Comparison of Canadian and US-American Management Methods

Résumé du document

The management methods and tools of the US (American) have always had a worldwide impact. It is to be noted that US management tools and techniques have had such a grave impact and influence on the European management behavior. To quote an example, high potentials of European companies have spent several years in the USA in order to perfect the lingua franca of trade and business i.e. to become experts in the English language. Their stay has added a bonus advantage to the Europeans as they were able to benefit from their daily work (working styles and forms) from one of the most important economies of the world. If a foreigner (especially a European) spent a considerable time abroad (in the US) to learn the tricks of the trade in business and management, it was often a kind of a guarantee for the young high potential European to climb up the hierarchical ladder in a speedy manner within the company. Furthermore, European companies did and continue to adopt and adapt many innovations originating from the USA in their domestic companies to improve a number of factors such as the efficiency of the employees and the company as a whole, the satisfaction and motivation levels of their employees or to satisfy the shareholders of the company in the best possible manner thereby, protecting the goodwill and interests of the company. For these reasons, it was easy for us to make a decision and select the USA as one of the two countries which would be ideal for a concrete and abstract comparison.

Extraits

[...] Comparison of Canadian and US-American Management Methods Theme choice “Comparison of Canadian and US-American Management Methods” Reasons for choosing theme US-American management methods have always had a very strong influence on European management behavior. For example, high potentials of European companies often had to spend several years in the USA not only to learn English perfectly but also to benefit from their daily work in one of the most important economies in the world. Spending some years abroad was often a kind of guarantee for the young high potentials to reach quickly the next hierarchy level within the company. [...]

[...] Thus, it is a wise way to take attention on management culture before launching a successful business in a foreign country. To conclude, due to geographical proximity, USA & Canada may appear very similar nevertheless, due to its deep French roots, Canada shows some remarkable differences in business management. Thus, we should take these differences into account. Bibliography Multicultural Management 2000: Essential Cultural Insights for Global Business Success par Farid Elashmawi et Philip R. Harris (Relié - 30 avril 1998) Competing Globally: Mastering Multicultural Management and Negotiations par Farid, PH.D. [...]

[...] When you want to address to people you should use a person's title and the surname in Canada, wherefore in the USA you should use a person's title and full name. A remarkable difference exists between Canada and the USA, the language used in doing business. In Canada, French and English are spoken wherefore the USA only English is used. We can note concerning politeness that you should never say in the USA. In Canada you should always be polite Business attitude: When willing to build up a relation you have to be approachable and accessible in Canada. [...]

[...] In the USA only good friends would embrace and it surely is very brief Others: Friendliness: In Canada it is cultural to always be friendly and open when speaking to someone weathers you know him or not. In the USA, a simple smile is a sign of friendliness. Smoking: In both Canada and USA it is forbidden to smoke in public places and especially in offices. You should always ask permission before lighting a cigarette, it is a matter of respecting the right of non smokers. Conclusion Management culture is quite important in international business. Concerning host country's business culture, it will be easier to communicate and cooperate. [...]

[...] European countries have higher UA-indexes. Individualism: Canada 80 and USA 91: Very individualistic (this is indicative of a society with a more individualistic attitude and relatively loose bonds with others). It is typical of English speaking countries. Masculinity: Canada 52 and USA 62: Canada has its masculinity index aligned on the world's average. Meanwhile the USA has a relatively high masculinity index compared to a world average of 50. This indicates the country experiences a higher degree of gender differentiation of roles. [...]