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The American Style of Business
Hyderabad, 09 March 2023: The Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Hyderabad conducted its sixth session of the Global Immersion Program (GIP) on the campus. The session's distinguished speaker was Mr. David Moyer, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad. Mr. Moyer had joined the U.S. State Department in 2003 and brought a wealth of experience with him from his time-spent working abroad and as the deputy director of the U.N. Political Affairs office. Prof. (Dr.) Nitin Gupta, Professor at IMT Hyderabad, presented the inaugural address by welcoming the speaker & the attendees.
The speaker’s session on “The American Style of Business” was focused on elucidating the customary work culture and business norms prevalent in the United States and how they differ from those in India. He compared and contrasted the working cultures of both countries, underscoring the more informal nature of American business practices. Mr. Moyer discussed the variations in behaviour and customs among different regions of the United States. For instance, he pointed out the differences in the way people greet each other on the East and West coasts. He highlighted the importance of maintaining personal space and refraining from unnecessary physical contact, which are regarded as crucial etiquettes in the US.
He underscored the importance of two key values in American work culture: punctuality and achieving a work-life balance. He emphasized the importance of punctuality, and arriving on time to meetings and appointments is regarded as a hallmark of professionalism and respect for others' time.
Furthermore, he provided insights into the communication practices that are typically observed during meetings in the US. He noted that meetings in the US are characterized by direct and concise communication, with an emphasis on efficiency. However, criticism is often communicated indirectly to avoid causing offense or discomfort.
Mr. Moyer pointed out the importance of upholding a respectful and professional environment in meetings by steering clear of sensitive subjects like politics, religion, and age. He also mentioned the importance of preparing an agenda in advance and taking notes during meetings to ensure productive and well-structured discussions that stay on course and serve as a record of what was discussed and decided.
After such an insightful session on understanding the American work culture and business practices, Mr. Moyer concluded the event with a question-and-answer session to resolve the students' piqued curiosity.
