Coming from the predominant culture in Singaporean, I would say that most of the country, and SQ being no exception, follows a very rigid and authoritarian code which the political leaders of the country have acknowledged has led to an atmosphere which lacks innovation and initiative in addition to one of conformism (officially encouraged anyway). The top-down approach leads to the staff following a code fearing deviation from the prescribed path.

No slight meant to Gaucho100K but even Latin Americans have more initiative. When I wasn't given an upgrade from Y to C flying AA GRU-DFW (supposed to have been confirmed), I asked the counter staff if they would upgrade me Y to F if I paid the difference. Only charged me $300 (back in 1995) to go from a cheap RNO-ASU ticket to upgrade that leg.

[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 12-24-2000).]