. That means when conflict arises in the workplace, most Indians don’t flinch. They’re not only willing to engage, they actively seek resolution through dialogue and directness.

There are real reputational and monetary costs to your career when you avoid conflict. No one wants to follow a leader who can’t handle a challenging situation or person, because it makes them uncomfortable. You have to learn to reframe and embrace conflict as an opportunity rather than run from it. Only then will you be seen as an effective manager and leader.