There are many cultural differences between US investors and management of foreign companies. US investors have certain expectations when they make an investment in a company, regardless whether it is foreign or domestic. In most cases they expect a substantial ROI in less than 24 months. US investors want to see returns as soon as possible whereas foreign management has a slightly longer term investment view – usually 10 to 20 years into the future. Foreign managers are also risk adverse and they have a tendency to move in a slow and methodical fashion to build a company on a firm foundation versus seeking short term gains. For most US investors who are accustomed to immediate gratification waiting for long term results can be the equivalent of Chinese water torture.

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