Americans understand information as enabling people to act competently. The person with relevant information can make better decisions and coordinate more effectively; the person lacking information is disadvantaged.
This creates ethical weight around information sharing: providing information enables capability; withholding information disables. Americans invest heavily in getting information to where it enables action—through meetings, systems, training, and documentation. The return on information sharing is capability improvement.
When working with Americans, recognize that they see information sharing as practically important, not merely nice. Failing to share information that would help others function better is seen as causing harm through omission. You are expected to help others succeed by giving them the information they need.
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