Global Business Sense

Etiquette refers to the code of behavior. Business etiquette in U.S means the guidelines or behaviors to be followed for setting up business in U.S. Egalitarianism and individualism are the two unique cultures in business economy around U.S which differs from many other countries.

These two activities differ from any other business practices of other countries and they have a major effect on the business etiquette in U.S. Geert Hofstede, a professor of University of Limburg made an expert analysis and comprehensive study on the business culture in U.S. He stated that the level of individualism in American society is very high when compared to other countries. Now, let’s see some of the business etiquette practices which people follow for their business in U.S.

Individualism:

The reason for the individualism is evident from the behavior of American’s itself. Most of them are self-reliant and people like living aside from family members. People have loose bonds with others. Their culture encourages people who take this kind of initiatives and appreciates setting goals towards personal achievements. Personal achievements are one which matter and not the status or age.

Egalitarianism:

Egalitarianism refers to equality. In business economy of U.S egalitarianism is also much appreciated. Americans tend to get equal rights for all people. They also expect the social obligation should be equal and opportunities should also be equal. Equality cannot be achieved without individualism.

In a business economy, people works hard and they believe that only hard working awards success in their business and provides financial profits. Even egalitarianism is also the reflection of the culture of the Americans. Rich people, old people and government authority figures have equal influence in the society. Respect is not give based on the financial or social status of people. People call each others with their first names and professional titles are never used.

Task Centered:

American business are very much task oriented. Final outcome of a task in the only factor considered and not the amount of work involved in completing the task. They are direct and straight forward.  Business people speak their heart and they immediately say ‘no’ if they are not willing to do any task. Criticizing one’s work or performance is common. It could take place even in person or publicly. Critics are never taken as embarrassment rather taken as learning for their future plans.

Punctuality:

Americans have the policy of ‘Time is money’. American business culture considers punctuality as the most sacred behavior. People never skip appointments and meetings. Deadlines will always be in control. If deadline is crossed or if a person skips attending a meeting then it is considered as highly disrespectful.

Working time:

Americans like to work for long time and prefer doing over times. This is considered as a good work ethic. Because of the high competition and professionalism in the business economy, only people who spend more time for their business emerge successful.

Apart from these etiquettes there are other small things like firm handshakes, having a good eye contact in meetings, exchanging business cards and many more personal gestures are also considered as basic etiquette among business environment in U.S.