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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.