U.S Bosses Told To Cut The Volume

BBC News

May 16, 2006

A US pressure group is urging American business people to improve their behaviour when abroad, in the hope of reducing any anti-Americanism. The booklet by Business for Diplomatic Action (BDA) wants US bosses to "speak lower and slower" and "listen as much as you talk" when overseas on business.

To be distributed to executives at leading US firms, the guide contains 16 behavioural tips in total.

BDA said Americans were too often seen as "loud and arrogant".

Other tips in the publication include: "Be proud of the American way, but remember it's not the only way", "Think as big as you like, but talk and act smaller", and "Dress up - you can always strip down".

'Reduce the volume'

BDA founder Keith Reinhard, who is also honorary chairman of global advertising giant DDB Worldwide, said the four-page guide was compiled following a survey of people in 96 countries.

He said the general consensus was that American visitors needed to be more respectful of their hosts and host countries.

Mr Reinhard added that one exasperated respondent from New Zealand argued that if Americans were not willing to stop talking and listen, "would it be possible, perhaps, to dial down the volume?".

Business leaders in Europe, and in particular Germany, were found to be most frustrated with the behaviour of some of their American counterparts.

"While we are still admired for what people describe as our youthful enthusiasm, optimism and can-do spirit, we are seen as loud, arrogant and completely ignorant of cultures outside the US," said Mr Reinhard.

BDA has met with members of the US government, including the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, Karen Hughes.

It said Washington was considering its suggestion that the booklet should be given to every US passport holder.

BDA is also hoping to produce a version of its guide specifically for American tourists.


Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/business/4773453.stm

Published: 2006/05/15 17:15:32 GMT

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