An American professor working in China once taught a group of professionals sent by their company for intensive English training. The professor started the oral class by asking everyone what they did in the company. To his surprise, they could give him job titles but few could  describe what they actually did in their jobs. Instead of "I am" statements, he would like to listen for "I do" statements. 

       What do you think might be the cause for this cultural difference?

Our culture is a "being" culture in terms of activity orientation. People  express who they are and are content with what they have already had.  In Chinese culture, social status and position may be more significant than what the person does.  They often show in their talk who they are, who they know or whom they previously worked with. Westerners sometimes get confused for they expect some concrete information and action from others. That's why in this case, the American professor could not understand the Chinese professionals who simply tell him the job titles rather than what they do in their company.