Perspective A: Manfred Brunner, 49 years old, German, middle-management position, Diplom-Ingenieur, based in Germany, is preparing for his first meeting with his new American colleagues: "Wonder what is going to happen in the meeting tomorrow. I think I have prepared well for it - all the technical details and calculations are done. It's awful though, that the corporate language is now English. Aren't we the bigger partner? How can I really make my points when I am forced to use a foreign language? My colleagues have also warned me that many Americans are unreliable and often don't keep their commitments. Cowboys, think they rule the world, and don't need to work properly. Some friends who spent some time on vacation in the US have also said that Americans are really superficial. Well, if they think that's how things are done here with us, we will definitely set them straight tomorrow. Anyway, I've got all the facts to prove that we know what we are doing." Consider the following questions: What are the main challenges for Manfred? Can you pinpoint some of Manfred's stereotypes about Americans? How might they impact the interaction? Can you pinpoint some German values which drive Manfred's behavior? How do these values affect his way of doing business? Which changes in pespectives might be helpful for Manfred? What steps can Manfred take to make the relationship with his American colleague a success? Want to know more? Then look at the article "Intercultural challenges of a transatlantic merger"