Time is money
Americans are preoccupied with time. For them time is almost a tangible asset, which can be saved, spent, lost, found, invested, and wasted. Their central tenet is that “time is money” and wasting time is just as bad as wasting money. Thus punctuality is an essential part of US business etiquette and lateness is considered disrespectful and rude. Meetings start on the dot and are expected to proceed uninterruptedly. Schedules are important and deadlines are strictly adhered to.