A Form of Risk Management

Breaking down complexity into its component parts, a common theme in American thinking, is also at play in American decision making. Individual decisions are always a part of larger decisions. They can be either grouped or isolated. Because Americans value focus and execution, they tend towards isolating decisions.

The more clearly defined the decision to be made, the more limited its scope, the greater the chances that it will be made intelligently and implemented effectively. Limited scope decisions are also a form of risk management. Their results can be evaluated quickly. They allow for flexibility and rapid reaction to changing parameters.

And if human action influences the very context in which one is operating, there is a point beyond which grouping decisions increases risk. From the American perspective systems are inherently risky. For if just a few key elements of a system are wrong, the entire system is wrong.

Check with Colleagues and Manager

Agreements of substance and importance have effects, ramifications, influence on the work of others. And since Americans work in teams, many of them in several teams at any given time, they are not inclined to enter fully into an agreement until they have checked out what those effects might be.

Why invest additional time discussing the details of a potential agreement, if one or two aspects of it are counter to their other responsibilities? Instead, Americans will check with key colleagues in those organizations potentially influenced by the agreement. In many cases, they will also briefly discuss the case with their direct manager.

This approach is often mistakenly interpreted as a sign that many Americans are either incapable or unwilling to make decisions on their own, without having to run to their boss for permission.

American team leads ultimately carry all responsibility for what occurs within their organization, and are therefore keenly interested in what obligations their team members make in their – the team leader’s – names.