US Economy 2004

Economy
America’s economic strength after World War 2 was unique in modern times. Industries emerged and the US had a large uniquely affluent home market. The US has been well endowed with natural factors of production among them an exceptionally large supply of arable land, abundant forests and indigenous deposits of many resources such as phosphate, copper, iron, ore, coal, oil and natural gas. The US also enjoyed a well-developed infrastructure; transportation and communication were well advanced and privately owned. Finally there was a large pool of investment capital accumulated, allocated by the world’s fluid capital markets. Mass (thus cheaper) production was generating mass consumption. Constant investment to improve the entire production and marketing process was leading to a dominant worldwide position with cutting edge industries and technologies.

America is a very large nation and due to its scale there are many regional differences such as climate, dialects, natural resources, local governments, tax systems, legal procedures and systems. Therefore it is virtually impossible to describe the US as one country. There are a few common denominators such as the dollar and the president. This is fairly logic citizens from Stockholm have different views and values than people form Lisbon or people living in Kuala Lumpur are not exactly on the same line with the Aussies from Sydney. In times of uncertainty, political or economic, Americans do have a tendency to portray themselves as rather patriotic and unified. They also have the feeling being able to clime every mountain or obstacle, ignorant sometimes of its complexity and sometimes heavily supported by family and friends. During these difficult times the United States of America feels and behaves like one unified nation. Golf War and the War against Terrorism are clear examples.

An American is known for identifying and fostering opportunities with an optimistic and supportive outlook on the future. Sometimes the word naivety could be appropriate!
Most likely the origin of this attitude and behavior is linked to the early days, afterall immigrants have build America, these immigrants left their home country during difficult and poor conditions, the Irish, Italians and even more recently Chinese and Mexicans, with only one dream: start to build a new life for their children in a new country and environment. With such as a background and mindset one has to think and react opportunistic.

They are dedicated and committed workers working long hours have substantial commuting time and limited vacation. In year one zero days and slowly building to a maximum of 3 weeks. After you reach a serious level of seniority you might be able to obtain 4 weeks or more. A commute of 90 minutes and being at the office at 7.30am is not an exception. As a result one can notice high degrees of in efficiency, stress and sometimes more than average burned out people. In business life Americans are solution oriented and have a focus on finishing an assignment or job. Get the things done is a mantra.