The document discusses key aspects of business culture in the United States. It outlines that Americans value a strong work ethic, individual initiative and merit-based achievement. As a result, there is often long work hours and a clear distinction between management and subordinates. Meetings and time are also highly valued in American business - meetings start promptly and lateness is seen as disrespectful. Informality, direct communication and assertiveness are also characteristics of American business interactions and culture.

1. TIME IS MONEY
Understanding Business in the United States of
America

2. The American Dream
 Americans believe that
every individual can
succeed and prosper by
working hard
 Strong work ethic
 Merit based system
 Achievement focus
 Positive outlook towards
the future

3. Repercussions of US Work Life
 Long work hours
 Frequent overtime
 Clear distinction
between
management and
subordinates

4. Valued Traits
 Individual initiative
 Personal achievement
 Competence
 Professionalism
 Accountability

5.  As a result, superiors are only consulted when
absolutely needed
 There is a degree of autonomy provided to
work
 Competitive work ethic

6. Informality
 Titles are used very rarely
 Quick to get to a first name basis
 Not intended to disrespect
Greetings and farewells are usually short,
informal and friendly. Students may greet
each other with "hi", "how are you"? and
"what's up"? The farewell can be as brief
as: "See you", "take it easy", or, "come by
some time" (although they generally don't
really mean it). Friendships are also casual,
as Americans seem to easily develop and
end friendships.

7. Direct & Assertive
Try to work out their
differences without a mediator
Short and to the point
People are invited to
challenge their viewpoints
Can be interpreted by
foreigners as rude

8. Direct & Assertive
Conflicts are dealt with openly.
Americans will not hesitate to say “no” or criticize others in
public.
If silent moments arise in conversations, Americans are rather
uncomfortable and often feel compelled to quickly fill the gaps.
Can cause problems with people from cultures in which
business is build on personal bonds, where conflict is handled
indirectly and where “saving face” is important.

9. Typical phrases are
“let’s get to the
point” and “what’s
the bottom line”.
There is more
importance attached
to what is said than
how it is said.

10. Privacy
 Because U.S. culture is rather informal, it is
sometimes difficult to ascertain the
boundaries.
• Stiff, uncomfortable body language is one way to
tell when privacy boundaries have been crossed.
 Examples of questions that violate the privacy
rule are:
 How old are you?
 How much money do you make?
 How much do you weigh?

11. Importance of Time
Americans consider “time is money”
Punctuality is an essential part of US
business
Meetings start on the dot
Meetings are expected to remain
uninterrupted
Lateness is considered disrespectful or
rude

12. If you really want to annoy your
American business partner,
either be late for a meeting
without calling in, or sit down
and talk as if you have nothing
else to do for the rest of the
day.

13. Meetings
 Start with a firm
handshake
 Maintain direct eye contact
 During the initial
introduction, address
colleagues with their
respective titles and their
last names
 Participate in small talk
 Controversial subjects
such as religion or politics
should be avoided

14. Meetings
 Exchange business cards if
you wish to contact them at
a later date
 Respect privacy and
personal space
 Stand atleast 18 inches
apart

15. Business Language
Sports (e.g. touch
base, ballpark figure,
game plan, home
run)
Military (e.g. rally the
troops)

16. Business Language
Less formal than
most other
countries
Depends on the
individual
Simple phrases like
“how do you do?” or
“let’s keep in touch”

17. Varies by geographic
region, day of the
week and industry.
More informal than
most other countries
Executives usually
dress formally.

18. Business Attire
 ‘Casual Friday’ is
common in many
companies. Tech
companies often wear
casual clothes every
day.
 For an initial meeting,
dressing conservatively
is always in good taste.
Women can wear
business suits or
dresses. Men should
wear a business suit
unless you know the

19. Business Entertaining
 Business breakfasts are common.
 Business lunches are common and may last
two hours.
 The person extending the invitation usually
pays.
 Business is usually not discussed until
everyone has ordered their meal.
 Socialising occurs more often after business is
concluded. Business entertaining is not to
develop a personal relationship.

20. Business Entertaining
 Business entertaining is as varied as the country.
It can be in the form of cocktail parties, golf
games, barbecues, formal or casual dinners.
 Do not take a sip of your drink until the host
makes the first toast.
 If you are hosting the meal, make payment
arrangements in order to avoid haggling over the
check.
 Spouses may be included in business dinners.
 If the host offers a toast to you, be sure to
reciprocate later in the meal.

21. Taboos
 The two main subjects that Americans agree
not to discuss much in polite conversation are
1: politics and 2: religion.
 Avoid criticizing the US, US culture, Americans
in general or US policy, unless they have
recently invaded your country.
 However, there is also a great diversity in their
view of themselves; therefore do not expect
them all to respond in the same way.

22. La Fin
El Fin
Das Ende
Fine
終わり
结束
‫النهاية‬
Finem
The End