Comparing American Work Ethic vs Hispanic Work Ethic

Views on formality, timeliness, group involvement, communication style and conflict

resolution separate the U.S. American culture from Spanish influenced cultures in business

settings. Though these cultures may be a world apart, changing demographics are bringing these

cultures into a single world market. Many minority populations throughout the United States are

projected to grow through 2050, including the population of those of Hispanic origin, which is

expected to nearly triple (Martin, Nakayama 12). This growth will result in increased exposure

of U.S. Americans to intercultural business transactions. The continued growth of businesses

expanding into overseas markets also exposes many workers to multi-cultural environments

(Martin, Nakayama 7-10). Despite differences among cultures, being able to work successfully

together has become ever so important.

Doing business cross-culturally can reveal vast differences in work ethics. However,

developing these intercultural relations can foster many benefits, including “(i) learning about

the world; (ii) breaking stereotypes; and (iii) acquiring new skills” (Martin, Nakayama 251).

People working together inter-culturally will encounter a number of challenges, and though

conflicts will likely arise, it is important to remember we can learn and grow from these

situations.

A culture’s tendency to be individualistic or collectivistic can be found at the root of

many cultural differences within the workplace. Individualistic cultures tend to “emphasize

individual identities, beliefs, needs, goals, and views rather than those of the group” (Martin,

Nakayama G-4). Collectivistic cultures, such as most Spanish influenced cultures, tend to focus ...

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Institute for Public Relations. © 2010 Institute for Public Relations. PO Box 118400,

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Martin, Judith N. and Thomas K. Nakayama. Experiencing Intercultural Communication.

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