The document discusses several aspects of American business culture and politics, including the American dream of individual success, the emphasis on individualism over centralized systems, and both the positives and negatives of individualism. It also summarizes sections on the current mood in Main Street America, challenges of intercultural communication, and adapting to a diverse workforce. Key topics covered include cultural variations, decision-making practices, concepts of time, religious differences, and studying other cultures to facilitate international business relationships.

2. US Politics and Culture

3. American Business Culture Political Correctness Employer-Employee Relations Salary and Benefits Socializing Negotiations

4. The American Experience Searching for the American Dream Dislike of centralized systems which limited personal development The importance of success Material success as a measure of personal development: U.S. consumer debt: $14 trillion Success is individual—individualism vs. feudalism The emphasis on initiative vs. govt intervention

5. Indvidualism: Positives and Negatives Creates a need to perform because people are evaluated & rewarded on individual performance. Make you customer a performer—”you will save your company X $ and increase its latteral communication.” Remember the strain and worry that Americans are under.

6. Indvidualism: Positives and Negatives Self-improvementmania—Americans want to be better so show themhowyourproductwill make themseembetter. The negatives includethefeelingthatfailure is individualinspiteofthefactthatoften it is theresultofcircumstances—especiallytoday.

7. The Mood in the U.S. Main Street Desparation: Loss of job, homes, homeless ness Worry: Fearing losing jobs and homes Anger: At Wall St. greed and the bailout Denial: Of the individual’s responsibility and the complexity of the problem Distrust: Of Washington politicians

8. Communication in a Diverse World Chapter 3 - 8 Individual Characteristics Cultural Backgrounds Individual Experiences Cultural Differences Multicultural Diversity Intercultural Communication

9. 3 - 9 Customers Labor Sources Job Possibilities Opportunities in a Global Marketplace

10. Challenges of Intercultural Communication Employee Motivation Nonverbal Signals Language Usage Employee Communication Harmony and Cooperation Values and Beliefs Perception Patterns

11. The Concept of Culture Ethnocentrism & Stereotyping Variations in a Diverse World The U.S. Business Culture Enhancing Sensitivity to Culture and Diversity

12. The Concept of Culture Chapter 3 - 12 Symbols Attitudes Shared System Priorities Values Norms Attitudes Rules Beliefs Expectations

13. Recognizing Variations in a Diverse World Chapter 3 - 13 Contextual Legal and Ethical Social Nonverbal Age Gender Religion Ability

14. Chapter 3 - 14 Decision Making Practices Problem Solving Techniques Negotiating Styles Cultural Context Low Context High Context

15. Chapter 3 - 15 Work and Success Roles and Status Use of Manners Concepts of time Social Behavior Differences

16. Nonverbal Differences © Prentice Hall, 2008 Excellence in Business Communication, 8e Chapter 3 - 16 Greetings and Touching Personal Space Facial Expressions Eye Contact Posture Formality

17. Age Differences Chapter 3 - 17 Authority Youth Oriented Senior Oriented Power Respect Freedom

18. Chapter 3 - 18 Existing Workplace Cultures Styles of Communication Gender Differences

19. Religious Differences © Prentice Hall, 2008 Excellence in Business Communication, 8e Chapter 3 - 19 Personal Beliefs Workplace Issues

20. © Prentice Hall, 2008 Excellence in Business Communication, 8e Chapter 3 - 20 Individualism Equality Privacy and Personal Space Time and Schedules Religious Beliefs Communication Preferences Adapting to U.S. Business Culture

21. Studying Other Cultures © Prentice Hall, 2008 Excellence in Business Communication, 8e Chapter 3 - 21 Social Customs Clothing and Food Political Patterns

22. Chapter 3 - 22 Religion and Folk Beliefs Business and Economics Ethics, Values, and Laws Studying Other Cultures

23. Chapter 3 - 23 Facilitate Communication Promote Business Relationships Learning Languages

24. Chapter 3 - 24 Degree of Formality Level of Directness Writing or Speaking Respecting Communication Preferences

25. Writing Clearly Chapter 3 - 25 Plain English Clear Language Conciseness Transitional Elements International Addresses Numbers and Dates Slang, Jargon, and Idioms References to Culture