Problem is, poor service is only one manifestation of a deeper malaise. So there's more to it when a troop of tea pourers in a lunch outlet insists on topping up your cup after every sip, but won't take your order. Indeed, Asia seems to think that throwing lots of staff at consumers is service. Or when Kuala Lumpur builds the world's tallest building, but leaves a lavatory in the adjoining mall flooded from a ceiling leak. Or when a Hong Kong sales agent of a U.S. computer maker takes down details for an order of servers and laptops from an Internet company, but never comes back with a bid.
Bad service causes frustration and can lose business.
But on a larger scale, an acculturation to tolerate it can damage an economy. Asians may find it in their interest to rage against poor service. It would be a start. Review Publishing Company Limited, Hong Kong. All rights reserved.