Cooperation in any form requires planning. “Sounds like a plan” is a common phrase. A plan is a way of doing something. A detailed formulation of a program of action.
Purpose
For Americans a plan is an approach, a way to proceed. A good plan guides people who are collaborating. A plan keeps them on a path towards a target.
Short Mid Long
Americans plan for the short- to mid-term. Long-term action cannot be planned for properly. It’s not worth the time, effort and investment.
Degree of Detail
Americans believe in less detail. The degree of detail of their plans is based on the given situation. Americans plan A to C in great detail, begin executing, then continue planning as they proceed.
Flexibility
Americans believe that a plan should be flexible. If the plan, or aspects of it, are not working make the necessary changes. “Why execute on a plan that is not working?”
Contingency
Because Americans believe in flexibility – going off plan – they do much more contingency planning.
