Survey on Communication & Culture in the USA

FINDINGS OF SURVEY
I conducted this survey in May/June 2008 at Hofstra University (NY, USA) and at the University of Applied Sciences Konstanz (Germany). The following pages contain the questionnaire that all of you completed. With each question there are the answers of the American students, and the answers that German students expected from the Americans:

(1) Name (up to) 5 things that are very important for Americans.

(2)You get to know an exchange student, Klaus, from Germany. When you ask him, how he likes it in the US so far, he answers: I like it very much. The university is so very modern! And everybody's so friendly and helps me a lot. However, I can't get used to the attitude of many Americans and the government towards the environment...As you can see from us Germans, for example, people should really care. I mean, we do just a few, simple things that can make a big difference to nature! ... You / most

Americans would feel...

A. insulted by Klaus B. guilty C. embarrassed D. other: _____________

AMERICANS
4 0 ,0 %
50,0%

GERMANS
Exchange student - heterost.

3 0 ,0 %

40,0%

P ro ze n t

Prozent

30,0%

2 0 ,0 %

20,0%

1 0 ,0 %
10,0%

0 ,0 % in s u lte d b y K l a ug s u i l t y e m b a r r a s s e d o th e r

0,0% M issing insulted by K laus guilty em barrassed other

r a g

e _ 0 2 _ e x c h

a n

e _ s t u

e n

Frage_02_exchange_stu dent

(3) A new colleague has his first day in your department. His name is Steven Smith. When

you get to talk to him for the first time, its just normal that you (most Americans would) call him:
A. [ ] Mr. Smith B. [ ] Steven

C. [ ] other: AMERICANS
5 0 ,0 %
80,0%

GERMANS

4 0 ,0 %
60,0%

P ro z e n t

Prozent
M r . S m ith S te v e n O th e r

3 0 ,0 %

40,0%

2 0 ,0 %

20,0%

1 0 ,0 %

0 ,0 %

0,0% Missing Mr. Smith Steven

r a g

e _ 0 3 _ n

e w

_ c o

l l e a g

Frage_03_new_colleague

(4) Although cheating is forbidden, most students try to help each other or compare each other's results in exams at school / university.
A. [ ] Yes, that's normal B. [ ] No, that's unfair C. [ ] Don't know AMERICANS
8 0 ,0 %

Cheating - heterost.

60,0%

GERMANS

50,0%

6 0 ,0 %

40,0%

P ro z e n t

Prozent
4 0 ,0 % 2 0 ,0 % 0 ,0 % Y e s , th a t s n o r m N ao l , t h a t s u n f a i rD o n t k n o w

30,0%

20,0%

10,0%

0,0% Yes, thats normal No, thats unfair Dont know F r a g e _ 0 4 _ c h e a t i n g

Frage_04_cheating

(5) Most important traits in a team leader / superior ... (check 3)

[ ] has a vision [ ] knows all details [ ] motivates employees [ ] treats employees as equals [ ] plans very accurately and detailed [ ] always observes the rules [ ] demonstrates authority [ ] shows competence [ ] gives precise instructions [ ] sets clear goals

Frage_05_traits_teamleader (chose up to 3) Answers Responses % of (GERMANS) (AMERICANS) has a vision knows all details motivates employees treats employees as equals plans very accurately and detailed always observes the rues demonstrates authority shows competence gives precise instructions sets clear goals 12,3 6,1 19,6 11,7 7,8 2,2 8,4 9,5 7,3 15,1 14,7 0,9 18,1 3,4 2,6 1,7 16,4 16,4 6,0 19,8

(6) How likely is it that somebody changes likely that Am changes/he works for- more than twice in How the company job more than twice heterost. her / his life?
AMERICANS
5 0 ,0 %

60,0%

GERMANS

50,0%

4 0 ,0 %

40,0%

P ro ze n t

Prozent

3 0 ,0 %

30,0%

2 0 ,0 %

20,0%

1 0 ,0 %

10,0%

0 ,0 % v e r y lik e ly L ik e ly u n d e c id e u n lik e ly

0,0% very likely

p a n y

Likely

undecide

unlikely

F r a g e _ 0 6 _ c h

a n

g e _ c o m

Frage_06_change_com pany

(7) What is most important to most Americans in a job?

A. [ ] high salary B. [ ] challenging/ interesting tasks AMERICANS C. [ ] convenient / flexible working hours D. [ ] location (close to your house) GERMANS

Most important about a job - heterost.

1 0 0 ,0 %

70,0%

8 0 ,0 %

60,0%

50,0%

P ro ze n t

6 0 ,0 %

Prozent

40,0%

4 0 ,0 %

30,0%

20,0%
2 0 ,0 %

10,0%

0 ,0 % h ig h s a l a r y c h a ll e n g i n g ta s k / i n ft le e r xe i sb t l i en gw o r k in g h o u r s

0,0% Missing high salary challenging / interesting task flexible working hours location

r a g

e _ 0 7 _ j o

Frage_07_job

(8) Team work means...

A. [ ] to support each other, share responsibility and success B. [ ] clearly arranged tasks, one gets along well with each other and everybody's rewarded according to individual achievement AMERICANS
8 0 ,0 %

GERMANS
Teamwork - heterost.

70,0%

6 0 ,0 %

60,0%

P ro z e n t

50,0%

4 0 ,0 %

Prozent
s h a r e c l e a r l y a r r a n g e

40,0%

30,0%

2 0 ,0 %

20,0%

10,0%

0 ,0 %

0,0% Missing share clearly arrange

r a g

e _ 0 8 _ t e a m

r k

Frage_08_teamwork

(9)Competition among employees usually does more harm than good

AMERICANS GERMANS

Competetion: more harm than good - heterost.

3 0 ,0 %

50,0%
2 5 ,0 %

40,0%
2 0 ,0 %

P ro ze n t

1 5 ,0 %

Prozent

30,0%

1 0 ,0 %

20,0%

5 ,0 %

10,0%

0 ,0 % s tr o n g ly a g ar e g e r e e u n d e c i d ed i s a g r e e s tr o n g l y d is a g r e e

0,0% Missing strongly agree agree undecide disagree strongly disagree

r a g

e _ 0 9 _ c o

e t i t i o

Frage_09_competition

(10) Successful people should show to everybody how much money they have. AMERICANS GERMANS
succesful ppl - should show how much they have - heterost.
5 0 ,0 %

50,0%
4 0 ,0 %

40,0%

P ro z e n t

3 0 ,0 %

Prozent

30,0%

2 0 ,0 %

20,0%

1 0 ,0 %

10,0%

0 ,0 % s tr o n g ly a g r ae ge r e e u n d e c i d e d i s a g r e e s tr o n g ly d is a g r e e

0,0% strongly agree agree undecide disagree strongly disagree

r a g

e _ 1 0 _ s u

c c e s s f u

l _ p

Frage_10_successful_ppl

(11) If you don't receive feedback for performing a task that means most likely (to most Americans)...
A. [ ] B. [ ] C. [ ] D. [ ] that you did something wrong that you did your job well (without mistakes) that your superior doesn't care about what you do that your boss is content with the work you do AMERICANS GERMANS

4 0 ,0 %

3 0 ,0 %

P ro z e n t

2 0 ,0 %

1 0 ,0 %

0 ,0 % y o u d id s t h y o ur o d n i d . w g w e ll y o s u u r p j oe br i o r d b o o e s s s n i ' st c o n t e n t w c a r e w o r k /

r a g

e _ 1 1 _ f e e d

a c k
4 3 2 1 0 b d s j w y M F 0 , / u r o i r , 0 e p b o u s a 0 % w e n s g % o n r w g d i e 'r e i n _ k s t o l d g 1 r l 1 c y s _ a o t f n r u h e t e r . e e n d t b

a c k

(12) You are in NYC in the subway, it's rush hour and all seats are occupied, so you have to stand. At the next stop an old lady with shopping bags in each hand gets on. A teenager (wearing headphones listening to music) who is sitting in a seat next to her and gives a glance at her but doesn't move. A middleaged man signs him to get up. The teenager doesn't react. Also when he asks him politely, the request is ignored. Now the man asks the teenager in a louder voice (to be heard despite the music) to get up for the lady. Whose behavior is least appropriate? A. [ ] the teenager B. [ ] the old lady D. [ ] the other passengers C. [ ] middle-aged man E. [ ] everybody is acting appropriatel
AMERICANS GERMANS

Who's acting inappropriately - heterost.

6 0 ,0 %

60,0%
5 0 ,0 %

50,0%
4 0 ,0 %

P ro z e n t

40,0%
3 0 ,0 %

Prozent

30,0%

2 0 ,0 %

20,0%

1 0 ,0 %

10,0%

0 ,0 % te e n a g e ro ld la d ym i d d l e - a g t he ed o t h e e v e r y b o d y r m a n p a s s e n g e ra s c t i n g a p p r o p r ia te l y

0,0% Missing teenager middle-aged man the other passengers everybody acting appropriately

r a g

e _ 1 2 _ s u

a y

Frage_12_subway

(13) When people have failed in life, they should be...

A. B. C. D. E. [] [] [] [] [] ignored everybody is burdened enough with their own lives ignored it's their own fault helped they are humans pitied miserable fate other: AMERICANS
8 0 ,0 %

GERMANS if people fail in life - heterost.

40,0%

6 0 ,0 %

30,0%

P ro z e n t

4 0 ,0 %

Prozent

20,0%

2 0 ,0 %

10,0%

0 ,0 % i g n o r e id g n- o r e d b u r d e n w / f o a wu ln t li v e s - h o e w l pn e d - p i t i e d o th e r h u m a nm s i s e r a b l e f a t e

0,0% Missing ignored burden w/ own lives ignored own fault helped humans pitied miserable fate other

r a g

e _ 1

3 _ f a i l

Frage_13_fail

(14) A friend of yours (from university / work) invites you and some other friends over for dinner. After you're done eating and having coffee, it's most likely that you / most Americans...
A. [ ] go home if nothing else is planned B. [ ] stay there and keep on chatting AMERICANS C. [ ] suggest going out together D. [ ] other:
6 0 ,0 % 5 0 ,0 %

GERMANS
4 0 ,0 %

P ro ze n t

3 0 ,0 %

2 0 ,0 %

7
1 0 ,0 % 0 ,0 % t e e n a g e ro l d l a d ym i d d l e - a gt h e e d o t h e er v e r y b o d y m a n p a s s e n g e a sc t i n g r a p p r o p r ia te ly

r a g

e _ 1 2 _ s u

a y

8 0 ,0 %

After Dinner

40,0%

6 0 ,0 %

30,0%

P ro ze n t

4 0 ,0 %

Prozent
g o h o m e s ta y + c h a tt in g s u g g e s t g o i n g o u t

20,0%

2 0 ,0 %

10,0%

0 , 0 %

0,0% go home stay + chatting suggest going out other

r a g

e _ 1 4 _ d

i n

e r

Frage_14_dinner

(15) The local college organizes a symposium / conference on nuclear energy. As you are very
interested in the topic you attend some of the public presentations. The audience is invited to participate and some of the attending experts start a discussion. A few laymen from the audience also ask questions (they don't seem to be familiar with the topicl). Most Americans would think the behavior of those laymen ( involving in an experts' discussion) is... A. [ ] appropriate B. [ ] not appropriate C. [ ] don't know AMERICANS
6 0 ,0 %

GERMANS
Symposion - laymen act... - heterost.
50,0%

5 0 ,0 %

40,0%
4 0 ,0 %

P ro ze n t

3 0 ,0 %

Prozent
a p p r o p r ia te n o t a p p r o p r ia te d o n 't k n o w

30,0%

2 0 ,0 %

20,0%

1 0 ,0 %

10,0%

0 ,0 %

0,0% appropriate not appropriate don't know

r a g e _ 1 5 _ s y m

o s i u

Frage_15_symposium

(16)You are shopping at the mall when you see Laura, a friend of your friend Ashley. You've met Laura once. How would most Americans react?
A. [ ] Walking by, you give her a nod and say hi B. [ ] Stop and chat with her C. [ ] Ignore her AMERICANS GERMANS

At the mall - heterost.

7 0 ,0 %

6 0 ,0 %

70,0%

60,0%
5 0 ,0 %

50,0%

P ro ze n t

4 0 ,0 %

Prozent
w a lk in g b y + " h i s" t o p + c h a t ig n o r e h e r

40,0%

3 0 ,0 %

30,0%

2 0 ,0 %

20,0%

1 0 ,0 %

10,0%

0 ,0 %

0,0% walking by + "hi" stop + chat

r a g

e _ 1 6 _ s h

i n

a l l

Frage_16_shoppingmall

(17) Recently a lot of your neighbors are moving. Today you see new people moving into the house across the street. You / Most Americans would...
A. [ ] ...watch them from inside your house B. [ ] ...go over, introduce yourself and offer help C. [ ] ...go over and start to carry in boxes D. [ ] ...go over and introduce your-self a few days later when they've settled in. AMERICANS
5 0 ,0 %

GERMANS
New Neighbors - heterost.
70,0%

4 0 ,0 %

60,0%

50,0%

P ro ze n t

3 0 ,0 %

Prozent

40,0%

2 0 ,0 %

30,0%

20,0%
1 0 ,0 %

10,0%

0 ,0 % w a tc h g o o v e r c a r r y in b o g x oe o v e r i n s d a y s a fe w

0,0% Missing watch go over go over in a few days

r a g

e _ 1 7 _ n

e i g

r s

Frage_17_neighbors

(18) You and a bunch of friends want to go on a weekend trip together. You make some plans and one
of you, Christine, offers to take care of the organization. You pay her for the hotel and set date and time of departure. By the time you get to the meeting point, it becomes clear that Christine forgot to take care of transportation. What's the general reaction? A. [ ] annoyance & complaint about Christine, but finally trying to find a solution B. [ ] telling Christine that she sucks & send her home C. [ ] trying to find a solution & ignore the inconvenience D. [ ] resigning to the fact & go home E. [ ] other: AMERICANS GERMANS

6 0 ,0 %

W eekend trip - heterost.

5 0 , 0 %

50,0%

4 0 ,0 %

40,0%

P ro z e n t

2 0 ,0 %

Prozent
a n n o y a C ch e r i s+ t i n e f i ns d c a k ss o r e u s t i o n i n g n u l g fin d a s o lu tio n + ig n o r e fa c t in c o n v . t o t th h e e r

3 0 , 0 %

30,0%

20,0%

1 0 , 0 %

10,0%

0 , 0 %

0,0% Missing annoyance + find Christine sucks find a solution + resigning to the a solution ignore inconv. fact

r a g

_ 1

8 _ w

e e k e n

t r i p

Frage_18_weekendtrip

(19) During a party your friend David comes up with the idea to go on a skiing trip. You chat about it for a while, and agree that the next weekend would be a good date for that trip. How likely is it that you (the average American) will go on that trip?
A. [ ] It's 100% certain, that you will go. B. [ ] You will have to think about it again & it's very likely that you want to re-arrange. C. [ ] There's a good chance that you will go. D. [ ] It's rather improbable that you will go. AMERICANS
4 0 ,0 %

GERMANS
Skiing trip - heterost.

50,0%

3 0 ,0 %

40,0%

P ro z e n t

2 0 ,0 %

Prozent

30,0%

20,0%
1 0 ,0 %

10,0%

0 ,0 % 1 0 0 % c e r t a t hi n i n k a b o u t gi t o + o d r e a r r a n g e c h a n r c et h e r i m a p r o b a b le

0,0% Missing 100% certain think about it + good chance rearrange rather improbable

r a g

e _ 1 9 _ s k i i n

t r i p

Frage_19_skiingtrip

(20) Your girl-/boy-friend comes home from shopping s/he bought a new shirt and proudly shows it to
you: Look at those great colors and the dot pattern! It's fantastic, isn't it!? But you think that thing is one of the ugliest pieces of clothing you've seen in a couple of years. You / Most Americans would say... A. [ ] I'm sorry Darling, but that thing is just terrible... B. [ ] Oh Honey, IT IS beautiful!! C. [ ] What ever you wear, Sweetheart, YOU look terrific in it! D. [ ] It's not bad Sweetie... however... did you happen to bring the receipt? Im certain we could find something that looks better on you! AMERICANS GERMANS

10

4 0 ,0 %

New Shirt - heterost.

40,0%

3 0 ,0 %

30,0%

P ro ze n t

2 0 ,0 %

Prozent
te r r ib l e b e a u t i f u ly o u lo o k t e r i rt i' sf i c n o t b a d

20,0%

1 0 ,0 %

10,0%

0 ,0 %

0,0% terrible beautiful you look terrific it's not bad

r a g

e _ 2 0 _ n

e w

_ s h

i r t

Frage_20_new_shirt

(21) On a casual gathering with some friends (e.g. BBQ) most Americans would not talk about... (check up to 3)
[ ] politics [ ] hobbies [ ] work [ ] personal problems [ ] traveling
Frage_21_BBQ_topics_not2talk_about (chose up to 3) Category label politics hobbies work personal problems travelling movies sports environmental issues other % of Responses (AMERICANS) 20,6 8,5 10,9 18,8 4,2 2,4 2,4 27,9 4,2 (GERMANS) 19,8 -9,5 24,1 4,3 1,7 1,7 35,3 3,4

[ ] movies [ ] sports [ ] environmental issues [ ] other

(22) What is of utmost importance to most Americans (check up to 5)

[ ] achievement [ ] competition / competitiveness [ ] success [ ] money [ ] charity [ ] friendly atmosphere [ ] discipline [ ] independence [ ] order [ ] equal opportunities [ ] friends [ ] flexibility

11

Frage_22_american_values (chose up to 5) Category label Responses achievement competition / competitiveness success money charity friendly atmosphere discipline independence order equal opportunities friends flexibility % of (AMERICANS) 16,5 8,9 19,7 18,4 1,0 2,5 1,0 10,2 2,2 6,0 12,7 1,0 (GERMANS) 12,0 9,1 17,7 18,3 2,3 5,1 2,3 14,9 2,9 2,3 9,7 3,4

(23) Are you proud of your country (USA)?

[ ] yes [ ] no [ ] undecided AMERICANS
6 0 ,0 %

GERMANS
proud to be Am. - heterost.

5 0 ,0 %

100,0%

4 0 ,0 %

80,0%

P ro ze n t

3 0 ,0 %

Prozent

60,0%

2 0 ,0 %

40,0%

1 0 ,0 %

20,0%

0 ,0 % y e s n o u n d e c id e d

0,0% yes no undecided

r a g

e _ 2 3 _ p

r o

Frage_23_proud

DEMOGRAPHICS

Gender:
Female AMERICANS 62% male 68%

12

GERMANS

70%

30%

Average Age:
Minimum Maximum 26 26 Average 19,61 21,63

AMERICANS GERMANS

17 19

Participants:
69 Students 43 Students

AMERICANS GERMANS

13