The effective adaptation to the culture of the foreign country contributes to the further progress within the unfamiliar society. To adapt to the US culture and to the principles of interaction within the society, it is necessary to pay attention to the specific aspects according to which it is possible to characterize the social relations in the USA and their effectiveness.
Hofstede determines five dimensions of culture, and following them, foreign people can analyze the specifics of the US society and cultural interactions and adapt to them effectively. Thus, the basic recommendations to foreigners living in the USA depend on the analysis of the US culture according to such Hofstede’s criteria as power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term orientation.
Focusing on the aspect of power distance, it is important to note that foreign people can adapt to the US culture quicker, if they accept the idea of equality which is used in all the spheres of the social life. Thus, it is necessary to concentrate on the equal communication with the representatives of different departments in the company.
The elements of informal communication are often characteristic for interactions between colleagues, and it is important to be ready to work in teams. Moreover, the role of a tutor at colleges and universities is to guide, but not to force and control because it is explained with references to the principle of equality. From this point, the focus on the equal status is expected in the US society.
However, the idea of equality cannot guarantee people’s readiness to help because of the developed concept of individualism. Americans are oriented to their own goals and abilities that is why foreign people should not perceive definite behaviours as egoistic, but they should reveal more individualism, initiative, and persistence. Foreigners are also expected to take responsibility for their actions and behaviours, and they should avoid trying to learn more about classmates or colleagues because the Americans are inclined to protect their personal worlds.
The US culture can be discussed as masculine in relation to the focus on achievements and on the personal or professional progress. It is effective to emphasize the professional qualities and intellectual abilities in order to attract the Americans. Nevertheless, emotions and feelings should be hidden from the other people’s eyes.
According to the criterion of uncertainty avoidance, the Americans can be discussed as people who are open to differences and innovations, avoiding many rules and limitations. From this perspective, a foreigner should demonstrate his or her curiosity and readiness to creative thinking in order to resolve the definite problem, even if there are no specific rules on resolving the question.
In spite of the fact that the Americans are not significantly oriented to long-term traditions which are not changed during the decades, they respect following definite values such as equality, individualism, progress, freedom, tolerance, and creativity. For instance, if there is a choice between traditions and innovations, the American people are inclined to choose innovations and expect this behaviour from the other people. Knowing these details, a foreign student or employee can adapt to the US culture more effectively.
Focusing on Hofstede’s five dimensions of culture and associated rules, foreign people can change their behaviours according to the norms and traditions typical for the American society.