Customer Reviews

The Stuff Americans Are Made of: The Seven Cultural Forces That Define Americans-A New Framework for Quality, Productivity and Profitability

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

At first I thought this was some type of BS sociological treatise on American culture, but as I skimmed through it in the bookstore, I saw lots of interesting business stories. The authors do a great job of identifying seven forces of American culture and relating them to business successes and failures. These seven forces are: 1. Insistence on choice 2. Pursuit of impossible dreams 3. Obsession with big and more 4. Impatience with time 5. Acceptance of mistakes 6. Urge to improvise 7. Fixation on "whatsnew" The authors make a convincing argument for each of forces shaping the American character and American business. Well worth reading. Found it on the remainder table.

This book was already out of print when I bought it the first time and I have since searched for other copies to give to colleagues. It is excellent on cultural differences, especially between European and U.S. attitudes on work, work product and business culture. The authors have seized on a few basic beliefs that Americans hold dear and then analyzed how those beliefs affect their attitudes towards quality, but also towards work itself. Great Book, if you can find a copy.

Based on my international experience, this book is a very usefull distillation of what led Americans to be different from other cultures. I have used it in cross-cultural presentations and have given copies to Americans working with foreign business people. It's a great resource!