Management: Fifteenth Edition, Global Edition
Management: Fifteenth Edition, Global Edition
Chapter 4
Managing in a Global
Environment
Exhibit 4.2 shows the timeline and general shifts in attitude between globalism and
nationalism.
Exhibit 4.3 shows the different approaches companies can use to go global.
Americans are very informal. They tend to treat people alike even when great differences in
age or social standing are evident.
Americans are direct. They don’t talk around things. To some foreigners, this may appear
as abrupt or even rude behavior.
Americans are competitive. Some foreigners may find Americans assertive or overbearing.
Americans are achievers. They like to keep score, whether at work or at play. They
emphasize accomplishments.
Americans are independent and individualistic. They place a high value on freedom and
believe that individuals can shape and control their own destiny.
Americans value personal space. They keep a distance when speaking and are
uncomfortable when people are too close.
Americans dislike silence. They would rather talk about the weather than deal with silence
in a conversation.
Americans value punctuality. They keep appointment calendars and live according to
schedules and clocks.
Americans value cleanliness. They often seem obsessed with bathing, eliminating body
odors, and wearing clean clothes.