| Overview
& cultural perspective |
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With its democratic constitution established
in 1787, the USA is the world's foremost economic
and military power. Ethnic and racial diversity
- the 'melting pot'- is celebrated as a core element
of the American ideology. The 1964 Civil Rights
Act outlawed racial and other discrimination.
The USA continues to welcome thousands of immigrants
every year, giving them the possibility to fulfil
the American Dream, meaning in the American 'outlook',
every individual can succeed and prosper financially
by working hard.
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| The
regions West, Midwest, South and East represent
in general the subcultures present in the country
and display differences in industries, political
tendencies and business structure. The West is known
for a more casual, informal approach to business
while the East could be considered the more formal
and sometimes conservative counterpart in terms
of dress and conduct. The South is known for its
hospitality and warm-heartedness but also for its
conservatism. |
| Additionally individual business
cultures are very distinct depending on business
structure, mission and industry. |
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| Context & cultural awareness |
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US business culture is centred on the idea of
'time is money'and Americans are known to be risk
takers; US businesses are very future-oriented
and not averse to change. In the USA money is
a key issue and takes highest place in business
negotiations. In difference to other countries
status and protocol play a smaller role.
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| An important issue in the US
is the protection of the workforce from discrimination
and equal chances regarding race, ethnicity, gender,
sexual orientation, disabled workers, etc. Theses
rules or guidelines are very often displayed in
the mission and culture of a company, be aware that
they must be obeyed and are highly valued. |
| Hierarchies exist in companies
but in general senior management delegates decision-making
powers to the middle management wherever possible. |
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| Effective cross-cultural communication |
| US Americans have an open and
fast style of communicating, informal behaviour
is common and most people address each other with
their first names or even nicknames immediately.
Business meetings usually start with a short session
of small talk and the exchange of amiabilities.
In general they appreciate compliments and often
use them as conversation starters. Sport is an important
part of every American's life and sporting terms
are frequently used in symbolism. |
| In all situation politeness
and courtesy is highly valued and often dominates
discussions. In general Americans have a great sense
of humour but be careful in choosing the subject,
ethnic and religious jokes are not appreciated.
Many Americans have a limited knowledge of cultures
beyond their own country or region, speak only English
and might well be predisposed to seeing other countries
through their eyes. It is advisable not to challenge
this approach. Keep in mind that the USA is a very
proud nation and patriotism is a great part of the
US identity and every day life. |
| Although Americans tend to be
less formal, they do keep a certain body distance
and greetings are done by handshake between both,
men and women. |
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