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DIFFERENCES IN WORK ETHIC BETWEEN RUSSIANS AND AMERICANS
Lynn Visson's "Wedded Strangers" identifies differences in work ethic between Russians and Americans:
“Americans, with a work ethic, grew up knowing they would have to work
hard to get a job. For Russians, under the Soviet system, the
government found them a job or they got a job through personal
contacts.”
“Under the Soviet system, the idea was to get away with as little work
as possible, as there were no pay raises. There was no real threat of
getting fired either. Working hard just led to more work.”
“For women in the Soviet Union, the workplace was a place to gossip,
sell each other clothes, and exchange tips on where to get consumer
goods.”
“To Russians, Americans are time obsessed. To Americans, time is money.
To Russians, relationships are more important than time.”
Lynn Visson's "Wedded Strangers" talks about further distinctions between Russians and Americans:
“The worst thing a Russian can say about you is that you are dry.
Meaning that you are cold and logical. Outpourings of emotion in
private life are balanced by extreme restraint in public life.”
Russians smile when there is something to smile about – for example,
when they are with their family and friends and the vodka is flowing.
Russians have what is best described as a dry sense of humor. They make
jokes that are very sharp or witty. They can be also be very sarcastic.
They make humorous comments that require intelligence and a keen
understanding of a situation to be funny.
The Russian delivers his joke or funny story with a serious expression
on his face, while everyone else bursts into laughter. If he laughs
with the others, it spoils the joke.
Lynn talks about different perceptions of time:
“Being late is part of the Russian makeup. Being late was a way of
showing contempt for the system and of asserting self. To Russians,
appointments are guidelines.”
“Americans do one thing at a time. They value short-term relationships
and take deadlines seriously. Russians do a variety of things at one
time, they value long term relationships, and they are flexible about
appointments.”
by John Kunkle
John has been married to a Russian women for over five years. He has travelled the path from finding her, to traveling to Russia, to bring his wife to America, and adjusting to married life. He will show you step by step how to do this yourself.
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