American culture and etiquette

How we look upon and judge the lifestyle and workplace of other cultures depends on how we view the world from our own cultural background.

American Society
The Federal Government of the United States of America is located in Washington D.C. Each state has a local government. There are Federal
laws and state laws, which may vary greatly between the states.
The USA is a vast country with six time zones, four between the east and the west coast and one for Alaska and one for Hawaii.
In order to know in which state a particular city is located abbreviations of each state are used behind the names of the city such as, Houston TX
(Texas), New York NY (New York State), Seattle WA (Washington). Washington state is situated on the west coast. The city of Washington, is
situated in the District of Columbia (D.C.) which is not a state but an administrative unit on the east coast.
The USA with her 300 million inhabitants, is a multicultural and multi ethnic melting pot. Therefore it is difficult to describe what the typical
American looks like. For five centuries people from all over the world flocked to the United States, many of them seeking a better life. Today
there are many mixed marriages with children having the features of both races. The elite however is still WASP. (White Anglo-Saxon
Protestant). Barack Obama changes this.

The American language

English is an Indo-European language. US-English varies in many ways from
UK-English as well as the English spoken in Canada, South Africa, Australia and other English speaking countries.
US English: first floor UK English: ground floor
US English: to table an idea means to keep an idea on the agenda
UK English: to table an idea means to introduce an idea during e.g. the meeting
Some 300 languages are spoken in the USA. In the Southwest of the USA 80% of the population have Spanish as their mother tongue. In order to
obtain American Citizenship one must speak English but many immigrant families continue to speak their native language at home. They balance
daily between two cultures.
The family name of an American usually represents his cultural background: Sanchez, Wong, Krawic, Al Harbi, Arikian, Roosevelt, Levy etc.

The business culture of the United States of America

The United States of America is a large country with a huge internal market. The US has a 24-7 (24 hours a day 7 days a week) as well as a global
economy. American companies are to be found worldwide and outsourcing to distant countries is daily practice.
Only a small percentage of Americans travel across the oceans separating the USA from the rest of the world. Therefore Americans who work
virtually across borders but who live in the United States are not always aware of the huge differences in the way other countries do business.

Status and Formality

Americans address each other very informally and are on a the first name basis. This can make it challenging to find out if you speak to the CEO
or to the receptionist when at a social event.
No academic or job titles are used unless one is formally introduced in a business setting.
After the formal introduction first names are used.
Working across levels internationally
The job title, even if not mentioned, but clearly on the business card, gives a person status. American job titles do not always match with those
used in the rest of the world. Americans find it difficult to work across hierarchical levels, especially with some one who holds a lower rank in
title. This often causes irritation internationally. You may discover that job descriptions may be similar but the American holds a much higher job
title.
American job titles do not match with those in other countries.
Make sure tasks, responsibilities and your position within the organization are clear, when you start collaborating across borders.

Status
Status in American society is more closely related to possessions and money than to family standing. Each American fights his way up the ladder,
individually. Moving up the social and business ladder is usually done through a change of jobs. Americans easily move across the country for a
higher position with a better salary.

The first impression

First impressions are important. Americans know how to sell themselves
and expect others to do the same. Be very present and express your will to work hard. Appearance should be healthy and energetic. Dress and
good manners
are less important than the above-mentioned qualities.
The dress code is usually rather informal. A business-casual jacket for men and a business suit for women. A tie for men is not always required.
Show that you will invest time and effort to reach your goal.

Competition or motivation
Competition is seen as positive. In the educational system competition is promoted. Good grades are awarded by the system. Organizations
promote competition by selecting the employee of the year, or by giving big bonuses for selling products and services. The work ethos is very
high and individuals work hard to reach their target and obtain their individual bonuses.

Excellent client service

The Americans are champions in customer service and customer friendliness. The customer is considered King and everything is done to please
the customer. Americans do not understand the laid-back attitude many cultures have towards clients.

Communication style
Energetic and positive
Americans usually speak in the present or imperative tense with lots of action oriented words. Lets do this. Make it work Instant solution.
This energizes people. Many powerful words and expressions are used such as; greatest, excellent, brilliant, thrilling, ultimate, a roller coaster
ride.

Your international virtual team

Are you French, Japanese, Dutch, Indian, Chinese or Mexican or any other nationality your American team leader expects from you:
Good work ethics. Extra hours should not cause problems.
A positive, constructive and energetic attitude.
Openness, transparency, assertiveness and pro-activeness.
Sharing of information within the team.
To copy the team leader in your emails to others.
To be comfortable with receiving instructions of the team leader.
To understand that your team leader will try to energize you through his up-beat communication style.

Business etiquette
Hello how are you does not call for an elaborate answer. It is more of a greeting ritual and replying with fine, how are you is expected.
Most Americans value personal space. Physical contact such as kissing or hugging as a greeting is not always appreciated. A firm handshake
will do.
It is American etiquette to eat with the fork in the right hand. The knife rests on the edge of the plate with the blade towards the center of the
plate. Only when you need to cut food you hold your fork in your left hand and cut food with the knife in your right hand. When you are done
cutting, place the knife on the plate and switch the fork to your right hand. The left hand may rest in your lab as it is not needed above the table.
In America people drink a lot with their meals. This may vary from large glasses of water with ice cubes to soft drinks or wine.
The USA has wonderful wines, which can be served during dinner. Hold your glass at the stem not to heat the white wine with your hands.
When drinking red wine your hand may cup the glass.