Negotiating International Business: UK & US

Todays world business is in many ways becoming one. Doing business on a global basis requires a good understanding of different cultures. Doing business in the US and UK could be quite different from the way its done in ours. Even US and UK differs. The greetings, dress codes, and schedules may vary from what we are habituated to. In this assignment well discuss similarities & dissimilarities of some proper approaches to conduct business in the UK and US. Firstly we need to know the people and culture of UK & US very well as theyve different states and their ethics, customs, nature which influence business dealings. In general both US and UK people are close-minded and they like to do work according to their preference. They are intolerant of the beliefs and opinions of others. There are some exceptions in US, like Californians (Northeast) more likely to do business with different culture and they dont consider their business culture is superior to others. Relationships and Respect Business loyalty and long-term relationship is an important issue for international business, though US differs some points compared to UK. Theyve similarity in initial business interactions as they dont give priority on this. But they measure integrity and dependability before making deal with others. US & UK differs as US gives respect based on educational degree instead of age or rank. Authority of making decision might be given to young people in America. But UK considers knowledge, age, seniority, politeness to admire personnel. Communication Communication is the heart of every relation. And in business we need to know the meaning of words thats been used and should know both verbal and non-verbal communications of different cultures. UK and US people generally speak standing around three to four feet apart. And gradually they become more open in wordings as they started to do business with you. British English is different from American English. In US silence in conversation is avoided and they dont like diplomatic answer. Their body language is easily understood. They generally speak louder than the UK people. They maintain eye contact and use open hand to point at people. But on the other hand, UK people occasionally raise their voice
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as its considers as bad manner. British people tend to use unclear statements and its very hard to read their body language. They generally use their head to point at people. Initial Contacts and Meetings Though initial meetings is important to UK & US, its covey some dissimilarities. They schedule their meetings one or two weeks in advance. You should be professional when presenting and materials should be eye-catching. Generally first meeting does lead to a straight decision for both of them. UK select older & senior executive to represent the company but US does the opposite. In US decisions are made by individuals most often. They avoid Doctorate degrees when addressing people but UK people use academic title followed by the family name. Humor can be a signal to disagreement to British, but its considered an important way to break the ice in US. Negotiation Attitudes and Styles: Sharing of Information: Pace of Negotiation: Bargaining: Decision Making: Agreements and Contracts A contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties with mutual obligations. The contract is written in detailed. Its very much dependable and followed strictly. Both in UK and US business people can take the help of legal expert, but he is not suppose to be in the negotiation table in UK, but its opposite in US. Women in Business Both in UK and US women enjoy similar rights as men and many can be found in senior leadership roles. They are respected and treated accordingly. Other Important Things to Know

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There are other important things which are common in both US and UK and these should be taken under consideration. Its better not to bring gifts especially in initial meetings for both cultures. Business topics are avoided after work events. Permission is required before smoking as its discouraged in public place. Proper dress code and being on time is also valued in most social programs. Its important to raise the awareness of international cultural issues within our organization to ensure effectiveness.

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