American vs European way of Business Management
American
European (Rhenish)
Shareholder value is the only objective
It is a balance between the interests of all stakeholders (shareholders, employees, customers, community, …)
Humanity: individualism
Humanity: solidarity
Humanity: most people are only motivated by financial incentives
Humanity: most people naturally want to do their work properly
Who is the boss may say
The organization is a money machine
The organization is a work
Principle Driven
Rules are rules
Context Sensitive
Split function norm (assembly line as organizational)
Skill base (specialization, improvisation)
Coordination from above (spreadsheets, protocols, procedures, scripts)
Coordination from the ground
Staff Based
Primary process is central
Belief in predictability and manufacturability
Coping with the inevitable uncertainty
Measuring is this: we can measure only what is important
Measurements can be a great tool if used wisely
Basic mistrust
Trust base
Cheap personnel as a basis for economic success
Great emphasis on education and training
The DNA of large companies can be found in the left column. The rise of the MBA programs in Europe, this way of thinking about business has become common in organizations, is a major reason that many major companies have changed to the bone.
(Source: geencommentaar.nl)
