One of the strengths of the United States as a nation is the prevalence of business.  In the US, business is conducted much differently than in other countries.  In high context cultures, you must be very careful with: the tone of your voice, facial expressions, gestures, posture and other non-verbal cues when meeting with other businesspeople.  It also helps to come from a well-known family and to have a strong title in your organization.  These factors can make or break your career. In the US, these things are important to a small degree, but is greatly overshadowed by the “bottom line.”  Here, business is more about direct speaking, money, and contracts.  Businesses care about the value you offer them and the money they can make as opposed to your personal background and non-verbal communications. When comparing the two different models, do you believe the US model based on transactions, value, and money is superior or should other factors matter more?  Do you think that it is accurate to classify US business as “cold, calculated and too dependent on lawyers and contracts?”  Does this approach to business benefit you or hurt you in any way?  Could the US benefit from a slightly higher context business environment where personal factors matter more? Why or why not?