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