[davidf18]

IMHO much of asking questions is largely cultural. For instance, at the Passover Seder the youngest child asks (with prior coaching from their parents) the "four questions."

My father is a prof at a "top university" and in my family we were always encourage to ask questions and discuss issues. My friends grew up in similar households. But I don't think these were typical households. My perception is that in some Asian cultures the children are less likely to be encouraged to question than the environment that I grew up in. Also, many women are more shy than men and perhaps less likely to ask a question that was on their mind.

Regarding hiring decisions, the one thing I look for is whether people will argue with me or not. I look for the people that question and argue with passion.