Professional Documents
Culture Documents
& UK
by Michelle Martinez
Lingua e Cultura Inglese (L-1, L-15)
Department of Education, Cultural Heritage and Tourism
University of Macerata
Emotions
Americans
• In the U.S., it is culturally acceptable — even admirable — to show enthusiasm. When arguing for a point in a
meeting, for example, it is quite appropriate to express your opinions enthusiastically.
• When speaking with a potential employer at a networking event, it is appropriate to express your interest
enthusiastically. In fact, in this particular situation, the employer might interpret your interest as real and
genuine because of the enthusiasm you express.
!
British
• Brits are typically much more understated in their emotional expressiveness.
• A great performance, for example, in the UK would typically be characterized as being “not bad.” Or when
someone asks how you are doing, the typical answer is “fine” (as opposed to “Great!” or “Good!” as it might
be in the U.S.).
• In general, people in the UK value moderation and self-control rather than emotional expressiveness. If you
strike a really big deal or make a significant achievement at work, people will typically celebrate or
congratulate, but with a certain level of self-restraint.
• They might very well be excited for a short time and celebrate with some light applause and congratulatory
gestures; however, the level of outward, visible excitement would typically be far less than in the U.S. and last
for a shorter time.
Source: https://hbr.org/2013/04/common-language-doesnt-equal-c
Privacy
Americans
• Americans love their small-talk and making loud and friendly conversation with absolute
strangers. This translates to the business environment as well where minutes will be taken
before the serious conversation to just chat and talk about the weather. The Brits view the
Americans as overly friendly, which sometimes rubs people the wrong way, especially when
they’re complete strangers.
• Americans are much more open than Britons. Friends and even acquaintances discuss
personal thoughts and opinions that might seem private or intrusive in the UK. Do not feel
embarrassed if an American asks you a seemingly private or presumptuous question. He or
she is most likely sincerely curious about your thoughts and feelings and is assuming you
would like to share them.
• You may learn more about your American friends than you wanted to know, or you may hear
more childhood stories than you care to listen to. Americans will be interested in your
experiences and background as well since your upbringing may differ greatly from theirs. In
addition to more frequent discussion about their personal lives, there is often a greater display
of photographs, posters and memorabilia in dorm rooms or office spaces.
Source: http://www.workforce.com/2000/03/01/british-vs-american-communication-styles/
Communication Style
British
• The British communication style is a curious mixture of direct communication when it
comes to data, numbers and policy for example, yet on the other hand, any feedback,
delegation to colleagues and general interaction is littered with indirect ‘suggestions’
and subtleties which often confuse others. Take for example the comment from a
manager: “If you have time you may want to look into that…” Most people from
countries like Germany, France the Netherlands or Scandinavian countries which
practice direct communication styles, would not recognise this as an instruction for
action. It takes time to learn to read between the lines and understand that the British
manager really meant: “Please research that topic, as soon as you are able.”
• Foreign business partners may find that their UK counterparts may even be too polite.
People in the UK do not normally criticise or openly complain in public; or even
provide negative feedback, when asked for their honest opinion, irrespective of
whether or not such comments are warranted. It is therefore essential to read between
the lines and seek out the honest opinions of relevant parties.
Source: https://hbr.org/2013/04/common-language-doesnt-equal-c
Hierarchy
Americans
• American supervisors do encourage creativity and initiative over deference. In
the more egalitarian and individualistic U.S., however, it is common for workers
to have more control over their daily work.
• A British worker asks his new American manager if he can have permission to
leave work two hours early the following day as he has some personal errands
to run. “Well, I wanted to make sure and get your permission,” says the Brit. “I
am planning to stay later on another day to make up the time.” The American
replies that he trusts the worker to get his projects done, so if the employee
needs to leave early one day, then that is a decision he can make on his own.
“You know what needs to be done,” answers the American. “As long as your
work gets done, you can adjust your schedule as you see fit.”
• Americans have specified goals and are often expected to use their own
discretion in completing their jobs.
Source: http://xpatnation.com/american-vs-british-business-customs/