Page 157 - Perfect Phrases ESL Everyday Business

The American Business Culture in a Nutshell

will give more responsibility to the self-starter than the person who
needs to be told what to do at every step.

Equality

Americans are proud of the belief that all people are created equal.
While all people may not be treated equally, we strive toward that
ideal in our communities and in business. Although people are aware
of levels within a company, most people work comfortably with
people at different levels. Use of first names in business is common,
even between supervisor and employee. Formal address (Dr., Mr.,
Mrs., Miss, Ms.—pronounced Miz) is used during a first meeting but
is usually quickly replaced with first names. Follow the leader—your
colleague may say, “Please call me John.” Or just begin by using your
first name. Men and women are given equal respect and work at all
levels within organizations.

Down to Business

Americans like to get right down to business. While to some cultures
that may seem rude, Americans believe that time should not be
wasted. In meetings, small talk is kept to a minimum. If someone
comes from another location to attend a meeting, he or she may
be asked how the trip to the meeting site was. Personal information
should be avoided during business meetings. Sometimes people who
have been doing business for a long time may ask general questions
such as, “How is the family?” These questions will be reserved for
before or after the meeting. Some people are all business—respect
their privacy. Other people like the personal touch and welcome
questions.
It is important to understand the separation of business and per-
sonal lives. Americans tend to see work as a means of earning money.
Usually there is not the sense of the company as a family as there is
in some cultures. Even at “social” business gatherings, conversation

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