Business Culture in USA

[opinio]

Every aspect of commercial life is studied and analysed
More than any other industrialised country, the United States has adopted what could be labelled a 'scientific' approach to business. Every aspect of commercial life is studied and analysed and this scientific approach is both respected and acted upon.

Firstly, the company is an entity in its own right and exists independently from its employees. Members come and go, perform necessary tasks at particular points in the life cycle of the company and then leave when no longer required for the wellbeing of the organisation.

Secondly, the CEO of an American organisation holds great sway within the company. Senior management is more embedded in the personality at the top than in some other countries, such as Germany, where senior management is collegiate in approach. Although the company will have a Board of Directors, the Board is highly unlikely to have any input on the day-to-day running of the company which is left very much in the hands of the CEO who stands or falls on results.

Thirdly, accountability within the company tends to be vertical and easily observable. Americans like to know exactly where they stand, what are their responsibilities and to whom they report.

American management style can be described as individualistic in approach, in so far as managers are accountable for the decisions made within their areas of responsibility. Although important decisions might be discussed in open forum, the ultimate responsibility for the consequences of the decision lies with the boss — support or seeming consensus will evaporate when things go wrong.
When asked to describe meetings in the USA, a word which Americans often use is 'aggressive'
Time pressured, ambitious American business executives do not have time for the vagueness, diplomacy and lack of focus which they perceive as typifying meeting situations in such diverse cultures as the UK and Japan.

Meetings often include formal presentations by one or more of the participants and these presentations are a vital element in the demonstration of professional competence. Thus, presentations should not only be relevant and well researched but also delivered in a positive, enthusiastic and committed manner. The meeting and especially one in which a presentation has to be made, is seen as an opportunity to impress — important if personal success is to be achieved.

Paradoxically, on first introductions, American can seem very friendly, polite and solicitous of your well being which seems to be at odds with the verbal behaviour exhibited half an hour later in the meeting. This overt friendliness (Have nice day!, Hi, how are you doing? etc.) should be taken for what it is — part of the protocol of the language and not as an attempt at establishing a life long friendship.
Americans are much more open in conversation about private affairs than many European cultures and the converse of this is that Americans will often, quite naively, ask very personal questions at an early stage in a relationship which may be perceived by some people as intrusive. (What do you make?)

Eating
The timing of business meals in the USA can often come as a surprise to first time visitors. Firstly, it is not uncommon to be invited to a breakfast meeting which might start as early as 7:00am and secondly, if invited for dinner, this may be scheduled for as early as 5:30 — 6:00pm. You can also, of course, be invited for lunch and this is probably the favoured time for business entertaining.

US business people have few qualms about discussing concrete commercial issues over a meal. The idea that the mealtime is set apart from business and that it is unmannerly to raise the subject of commerce over food is an alien concept in the States. Therefore, it is acceptable to view a business meal as an extension of the business meeting. (This does not mean that other, non-business issues, cannot be discussed at these events.)

North Americans tend to only use the knife to cut food items. After the food has been cut, the knife is usually laid down and only the fork is then used. Some foods may be eaten by hand, with both the knife and fork laid to rest.Most restaurant staff rely heavily on tips to supplement their basic salary and tipping is therefore virtually mandatory. It is not uncommon for tips of between 10% - 20% to be left for good service provision — and the service is usually very good

Top Tips on USA Business Culture

Top Tips on USA Business Culture

Tip 1
Americans value straight talking and 'getting to the point'.
Tip 2
Respect is earned through conspicuous achievement rather than through age or background.
Tip 3
Self-deprecation is often misunderstood by Americans as a sign of weakness. Sell your plus points.
Tip 4
Humour is frequently used in business situations but is unlikely to be appreciated when matters become very tense.
Tip 5
Remember that time is money in the States - wasting people's time through vagueness is lack of a sense of purpose which will not produce good results.
Tip 6
Compromise is often sought - at the brink. This can often equate to the end of a quarter or financial year.
Tip 7
Do not be offended by seemingly overly personal questions.
Tip 8
Dress code in the States is very variable - check on the appropriate mode before departure.
Tip 9
Short-termism is endemic. Structure proposals to emphasise quick wins rather than long-term objectives (although these should also be included.)
Tip 10
You may encounter an 'American is best' view to doing things - be prepared to counter this with quantitative and qualitative counter- arguments.
Tip 11
Many Americans never leave the States. Be prepared for a parochially American view of the world.
Tip 12
Enthusiasm is endemic in business. Join in. Do not exhibit a jaundiced, 'old world' approach as this will be interpreted as defeatist.
Tip 13
New is good. Change is ever present in American corporate life and therefore so is the easy acceptance of new ideas, new models etc.
Tip 14
Gift giving is unusual in the States and many companies have policies to restrict or forbid the acceptance of presents.
Tip 15
Americans tend to work longer hours and take fewer days of vacation than their European counterparts.
Tip 16
Try to be punctual for meetings - if you are late apologise.
Tip 17
Despite the seeming lack of hierarchy within an American organisation, the boss is the boss and is expected to make decisions and is held accountable for those decisions.
Tip 18
Americans often socialise with work colleagues outside the office - and this often includes the family.
Tip 19
Titles are an unreliable guide to relative importance within an organisation due to their proliferation.
Tip 20
Business is a serious thing in the States and it is important that you are seen to be serious in your intent and commitment.