Cultural Clashes in US Chip Manufacturing

Cultural differences between Taiwanese managers and American workers are proving to be a significant obstacle for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) as it seeks to expand chip manufacturing operations in the United States. With the majority of chips currently produced in Taiwan, TSMC announced plans in May 2020 to establish two new plants near Phoenix, Arizona. However, Richard Liu, TSMC's director of employee communications, emphasized the challenges of transferring Taiwanese work practices to the U.S. environment. Interviews with TSMC employees reveal that differing work expectations have led to frustrations on both sides. Taiwanese managers often call employees in for urgent work matters at unconventional hours, which has contributed to rising tensions. In response, TSMC has implemented communication training for managers and reduced the frequency of meetings, addressing complaints about their perceived redundancy. The company's intense working culture has also caused issues in other countries, including Japan and Germany, where TSMC is attempting to expand. In Phoenix, over half of the 2,200 workers are imported from Taiwan, despite the company's commitment to create 6,000 local jobs. TSMC plans to shift towards hiring more local employees once the factory is operational. Additionally, local schools are adapting to the new manufacturing standards by constructing "clean rooms," which are essential for chip production. This shift marks a significant departure from traditional American manufacturing practices, highlighting the cultural adjustments necessary for TSMC's successful integration into the U.S. market. The company has committed $65 billion to this ambitious project.