Working with the Spanish ? International Business Skills (Business ...

Understanding Spanish social and business culture helps us to work? better with the Spanish. Here are 5 key points to get you started:

1) Cultural Diversity
Spain is a rich culturally diverse country with strong regional influences. Keep these in mind when working with the Spanish. Often such cultural diversity within one country can be challenging for foreigners who do not understand how culture impacts business throughout the country.

2) Relationship-building
Spaniards value interpersonal relationships on a business level and trust is key. Relationships are valued often more than business opportunities. Relationships take time and the Spanish like to get to know their counterparts and will sometimes go out for a drink or have lunch or dinner to build the relationship. The trust and relationship building process may be time consuming but will benefit in gaining a long-term and reliable business partner.

3) Individualism vs. Collectivism
The Spanish have a strong sense of individualism. At the same time family values and a sense of identity and belonging to a group are all integral parts of society in Spain. Contemporary Spanish culture values personal qualities such as appearance, image and personal relationships. In a business context, personal attributes and character are frequently valued as much as technical ability, experience or professional competence. When doing business in Spain, individualism is particularly predominant in management, where Spanish managers are less inclined to favour group decision making and team orientation.

4) Saving Face
Spanish culture values the concept of face as a very important matter in personal pride and respect. Saving face is important especially in a business context when your Spanish counterparts have to focus on relationship-building to protect their business investments.

Face is crucial for Spaniards who strive to avoid the risk of losing face. Therefore, any forms of public criticism or causing embarrassment may result in misunderstanding and unnecessary conflicts in Spain.

5) Uncertainty Avoidance
Spaniards are cautious not only with business relationships but also with their approach to new ideas. They prefer to feel truly familiar with new situations before taking any steps or making decisions. Patience and trust are vital in this process when introducing new ideas.

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Source: http://peakperformer.wordpress.com/2012/07/31/working-with-the-spanish/

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Source: http://dolsterica9.typepad.com/blog/2012/08/working-with-the-spanish-international-business-skills-business.html

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