Culture Smart! USA

Overview of Culture Smart! USA Guide

• The guide provides essential insights into American customs and culture, aimed at enhancing cross-cultural understanding.
• Authors Alan Beechey and Gina Teague have extensive backgrounds in psychology and cross-cultural management, having lived and worked in various countries.

Key Authors' Backgrounds

• Alan Beechey: M.A. in Psychology from Oxford University, experience in business communications, dual citizen of the USA and UK, author of murder mysteries.
• Gina Teague: Trainer in cross-cultural management, M.A. and Ed.M. in Psychology from Columbia University, established an intercultural consultancy, adept in expatriate adjustment.

Table of Contents Highlights

• Covers diverse topics on American society including:
  • Geography and demographics
  • Core American values and attitudes
  • Customs, traditions, and holidays
  • Social interactions and friendship dynamics
  • Domestic lives and family structures
  • Leisure activities and travel aspects
  • Business etiquette and workplace culture

Cultural Characteristics

• The USA is described as a nation of immigrants, with a rich tapestry of cultures influencing its core identity.
• Emphasis on individualism, self-reliance, and a strong work ethic, symbolizing the American "Can Do" spirit.

Social Norms and Interactions

• Friendships in the U.S. are typically straightforward, with an emphasis on egalitarianism and openness.
• Greetings often involve informal language and approachable demeanor.

Domestic Life

• American homes reflect diverse family structures, including blended families.
• Education is a significant aspect, often viewed as a pathway to success.

Leisure and Travel

• Vacations and recreational activities are essential; shopping and dining out are popular pastimes.
• Public transportation offers various options for travel, illustrating the interconnected nature of American cities.

Business Environment

• The American workplace encourages collaboration and innovation, with a focus on results and efficiency.
• Professional relationships prioritize directness in communication during meetings and negotiations.

New England

• Comprises Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
• Played a significant role in the political and cultural development of the U.S.
• Town meetings by church congregations became a model for democratic governance.
• Early European settlers were primarily English Protestants seeking religious freedom.
• The region was crucial for anticolonialist activities, including the Boston Tea Party.
• Wealth from fishing and shipbuilding in Boston fueled the Industrial Revolution.
• Established as an intellectual and cultural center of early America.
• Shifted from whaling and manufacturing to high-tech industries in recent times.
• Historical influences evident in accents, colonial architecture, and local churches.
• Attracts tourists with its rugged coastline and landmarks like Cape Cod and Vermont's Green Mountains.

Mid-Atlantic

• Encompasses New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.
• Central to American historical and economic activities, often considered a melting pot for immigrants.
• New York City replaced Boston as the financial hub, defined American capitalism.
• Central Park, spanning 1,317 square miles, draws around 40 million visitors annually.
• Philadelphia was pivotal for the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.
• Fertile farmlands and significant resources contributed to early trading and farming communities.
• Region features diverse landscapes, from coastal plains to mountains and iconic sites like Niagara Falls.
• The Appalachian Mountains run parallel to the East Coast, creating dramatic scenery and geological diversity.

Midwest

• Includes Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, parts of Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and eastern Colorado.
• Known as the "breadbasket of the United States," due to its extensive agriculture.
• Rich soil attracted early European immigrants for farming.
• Illinois features Chicago, a cultural hub for Polish, German, and Irish communities.
• Minnesota is noted for its landscapes reminiscent of Northern Europe, fostering Scandinavian communities.
• The region transformed into a vital trading and transportation center, especially as expansion occurred past the Mississippi River.
• Recognized as the "Rust Belt," comprising cities known for large-scale manufacturing.
• Detroit, dubbed "Motor City," is synonymous with the U.S. automobile industry, facing challenges in recent years.

Explore the essential customs and culture of the USA with this insightful guide. Perfect for travelers and anyone looking to understand American society better. Discover the unique social norms and practices that shape the country's identity.