Quote:
Originally posted by Sistermadly
I'm an American who works in an international (though largely Canadian) work environment. While many Americans are arrogant and agressive with respect to their Canadian and International, all of us are not, and I for one, resent like all hell being painted with that same broad brush. The company I work for is based in Hong Kong (and has thousands of employees around the world); trust me, Americans are not the only ones who give off a sense of cultural superiority when it comes to business.
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Any good corporation worth its salt would do well to invest time (and yes, money) on instructing its employees on creating a supportive corporate environment that respects individuality, but that at the same time, teaches them how to behave as citizens of the world while doing the Company's business. I'm lucky enough to work for such an employer.
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I guess I'm a little ticked myself... been fighting the good fight all summer, and yet it doesn't seem to make a difference. However I have noticed that there is a difference between say New York offices and Chicago offices, with the NY people being more willing to debate an approach.. but unfortunately the people I have to deal with are at the Chicago office, and they are somewhat intractable in their ways (they talk a good game, but lack follow-through). I do understan it's enough of an issue that the Canadian, Dutch, and British offices have book seminars to try an help the employee's understand the different cultural practices in relation to business... I don't know what it is but at the Chicago office I have to constantly deal with little jabs at Canada over politics (think of dealing with a toned-down Rudey), and I have given up... what's the point of trying to export the business model if they don't want it; even if that's the reason they want you...