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UK Business culture
Pragmatic approach strong belief in common sense
dislike rational, systematic frameworks
causes problems in their dealings with the French
Achievement oriented
individualist culture
privatisation = increased social mobility
performance the key to success
accent, family or right school less important
masculine culture
long hours common
Organisations
Hierarchical (line management)
vertical chain of command (top-down)
many layers of management
newer companies have flatter structure
focus on short-term profits
Leadership style managers: tough & decisive
establish a friendly relationship to subordinates
orders disguised as requests
delegation common
Anita Roddick
Chris Gent
Women & managementNumber of female managers increasing
25% of junior managers 7% of top management
Reasons growth of service sector education growth of small businesses development of home-office
Meetings
Decision-making forum
integral part of business
participants do not only contribute on their special areas
not everyone is well-prepared
style informal
start & finish with social chit-chat
Teamwork
British love teamwork
teams provide security & sense of belonging
individuals dislike profiling themselves
feeling of pulling together
consensus important
Communication styleSlightly high context
understatement common
indirect style often talk around the subject
tone of voice, stress patterns important
avoidance of confrontations
reserved & unemotional
Etiquette becoming more “relaxed” (Americanisation)
however, politeness still important
abundance of excuses
academic titles little used
handshaking uncommon
Punctuality
Between fixed & fluid time not as punctual as the Germans, Japanese or the
Americans
more punctual in business life than social life
greater tolerance for lateness
Humour
important part of business life
used to establish a good tone
replaces emotions?
presentations & meetings might start with a joke
Socialising
managers usually socialise with subordinates
colleagues usually lunch together
importance of pub lunch
establishing relationships important
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