Strategic Speed: Mobilize People, Accelerate Execution

APPENDIX B

The Cultural Aspects of Speed

OUR RESEARCH on strategic speed identified a set of people factors and leadership practices that can be applied across a broad range of cultures. We are aware, however, that cultural differences play a major role in how people perceive speed and take action to improve it. To better understand these differences, we consulted with noted expert David Eaton, cofounder of Aperian Global, a cross-cultural consulting firm. This section reflects his insights.

In human culture, unlike in physics, speed means different things to different people. Americans, for example, often see speed in a positive light—indeed, as good in its own right. Some U.S. businesspeople value speed more than quality. By comparison, ...