Werk ohne Autor (Never Look Away): While not about business, it reflects the consequences of broken personal and social contracts, echoing the seriousness with which agreements are treated in German culture.
Gordon Gekko
In the classic film Wall Street (1987), Gordon Gekko’s character embodies the American negotiating ethos with the infamous phrase ‘Greed is good.’ His approach to business is unapologetically transactional, with aggressive negotiation tactics depicted as a sign of strength and success. Similarly, in ‘The Godfather’ (1972), Don Vito Corleone’s strategic deal-making showcases the cultural expectation of negotiating for the best possible outcome, regardless of the moral implications.
Leveraging power
In The Godfather, Don Corleone exemplifies the American negotiation style through his strategic, power-driven approach to negotiation. In the iconic scene with the film producer Woltz, Don Corleone leverages his power to secure a film role for his godson. He calmly presents his request, positioning it as an offer Woltz cannot refuse. When Woltz initially rejects the proposition, Corleone escalates the pressure, using implied threats and leveraging his reputation to enforce compliance. The scene demonstrates the American focus on personal leverage, assertiveness, and strategic pressure.