Assertiveness: Asian or Western?
Traditional Asian values tend to advocate harmony and order. Harmony and order, in turn, are defined as each strata of society plays its part in obedience and submission; individualism is typically frowned upon and the whole is valued more than the individual. The bottom-line is that as much as a 'Western'-style 'speak up for your rights' assertiveness is acceded to, it is still incredibly difficult for much of Asian culture steeped in traditional values to do so.