Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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Proact ive
Egalit aria n
; In div idualistic
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- To increase your knowledge of key issues and
I values infl uencing US business culture
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1 - To raise awareness of differences in working
, practice s in order t o support you wit h wo rk ing wit h
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,i. Freedom
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Eq ua lity
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Outgoi ng, Friendly
Informal
Loud, Boastful, Internationally Naive
Direct
Independent and Individualistic
Future Oriented/Action Oriente d
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j. Disregardful of t he Elderly
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Freedom of Expression
I: Personal Ach ieveme nt Ii
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Personal Free do m
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'. succeed,
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try, try
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Tr adition s
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Based on your experiences or from what you have
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in the US?
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someone's weight
someone's salary
th e cost of someone's home and oth er large it ems
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I:• why someone doesn't have children or isn't marr ied
how much someone paid for his/her car or house
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I ndividu al responsibility for praise or blame
I . Concrete contri bution
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- Junior vs . senior ;
older VS. younger
Communicat ing,
in itiating cha nge
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Critica l
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Supplementary Material
A US Culture Overview
Fact file
Overview
The United States, a nation founded on the fundamental belief in equality, is today a
multicultural mosaic of over 290 million people of varying race and cultural heritage.
American culture portrays a strong sense of regional and ethnic identity, which is represented
by a number of subcultures and influenced by the country's vast geographical and regional
differences. America's influence on business culture across the globe is unmistakable.
However, understanding the cultural concepts behind the surface appearance is just as
important for your company when doing business in the US as in any other country.
Individualism- The concept of individualism in the US plays a significant role in the lives of
many Americans. American culture emphasises individual initiative and personal
achievement. Independence and self-reliance are highly valued and also extends to the
workplace where business is frequently carried out autonomously. Consequently, one's
position in US society is determined by one's own achievements as oppose to status or age.
Low context culture - Generally speaking, those cultures described as low context tend to
communicate meaning and information explicitly through words. Americans are task centred
and thus the primary purpose of communication is to exchange information, facts, and
opinions. In the US, conflict is dealt with. directly and openly, and for this reason, Americans
will not hesitate to say "no" or criticise others in public. This direct style of speech is often
interpreted by foreign visitors as rude and may cause embarrassment to business people who
are unaccustomed to such explicit communication. However, it is important to remember that
in a business context it bears no relation to personal feelings and should not be taken as such.
TI,e world' 5 third largest country both in size and population, the United States is a nation
moving forward rapidly and successfully with its unique cultural diversity. Throughout the
years, America has experienced waves of immigration from virtually every corner of the
world moulding the country into what it is today. After establishing its independence in 1776,
the United States has endured civil war, the Great Depression, and two World Wars to
become the richest and most powerful nation state in the world. Today, the US is considered
to have the strongest and most technologically powerful economy. For those wishing to
conduct business in the US, gaining a professional insight into the cultural design of this
distinctive country is essential to your success.
Culture is defined as a system of values and beliefs which we share with others, all of which
gives us a sense of belonging or identity. Culture influences the ways in which people
pertaining to a group, society or organisation behave, communicate, think and perceive
reality. Each culture exhibits differing value and belief systems which must be understood
before effective communication can occur.
The following are additional tips for more effective communication across cultures.
• Learn as much as you can about the culture through talking to people of that culture,
reading books and articles and through resources on the internet
• Learn as much of the language spoken in that culture as you can and use it carefully
and within context, i.e. be clear, concise and avoid slang
/II Consider and evaluate which stereotypes and generalisations about that culture
1/1 Unlearn what you know ~ your perceptions, past attitudes, prejudices etc. - to absorb
new ideas and information
e Actively listen with an open mind and learn from 'Ill/hat others have to say
It Learn about cultural adaptation, particularly culture shock, and know how to deal with
it
Over the last decade, technological advances have dramatically changed the ways we
communicate, creating a rise in international virtual teams spanning countries and continents
comprising professionals of different levels and national backgrounds. Access to email,
instant messenger services and video/teleconferencing sessions have provided people with
the opportunity to communicate from and to anywhere in the world with ease. Virtual
communication allows businesses to take advantage of the skills and knowledge of
geographically dispersed people, creating a truly borderless workplace.
While virtual communication brings with it a number of advantages, it also creates a number
of new challenges. Distance, time zones and the lack of face-to-face time make developing
relationships based on trust and respect more difficult, Meanwhile, differing cultural values
and attitudes are much harder to interpret through virtual means and therefore make
communication more challenging. Learning how to overcome the obstacles of virtual
communication is the first step to becoming a more effective and successful communicator in
international business.
1, Develop solid relationships: To develop a good rapport built on trust and respect, it is
essential to frequently have face-to-face meetings, particularly at the beginning of any
work or project which entails virtual communication.
2. Maintain frequent contact: Keep the communication flow open and stay in regular
contact, varying between virtual communication and face-to-face meetings. Staying
informed and in touch will prevent future misunderstandings or replications from
occurring.
7. Apply good email etiquette: Always use a meaningful and relevant subject line and only
send it to those necessary. Be sure to address the person, use clear paragraphs and
formatting and end it with the proper closing phrases. Respect your colleague's time
constraints and avoid writing long emails or sending large attachments. Be polite and
never say anything in an email you wouldn't say in person. Upon receiving an email,
always send an acknowledgement and response following the guidelines above.
8. Select the appropriate medium for each particular context: It is easy to get accustomed
to using one method, but it is important to vary it once in a while. Instead of always
emailing, for instance, pick up the phone so you can hear them and address the matter
quickly and directly. This will do more for your working relationship than sending and
receiving emails/messages. Determining which means of communication to use might
also depend on the situation. For instance, never criticise or give negative feedback in an
email. If there is no way of meeting in person, the phone or teleconference is the next best
method. However, email can be useful if a record is needed.
10. Develop ground rules for your team to counter the challenges of remote
communication: Make a mental note of the guidelines above and put them into practice.
If working in a virtual team, it is important to establish a set of ground rules that each
team member will follow to ensure the most effective communication. This includes
determining how, when and where members will communicate. Agreeing to meet in
person every two weeks or ensuring that certain people are copied on specific emails, for
instance, will also help to create a more positive and professional atmosphere in which
virtual communication can take place.
Althen, Gary, Doran, Amanda and Szmania, Suzan (2002) American Ways: A Guidefvr
Foreigners ill the United States, Intercultural Press, Inc.
Bryson, Bill (2000) I'm a Stvanoev Here Myself: Notes 011 Returning to America Aft:etTwenty Yeats
Away, Broadway.
Hampshire, David (2005) Living and Working in America: A Survival Handbook, Survival Books
Ltd., 5th edition.
Kim, Eun (2001) The Yilt and Yang ~f American Culture: A Paradox, Intercultural Press, Inc.
Lanier, Alison R. and Davis, Jet C. (2004) Living ill the USA, Intercultural Press, Inc. 6th edition.
Stewart, Edward and Bennett, Milton (1991) American Cultural Pntteme: A Cross-Culiural
Perspective, Intercultural Press, Inc.
Storti, Craig (2004) Americansat Work: A Cultural Guide to the Can-Do People, Intercultural Press,
Inc.
Storti, Craig {200l) Old World, New World: Bridging Cultural D~rkrerzces: Britain, France,
Germany and the U.S., Intercultural PH-.~SS, Inc.
Walmsley, Jane (2003) Brit- Think A111eri-Think: A TmnsaUaJ1tic Survival Guide, Penguin Books.
Wanning, Esther (2005) Culture Shock! USA: A Guide to Customs alld Etiquette, Graphic Arts
Center Publishing.
White, [ohn Kenneth (2002) Values Divide:Americafl Politics find Cultu.J'e ill Transition, Chatham
House Publishers.
Zinn, Howard {200S) People's History of the United States: 1492 to Present, Harper Perennial
Modern Classics.
Websites
www.usinfo.state.gov lusa/infousa
Information USA is an authoritative resource for foreign audiences seeking information about
American society, political processes, official U.S. policies and culture.
www.cia.gov/da/publicationslfactbook/geos/us.html
CIA World Pactbook providing detailed reference information in all areas for the u.s.
www.firstgov.gov
U.S. government official web portal
,,·'/ww.statwusa.gov
Provides current trade and economic information and statistics
www.cenSllS.g.QY
Detailed reports on population demographics, geography, business and news
,.vw\'v.state.gov
Ll.S. Department of State ~ providing up-to-date information, news, travel and education.
''',1ww.ed.gQY
U.s. Department of Education with information and useful links for students and parents
,vww.vl!cather.com
The weather Channel- provides up-to-date local and regional weather information, traffic
updates and emergency warnings.
WWVII .usastudyguide.colrtllifeinusa.htm
USA Study Guide website aimed primarily at students but offers a variety of useful
information and links for anyone living in the U.s,
wV\7w.usatourism.com
Th.e U.S. does not have a central tourism office, instead each state have their own. This is an
informal guide to tourism in the U.S. but bear in mind there are more detailed sites available.
VolVolw.heIJousa.com
Information for those relocating to the u.s.
www.amtrak.com
National Train Service information, routes and updates
Media