Possible Perceptions

The mark indicating the American Position is normally on the left side of all of these continuums.

1. Power distance: HCN's might think AMericans don't respect bosses very much. Or that bosses are entirely too chummy with subordinates.

2. Uncertainty avoidance: Americans take too many risks and don't respect traditions enough.

3. Source of status: Achievements matter too much to Americans. They don't believe in the wisdom of experience or the significance of one's social class and upbringing.

4. Concept of work: American's can't enjoy life because work and success matter too much to them.

5. Personal/Professional: Americans try to separate life into artificial boxes. It's not as black and white as they think. Life is gray.

6. Motivation: Americans think too much about the professional side of work and life; they should worry about the human side. They want to get ahead, but for what? We all die, even those who are ahead.

7. Key to Productivity: Americans are too fixed on output and results, the what; they aren't concerned about the how. They don't realize the how affects the what.

8. Ideal worker: Anybody can have skills (or get them); what matters is personal qualities. Americans focus on the superficial, what the person can do; they should focus on the substance, or who the person is.