Usa vs Spain

04/08/2023USA vs SPAIN1

To do business worldwide it isn’t enough just to understand and apply

a universal business model. You also have to understand the culture of the people you are dealing with.

The Spain in figures


Official name – Kingdom of SpainPopulation – 40, 397, 842* Official languages – Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Galician and BasqueCurrency – Euro (EUR)Capital city – MadridGDP – purchasing power parity $1.07 trillion* GDP per capita - purchasing power parity $27, 000

Spanish culture


Face

Individualism

Uncertainty Avoidance

Values and attitude


Little point in getting irritated and even less point in trying to complain.

Spanish are tolerant, easy-going and even welcoming.

The Spanish close sense of personal space and animated means of expression and communication can be seen as part of this emotion directed culture

Business background

Spain, probably more than any other European country, is going through a very far-reaching period of structural and organizational change.

Result of the movement from a nationalized economy to a more modern economy.

Communication style


Most Spanish body language is self-explanatory.

Greetings consist of a handshake and a kiss on both cheeks.

Spanish men maintain longer eye contact with females


‘Siesta’ Work Culture In Spain Needs

Changing


Experts say Spaniards are poor time managers, work too long

Spaniards on the whole have long working hours.

BUT NOW

The day would begin at 7am, and finish at 3pm; Spanish Working Hours set itself the goal of

reducing working hours and increasing output.

Relationships & Communication


The Spanish prefer to do business with those they know and trust.

Face-to-face contact is preferred to written or telephone communication.

Avoid confrontation if at all possible. Spaniards do not like to publicly admit that they are incorrect.

Business meetings

It is unlikely that a meeting will stick closely to a detailed agenda.

In the first meeting, Spaniards will want to become acquainted with you before proceeding with business.

Business Meeting Etiquette

Appointments are mandatory and should be made in advance, preferably by telephone or fax. Reconfirm in writing or by telephone the week before.

decisions are not reached at meetings. Meetings are for discussion and to exchange ideas

Dress code


Business dress is stylish yet, conservative.

. Dress as you would in the rest of Europe.. Elegant accessories are important for both men and women.

Socializing and gift giving


If invited to a Spaniard's home, you can bring chocolates, pastries, or cakes; wine, liqueur, or brandy; or flowers to the hostess.

If you know your hosts have children, they may be included in the evening, so a small gift for them is always appreciated.

Business Negotiation

Spaniards place great importance on the character of the person with whom they do business.

You may be interrupted while you are speaking.

Spaniards are very thorough. They will review every minute detail to make certain it is understood.

Business Cards

Present your business card to the receptionist upon arriving.

Have one side of your card translated into Spanish.

Hand your card so the Spanish side faces the recipient.

Women in business

Traditionally, a male dominated business society and until very recently female managers were relatively uncommon in anything other than family-run firms.

Foreign women working in Spain are unlikely to encounter any form of gender discrimination.

Famous Personalities


Cesar Alierta

Pedro Solbes

Pascual Maragall

BIG C’S


Anco santander-banking

Bbva-banco bilbao vizcaya-banking

Telefónica-telecommunication services

Repsol-ypf-oil and gas operations

Endesa group-utilities

Top 5 tips on Spain


Managers are expected to manage. Instructions are given and managers expect them to be adhered to.

Information is given on a 'who needs to know' or 'who do I want to know' basis.

It is essential to work on the development of good long-term relationships even at the expense of some short term 'hits'.

Dealing with people is more important than punctuality.

Spanish business culture is varied and undergoing rapid and fundamental changes.

The USA in Figures

Land Area 9, 372,600 sq kmPopulation: 297m

Population density: 31 sq kmLife expectancy: Men 75 yrs

Women 80 yrsAdult literacy: 99%

Average per household 2.6Divorces per1,000 : 4.8

04/08/202321 USA vs SPAIN

US values and attitude


‘can do’ Express religious feelings and attend church. They like to think big, and are impressed by

statistics

04/08/2023cross culture managment23

'scientific' approach to business. In the States everything is quantified and

assessed the constant search for better, more

effective methods

Background To The Business IN US

Work Culture


Don’t be surprised if you see people bring their pets to work!

Schedules are flexible, and the atmosphere is informal

Focus on systems and tasks, are informal, strict on time.

Americans will share personal confidences with you more readily if they think it will give them an edge.

Meetings

A word which Americans often use is 'aggressive'.

Direct approach between colleagues. Communication in meetings is a positive step

towards addressing vital and pressing issues. Time pressured, ambitious executives do not

have time for the vagueness Meetings often include formal presentations. Opportunity to impress — important if personal

success is to be achieved.


Communication Styles

Coded speech and wordiness is time wasting in time pressured corporate USA.

Seems very friendly, polite on first introduction.

Direct, vigorous debate can be taken positive sign of definite progress.

Open in conversation about private affairs, may be perceived by some people as intrusive.


SOCAILIZING AND GIFT GIVING


Americans are quick to invite you to their homes. Arrive on time, as you should for all appointments in the US

Great gifts: Wine, flowers. A good Scotch used to be appreciated, but many Americans now drink less, or prefer lighter spirits.


Good eye contact during conversations shows interest, sincerity and confidence.

Introductions include one's title or Mr., Ms, Mrs. and the full name.

Business cards are generally exchanged during introductions.

Communication Styles

Women in Business

Large percentage of American executives are women.

No inequality on the basis of gender.

Any perceived stereotyping would be regarded very badly.


Dress Code


Suit in the formal attire for men and women.

T-shirts , shorts for men in informal attire.

Women may wear comfortably fitting slacks with a casual shirt .


Americans value straight talking and 'getting to the point'.

Respect is earned through conspicuous achievement rather than through age or background.

Humour is used when matters become very tense in business situations.

Remember that time is money in the States Compromise is often sought - at the brink. This can

often equate to the end of a quarter or financial year.

Dress code in the States is very variable Short-termism is prevalent.

Behavior


New is good. Change is ever present in American corporate life.

Gift giving is unusual. Tend to work longer hours and take fewer

vacation. Be punctual for meetings. Lack of hierarchy within organizations.

NEGOTIATIATE


American negotiators are selected based on their record of success

Gender, age, and social class are not criteria for selection

Individual characteristics are criteria for selection

Famous Personalities


Henry Ford

Bill Gates J. P. Morgan

04/08/2023cross culture managment35

Five Ways to Succeed

Be positive and clear about what you do and who you are.

Network and be visible

Deliver on time and on budget

Adopt a relaxed and friendly approach

Be supportive: modify proposals, don’t reject them


Thank you!!!

Falguni &Mansi

Usa vs Spain

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