To coincide with the online publication of “Working the American Way†– a non fiction title American business culture – webooks.co.uk has prepared a useful little guide to some of the key cultural differences you might experience when dealing with Americans.
Ever cracked a joke in front of an American colleague only for them to stare back at you blankly? It’s happened to the best of us. If you ever work with Americans, you’ll quickly discover that their business etiquette and culture is very different to the UK’s, humour included.
The following points you may find strange, some you may find just plain ridiculous but all of them will help you understand American business culture and stay onside with your transatlantic colleagues.
1. Dress
In contrast to the UK, dark colours are normally reserved for senior executives, lawyers and funeral directors. There’s a greater emphasis on informality. There are regional differences, especially in the northeast, where people dress with greater formality, whereas Southerners have a more informal approach.
To avoid upsetting anyone, play it safe and follow the lead of your colleagues.
2. Business Hospitality and Gift Giving
Exchanging gifts is something that organisations would rather not do in America as it’s an area of sensitivity. Indeed, some organisations enforce stated policies severely restricting both giving and receiving. However, if you do invite a client or prospective client to lunch or dinner, it’s normally accepted that you will pay.
Giving a gift on a social level may make colleagues feel obligated or uncomfortable – steer clear.
3. Women in business
Businesswomen in America are as important as men; you’re more likely to meet women in senior or middle management positions in America than anywhere else in the world. This has had a knock-on effect on the use of language in the workplace. It’s wise to use inclusive language, rather than distinguishing words. Use phrases such as “he or she†or “him or her†together.
4. Humour
Humour is different in every country, so it tends not to travel well.
Avoid jokes involving gender, race, religion as these subjects may cause upset. Also, it’s best to avoid joking about your business or the organisation you work for as this will leave a bad impression.
5. Harassment
As with UK companies, employees of American organisations are considered to have the right to a workplace free from harassment. Over the years, this term has changed from abusing a role of authority for sexual favours to include same-sex and racial harassment. Sexual harassment now includes behaviour of a sexual nature, such as words, gestures, flirtations and jokes.
Failing to adapt to business etiquette in the USA may result in damaging your reputation, affecting your organisations image or even being taken to court. If you are unsure of your company’s policies, speak to Human Resources so you are on the same page as your organisation.
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Notes to Editors
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