Business customs and cultural practices in international commerce

¶ … 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 unfamiliar to such open communication. 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 of command surpasses individual relationships (Ball, Et al. 132- 146).

Furthermore, individual competence, professionalism, and responsibility for personal performance are significant in American business culture. For this reason, subordinate seek help from managers incase of complex cases. These are concepts that also contribute to extremely work ethic often faced in America. As opposed to some Asian countries, America is reluctant in supporting the development of personal relationships within business culture. In America, the general goal of business is to preserve a quality deal, thus, developing company relationships are of significant value. Americans are very clear in making distinctions between the workmates and friends in their daily life. In America, business meetings remain formal and minimum time is for nurturing social relationships (Law 145- 9).

Greetings / handshake

It is customary in America that meetings starts and ends with a concise and firm handshake. In addition, business people should maintain direct eye contact during the greetings or handshake in order to portray an aspect of sincerity, interest and confidence. In addition, the exchange of business cards is a normal affair in America and this does not require any rules or rituals in the course of the exchange. Business cards in American business environment are a resource for future information. This process of exchange takes place mostly during introductions or at the end of business deals (Ball, Et al. 132- 146).

In the process of making business negotiations, it is imperative to note that the main agenda of most business discussions is entering into a contractual agreement. Negotiations serve as moments of solving business problems based on shared benefits and individual strengths. For that reason, emphasis should focus on the financial position and power. Further, those conducting business in U.S. should also understand the significance of the set business rules and guidelines (Ball, Et al. 132- 146)

Finally, Hofstede dimensions play a significant role for most of the American businesses. The first dimensions that business persons should embrace is the Distance Power Index (DPI) dimension. This is relative to individual equality between groups of other persons. The second dimension covers the aspects of Individualism (IDV). Indication of high scores portrays a powerful sense of individual independence and accountability. The next Hofstede's cultural dimension is the Masculinity (MAS). This dimension covers two significant aspects. One of the aspects is gender sensitivity. According to this dimension, the values of women remain similar in all areas. Women are capable of conducting business like men and they should have equal opportunity (Ball, Et al. 132- 146).