¶ … Business
America is a nation founded on the basic belief in equality, is presently a multi-culturally variety of more than 290 million people comprise of different races and cultural heritage. United States exhibits a powerful aspect of regional and ethnic identity, represented by numerous subcultures and influenced by America's extensive geographical and regional disparities. United States influence on business culture is distinctive (Law 145- 9).
However, understanding the business customs and cultural concepts of various businesses is significant when conducting business in America as well as in any other country. The purpose of this paper is to provide information to my corporation about conducting business, particularly concerning the purchase of goods for exports, and the elements required for the success of the business. In this paper, I must emphasize that conducting business is vast and does not necessarily include hiring people or opening up new business units (Law 145- 9).
Cultural elements required for the successful conduct of business
United States Culture -- major concepts and Values Individualism
The ideology of individualism in America plays a major role in enhancing the livelihoods of most Americans. The American business custom and culture accentuates on individual inventiveness and accomplishments. Sovereignty and self-sufficiency in business are very significance because they ascertain autonomous in conducting various business operations. Subsequently, individuals' position in American society determines the accomplishments, and not their economic status nor their age as asserted by various people.
The degree of culture is another element that determines the success of conducting business in America. Nations that embrace a low context culture tend to convey meaningful information through words. This means that their communication channel is effective and efficient. Most Americans focus on tasks, and therefore, their primary intention of communicating is to allow effective exchange of information, facts, and views (Law 145- 9).
United States deals with conflicts directly and candidly, and therefore, Americas avoids public criticism. This is a direct style of communication often inferred by foreign investors and may embarrass business people that are...
However, those wishing to conduct business across the globe, particularly within America should understand that in the business environment, communication does not bear any relations to personal emotions and is exclusive (Ball, Et al. 132- 146).
Business meetings and time
In America, punctuality is a significant element of business etiquette and therefore, planned appointments or rather business meeting have a first priority. Most business people in America consider lateness in business or in any other important activity as a sign of insolence. Therefore, one should be courteous enough to make a call incase of predetermined lateness. Americans also emphasize on sticking or rather adhering to deadlines in business culture. They emphasize on attaining quality results in the quickest time possible. They may appear slow in decision-making, but they emphasize on implementing quality business decision within the stipulated time (Ball, Et al. 132- 146).
However, this does not mean that they are slow in decision-making; rather, American is one of the country that accentuates on the concept of "time is money." In essence, for successful conducting of business in America, business working hours ranges from 8 -10 hours from Monday to Friday. However, because of the powerful American work ethic, most of the Americans work overtime hours, and this is a common practice. However, taking a holiday is important in order to have time to relax and evaluate the continuity of business (Law 145- 9).
Structure and hierarchy in American businesses
For those intending to conduct business in America, it is imperative to understand the structure and hierarchy of American businesses. Furthermore, in a region that is famous for individualism and diversity, organization structure of businesses within America may vary based on the industry, region and business history.
However, one finds that having an office hierarchy in American organizations is particularly significant. It is also vital for one to understand that negotiation and final business decisions emanates from a central point that has overall authority. Team negotiations are very rare in American businesses because most people believe in self-reliance. In relation to American business culture, the hierarchical chain…
