Compensation
Germany
Although compensation (Gehalt) is important to Germans, it is only one of several factors which motivate them. Nor is it the most important. Germans simply want to be compensated fairly for their work. Patterns
United States
Compensation, literally money earned at the end of the month, is by far the most important factor which motivates Americans to work hard, meet goals, and improve. Patterns
Advancement
Germany
Most Germans hope to advance within the hierarchies of their organisations. But only if it is line with their area of expertise and work experience. Patterns
United States
In the U.S. career advancement is second to compensation in importance. Americans strive to move up the hierarchy. In fact, advancement often brings with it a significant increase in compensation. Advancement and compensation go hand-in-hand. Patterns
Job Security
Germany
Job security is for Germans the most important motivating factor. Germans strive for stability and predictability. Many, perhaps most Germans, prefer to work for one employer, in one location, over their entire career. Patterns
United States
Americans know that no job is truly secure. Job security comes only through being valuable to the organisation, continuous skills development, steady career advancement, and constant exposure to new opportunities. Patterns
Subject Matter
Germany
Germans want to work in subject matter areas in line with their education, training and job experience. The goal is to deepen that expertise. The German economy, German companies, value the specialist more than the generalist. Patterns
United States
Americans want to work in subject matter areas which offer solid compensation, a clear path for advancement, and increasing opportunities and options. The American economy, therefore American companies, value the generalist more than the specialist. Patterns
Work-Life Balance
Germany
Work-life balance is of such extraordinary importance to Germans that it is embedded in their labor laws, in how their companies treat their employees, in their expectations as a society. Patterns
United States
Until recent years work-life balance had been of far less importance to Americans. It is not embedded in their labor laws. U.S. companies do not yet see it as their responsibility. Work-life balance has, however, become a topic of intense discussion within American society. Patterns
