AMERICAN BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Academic Group - 11
 American Ethos

Individu
Individual initiative
alism Personal achievement

Explicit
Communica
tion

Task centered Equality of opportunities

Factual and rights
Egalitari
Impersonal
anism

Formal Informal
American Ethos Appearance Behaviour
Communication Communication
 Appearance
Men Women
Dark coloured Business
suits Navy, gray or ivory suits or
dress with jacket
Formal White or light blue shirt
Tie

Beige or khaki trousers or

jeans Comfortably fitting slacks
and casual shirts
Informal Blue Shirts

Amer Appe Work Comm

Beha
ican aran Cultu unica
Ethos viour tion
ce re
 Behaviour

Distinct Gift not

Respect local Business over
professional and acceptable,
laws dinner
personal life gracious note is

Amer Appe Work Comm

Beha
ican aran Cultu unica
Ethos viour tion
ce re
 Work Culture

Time is More work,

money fewer leaves

Hierarchy is Formal working

Amer Appe Work
relationships
ican respected
aran
Beha
viour
Cultu
Comm
unica
Ethos ce re tion
 Communication

• Introduction - Title and full name • Discussions - No offensive and

• Handshake - Firm, lasting 3-5
seconds along with a smile
• Business cards - A casual affair
controversial topics
• Negotiations - Focus on
tangible results
• Email - Clear, concise and
explicit

Formal Informal
American Ethos Appearance Behaviour
Communication Communication
 Do’s and Dont’s

DO

●
Address your American business colleagues with a title
●
Say “please” and “thank you” to everyone for even the smallest kindness
●
Be prepared to partake in small talk with your American counterparts
●
Respect privacy and personal space

DON’T

●
Expect all companies to be the same
●
Make any form of physical contact such as hugging when greeting for the first time
●
Be offended or surprised if your American colleagues cannot accept a gift
THANK YOU