cultural differences us situations
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Cultural Differences Life and Work situations
SoftServe, Inc.September 2008
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EQUALITY
Americans work better when they are in an atmosphere in which all
are considered equal and things are ‘fair’. While equality includes the
equal right to seek the “the good life”, it doesn’t guarantee equality
of talent or ability.
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CONFRONTATION
Discussing issues or ideas openly with other people is considered not
only proper, but often a responsibility as well. Americans may bring up
issues which are sensitive or embarrassing to others. In addition,
Americans, particularly in a business situation, do not spend the time
on polite social talk that many other nationalities do. They often get
right to the point.
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INFORMALITY AND FORMALITY
In most cases Americans avoid elaborate social rituals.
Most of time, they tend to treat everyone in a similar way with
little concern for titles or status.
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COMPETITION
Because Americans tend to value achievement and equality, they often compete with each other.
You will find both friendly and not-so-friendly competition everywhere.
Although this behavior is natural for Americans, it may seem quite overbearing to others.
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COOPERATION
Although Americans are competitive, they also engage in cooperative behavior.
Though cooperation often comes from liking and wishing to help
others, it may also be a way of getting to a goal; a way to help the
entire group accomplish its task. While this may appear opportunistic,
the goal is to get things done and learn in the process so that in the
future the individual may achieve on his own.
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TIME is very important in American society, and it is essential that
you be on time for appointments, meetings, or social engagements.
If you can not keep an appointment, or are going to be late, it is
extremely important for you to call and explain. In most situations,
the time you are asked to be someplace is exactly the time you are
expected to be there.
TIME AND PROMPTNESS
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For most Americans silence is uncomfortable . Small talk and
superficial conversations are usually preferable to quiet. People will
commonly talk about whether, sport, parties, food, clothing, anything.
Americans tend to stand no less than eighteen inches apart while
talking; standing too close will make them uncomfortable.
CONVERSATION
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INVITATIONS
You should reply to an invitation by telephone or by letter. AN
INVITATION SHOULD NEVER BE ACCEPTED UNLESS THERE IS EVERY
INTENTION OF GOING. It is accepted to refuse an invitation by
explaining that you have other plans or no free time. If the plans
must be changed after they are made because of illness or other
unavoidable problem, inform your host as soon as possible before
the event.
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The colloquial expressions and slang that American use on a
daily basis can often cause confusion and miscommunication.
Native English speakers tend to use the language creatively in
such a way that non-native speakers can have a difficult time
understanding them. In fact, Americans from different areas of
the country can often have a difficult time understanding one
another!
The most important thing to remember is that it is perfectly
acceptable to ASK someone what they mean. Don’t just nod or
pretend to understand, particularly at your training site.
Americans use expressions so often that we don’t even realize
we are doing it. However, if politely brought to our attention,
most Americans are happy to explain. You might even start a
fun conversation.
SOME COMMOM AMERICAN EXPRESSIONS
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Expressions that you might hear very often
Bring something up/bring up something: Mention something
Crack someone up: make someone laugh
Cut it out: Stop it
Cut the mustard: to be able to do something well
Drop the ball: fail at something
Funny business/Monkey business: Silliness; Horseplay
Get it together: Get yourself organized; Get yourself mentally adjusted
Get on the stick: get organized and get busy
Get the message/Get the picture?: Do you understand?
Get with it: Hurry up; Get busy
Go Dutch/Dutch Treat: Split the cost of something; Each buy your own
Go with the flow: accept things as they are; Be the same as everyone else
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Expressions cont.
Goof up: Make a mistake
Goof off/Goof around: Waste time
I owe you one: Thank you. I owe you a favor
Keep your cool: Remain calm and in control
Keep your head on straight: Think clearly; Remain calm and collected
Keep your shirt on/Keep your pants on: Wait a minute; Be right with you
Knuckle down: get serious and get busy
No big deal/No biggie: Not difficult; Not a problem
Play it by ear: Wait and see what develops before making a decision
Same difference: The same; No difference at all
Stick around: Remain nearby; Stay here
Take a load off: Sit; Relax; Be comfortable
Throw a fit: Have a display of bad temper
Use your head: Think
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Thank You!www.softservecom.com
Copyright © 2008 SoftServe, Inc.
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