Copyright © 2020 Eton Institute. A teacher’s job is not as highly regarded as in other western European countries. There is a relational business culture in Spain. Dinner is generally a lighter meal; 10pm is the normal time at restaurants. Banks are open from 10 to 2, then by law, they can choose either to open one afternoon a week, or on Saturday morning. It is advisable to dress with elegance and use only top-quality materials in subdued colours. However, corruption is usually not identified as an obstacle by foreign firms doing business in Spain and the situation is rapidly improving, with the introduction of measures aimed to fight corruption and bribery. The information from the following section should help you decide whether you need to bring an interpreter with your or whether you can rely on the language skills of your host. If you are not a fluent Spanish speaker, then ensure one of the following: either that the people you are meeting with are able to discuss all matters in English or that there is someone available at the meeting who can translate. Business communication in Spain usually takes place on equal levels. Required fields are marked *, News collects all the stories you want to read. Did you know about business culture in Spain? Aim to arrive punctually for any business appointments. Expect to be asked and to answer questions about yourself before you can get down to the work side of affairs. Jose Luis or Maria Teresa). If you have been invited out, you should reciprocate at a later date, being careful not to give the impression that you are simply ‘repaying’ your earlier hosts. Swimwear, short skirts and revealing outfits should be avoided. It is advisable not to use excessive gestures and to avoid, like backslapping or hugging in the initial phase of a business relationship. Schools were sorted into three categories: free public schools respecting diverse religious beliefs, private schools offering paid education and religious schools. Following our guide to Business Dress in Japan, which is part of our Business Attire Around the Globe Series, we make it across the big pond to Europe. However, Spain has traditionally spent less on education than other western European countries. The Spanish are proud of their food and wine; you’d be wise not to disagree. Thus, it is important to dress in a manner that demonstrates professionalism, style and a serious approach to business. The climate in Spain is for the most part Mediterranean. However, the number of smoke-free places is gradually increasing. Family is an important part of life and changes within the family institution also affect business culture in Spain. If you continue to use this website, you are consenting to our policy and for your web browser to receive cookies from our website. Long lunch breaks and dinners are common. Spain is a relatively tolerant nation, but it is still advisable to follow the lead of your partner and not start discussing a sensitive topic. Social etiquette and customs; Business protocol and work culture . A few tips, though, may help you in developing your business relationships in Spain. While tipping isn’t mandatory in Spain (nobody shall frown if you choose not to tip), it is always appreciated, If the meal is at your host’s home, bring a gift along to show your gratitude, Acceptable gifts: flowers (not a bouquet of 13 or an even number of flowers, souvenirs or mementos from your native country and chocolates, A normal meal consists of the following: drinks, dread, first course, second course, and desserts. You have been redirected to an Aetna International site. You should be particularly careful when visiting such places to ensure that your clothes are appropriate. Canadian Business Etiquette It is known that people from Canada are a polite society and slightly more reserved than their neighbors to the South. To fit in with the business culture in Spain, it’s advisable to stick to dealing with your counterpart during any negotiations. Northern and mountainous regions, the climate is tougher and it is usual to see snow from the winter months until the end of spring. In Spain, the hours that a shop and business may be open to the public are regulated by the government. The attitudes and values of a country have a significant effect on the way the business is conducted. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. Smith Big-December 22, 2017. You should wait for your Spanish host to initiate the use of first names. Spanish owners, managers and employees consider that it is very important to comply with Human Rights laws in their supply chain. The importance of trust within Spanish business transactions can’t be overstated. (And note that you don’t kiss their cheeks rather you kiss the air while touching cheeks.) Spaniards will really check to see if you are honest and reliable, to know they can place their trust in your products or business before starting a relationship. Spanish Business Etiquette and Behaviors. There are regional variations. Business cards are typically exchanged at the beginning of a meeting. In Spain, most companies are still hierarchically structured, although the old mindset is changing at high speed. Most people in Spain eat at home, though in big cities, it is common to go to a restaurant and have a menu (and avoid the double commute). By. 1471. However, be careful not to say anything that might offend a coworker’s personal dignity or honor. Bearing in mind all of the above points should ensure that there are no nasty surprises or faux pas in your first business meeting in Spain. Every statute is written into the Constitution and forms an integral part of the set of Spanish State laws. Spanish culture or lifestyle is very different to other western European cultures, with a much more laid back attitude. In particular, winters are mild and summers are hot in the coastal regions, with high rainfall in the Cantabrian area. In ot… Meetings are far less formal affairs in Spanish business, held to give instructions and communicate decisions already made rather than reaching a consensus on something. No offense will be taken, don’t worry. See our cookie policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can manage them.