Americans work differently since 11 September 2001
1.09.02

Serious changes in working practices

As the anniversary of September 11 approaches, businesses are realising that the way Americans work has been altered significantly" says Allyson Stewart-Allen, author of Working With Americans (Prentice Hall Business). "There are now even more things that businesses need to bear in mind when doing business with their American colleagues - their anxieties, challenges, sensitivities and even some new ways of looking at the world and international business." Those wanting to work closely with Americans should be aware of the serious changes in the work practices in the US, some of which include:

* tighter data security - the job of Chief Security Officer is now a post to be found in nearly every company - large and small;
* personal security - security passes in buildings, metal detectors and other technologies are now ubiquitous;
* employee tracking - knowing where employees are at all times, in all parts of the world;
* working from home and massively reduced international travel is now the norm;
* fewer entrepreneurial and marketing activities in large companies, a trend started by the US economic slowdown of 2001, and accelerated dramatically by the events of 11 September 2001.

"It's surprising there's been no significant analysis of the many changes in the American workplace, nor those that have unexpectedly benefited from this event" says Stewart-Allen, "including those in the pharmaceuticals sector, financial and estate planning services, IT and security services, and the State of New Jersey. Now more than ever, those wanting to work closely with Americans should take professional advice."

Note to Editors

Allyson Stewart-Allen is the co-author of Working With Americans - How To Build Profitable Business Relationships With Americans, published by Prentice Hall Business, £16.99 (ISBN 0273656260).

An American who has lived in London for 15 years and is Managing Director of International Marketing Partners Ltd., she not only has 20 years of international marketing experience but has extensive experience of working with all forms of media. You can see her interview on the American morning programme, NBC Today, on 11 September, discussing these issues in more detail.

She is a regular guest on CNN International and Sky News, where she was their 'Muse of Marketing' for many years. Allyson has also featured frequently on BBC Radio 'You and Yours' programme, and is regularly interviewed by many newspapers including Les Echos and The Wall Street Journal Europe. She has had a monthly column in Marketing News since 1994 and has a regular column, "Letter from America" in Market Leader, the Marketing Society's quarterly journal.

Further information

If you would like to arrange an interview with Allyson, get more information or obtain a review copy of Working With Americans, please contact:-

Allyson Stewart-Allen on 07785/25.40.60 (mobile) or Kate Herbert on 020/7828-9400 (office).

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