Working and Ethics in America

From a recent blog I read I share the following and ask you to comment on your perception of “work ethics”:

I recently read a newspaper article on attitudes towards work.

America: The more you worked, the more you billed, and more the profit you generated for yourself and your company.

France: The fewer hours you work, the more vacation you take, more the time you get to grumble about the state of the universe, and smarter you feel.

Australia: On Mondays, they would talk on how they enjoyed the just-ended weekend; on Thursdays, the talk would be on what one would do on the coming weekend; on Friday afternoons they would not be any talk as they are already driving off to the nearest beach or hill ranges.

Urban India: When I meet software professionals, I see that the talk is like as in America – billings and profits. While attitudes of work are seen in some other areas of businesses, most others exude a chalta hai attitude; anything will do; performance and good work be damned !

The question for this blog is not about other countries, but more about what you think.

What does “work ethics” mean to you?

Is it more “ethically” sound to achieve your personal goals or to achieve the goals of the employer?

Is it possible to meet both?

Has the strong focus on business performance in America helped or hurt our country?

Feel free to respond- the commentary should be interesting!