Cross Cultural Etiquette and Manners: USA
- In USA, East Coast is more conservative and formal in
their dress and manners than the West Coast.
- For business meetings, in general, dark colored
business suit with white shirt (for less formal meetings light blue shirt)
and tie are appropriate. For ladies too, formal attire is recommended.
Women should wear a classic suit or dress with jacket. Err on conservative
appearance.
- Wear casual clothes when not attending a business
meeting or dinner. Dress should be neat and clean in look. Men may put on
comfortably fitting trousers with casual shirts. Wearing jeans or shorts,
even in a casual business environment, may be inappropriate. Women may
wear comfortably fitting shirts with casual shirts or tops. Again, err on
conservative appearance.
- Wearing jeans or khaki pants or shorts is quite in
place outside the business related environment, like visiting malls etc.
- Punctuality is very important due to the work ethic of
USA
- In USA, generally, honest hard work is valued
- Business meetings may be over breakfast, lunch or
dinner based on appropriateness. Business dinner is also treated as social
and rapport building meal
- Business conversation usually takes place during meals.
You may also find good degree of social conversation taking place during
the meals.
- Gifts are discouraged or limited by many US companies.
If you wish to give a gift, it should be modest and should never be seen
as a bribe. you can send a gracious written note.
- Discipline is important. If you you happen to see a
line or queue, always go to the end of line and wait for your turn.
- Do not use or chew on a toothpick in public.
- Do not spit any where
- Public places and private homes do not allow smoking,
most times because of laws preventing smoking. In case you desire to
smoke, ask permission. If permission is not given, do not feel offended.
- On meeting people or on departing, offer a firm
handshake, lasting few seconds maintaining eye contact with the person.
Good eye contact shows interest, sincerity and confidence.
- Good friends may briefly embrace. Err on more formal
behavior.
- Introduce as Mr, Ms, Mrs followed by full name.
- Business cards are generally exchanged during
introductions. However, they may be exchanged while leaving.
- A smile is a sign of friendliness
- At times, Americans may ask people as to the nature of
their profession. In many countries, it may be considered an offensive
question- but In USA, it could be a typical starter for conversation.
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