Respect, hierarchy and staying quiet

In many families, schools and workplaces, especially across South Asia, the Middle East and East Asia, young people are taught not to question elders, teachers or bosses. Researchers such as Geert Hofstede called this power distance: how far people accept that those with more power should not be challenged.

Respect is a good value. But in most modern teams, especially international ones, silence is often read as having nothing to say, and a polite question is expected and welcomed. You can keep respect and still speak: "May I ask a question about this?" works almost everywhere.