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Although I don't have any firsthand knowledge of European work ethic, it's my understanding that they simply don't put in the quality hours there.

I've spent six of the last twelve years in Europe. Europeans are very well educated, and they certainly understand the basics of business. Many speak three or four languages, which certainly helps in the international business scene. However, I think you are right that they don't have as strong a work ethic as the U.S. does. You could write a book about it, but one thing really sticks in my mind. I have seen, repeatedly, Europeans go on vacation, even though their expertise was needed in a crisis situation. When they departed on vacation, they left everyone else in the dark, failing to give them the information needed to succeed. Most Americans would have adjusted their vacation plans. If not, they would have ensured that someone else was fully briefed and able to carry on.

I congratulate you, you are quite right. There's a reason for this so different work ethic. In most of Europe, apart the U.K. perhaps, wealth is not the only thing that can give you a status. Teachers in many countries are not well paid, but they are highly regarded within the society. Many people simply want a quiet life and don't wanna be overworked. Europe is not as good as America if your dream is to become terribly rich. That's why ambitious Europeans turn to America, then Americans spend their holydays in Europe.

But it doesn't mean people in Europe are poor:they are more thrifty and usually manage to save a lot during their lifes.

Hello! I also spent a lot of time all over Europe on international business (and post-Graduate study), and generally agree, however:

>Europeans are very well educated,

I would make that read "many have spend a lot of time in school" with the aid of student grants loans and other social incentives, designed to keep them out of the work force to artificially hold down youth unemployment and general unrest.

> and they certainly understand the basics of business.

Sorry, but I think they are generally clueless when it comes to business. Their entire lives are focused around what government can do for them. Very few understand business and it's role in their lives.

>Many speak three or four languages, which certainly helps in the international business scene.

But English is the language of international business. I used English exclusively in every West European country without significant handicap. (Now Asia, that's another story...)

> However, I think you are right that they don't have as strong a work ethic as the U.S. does.

No question about this one. They probably don't have a good work ethic because unlike in America and some other parts of the world, working harder just brings them higher taxes with little perceptable improvement in quality of life.

Thanks for the comments. Mine weren't intended as Euro-Bashing or anything. I actually think a debate on work ethic and how it meshes with healthy productive lifestyles is probably long overdue. Should most of our nation work in an environment that sees them opt for the four day weekend in lieu of the two three or four week vacation? What impact do these decisions have on families? Can a little less focus on work actually make an individual more productive when at work? I'm not sure these questions recieve adequate attention. Take care.