Don’t EVER joke about sex. Expect obscure sports analogies.
So you want to do business with Americans, but worry about overcoming the cultural nuances that separate us from our neighbours to the south? HSBC bank has a handy Expats Guide to doing business in different countries that offers an (unintentionally) hilarious glimpse at the subtle differences between Canadians and Americans, including Canadians’ apparent unease with giving their dinner guests a house tour and Americans’ love of using sports analogies in business negotiations.
Here are some of the cultural traits HSBC recommends you keep in mind when doing business across the border (and we are quoting):
ETIQUETTE FAUX PAS
Canada:
U.S.:
CULTURE
Canada:
U.S.:
Americans are raised from childhood to see themselves as distinct, separate individuals who create their own destinies and are responsible for their own lives. As such, they consider themselves accountable for their decisions. They view themselves as independent and self-reliant, and for this reason can appear self-centred to those from less individualistic cultures.
ATTENDING A DINNER PARTY
Canada:
U.S.:
BUSINESS MEETINGS
Canada:
U.S.:
BUSINESS NEGOTIATIONS
Canada:
U.S.:
COMMUNICATION STYLES
Canada:
Communication is moderately indirect. Although most Canadians can disagree, they prefer to do so with tact and diplomacy. They prefer to maintain an understated demeanour. Their communication style is pragmatic and relies on common sense rather than aggression. If you come from a more direct culture, you may wish to soften your demeanour and tone so as not to appear threatening.
U.S.:
For the most part, Americans do not hesitate to ask direct questions. These are not meant to be offensive. Their reliance on speaking concisely and relying on facts can make American speech seem rude, aggressive, blunt or impatient to people from cultures that are more relationship-oriented. Since many Americans speak only English, they are not always sensitive to the challenges someone faces when communicating in a foreign language. Americans often used sporting analogies that are not easily understood. The following are ones frequently used in business: