A guide to business
etiquette in Spain
In the diverse world of international business, understanding and respecting cultural norms is paramount to building successful relationships.
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and unique customs, Spain also holds its own set of business-etiquette practices that can significantly impact professional interactions. This guide to Spanish business etiquette will serve as your comprehensive roadmap to navigating the intricate landscape of business etiquette in Spain.
Things to know about doing business in Switzerland
Finding success in Swiss business culture
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Punctuality
It's widely known that Spanish people take a very relaxed approach to punctuality. It's ok to show up right on time or a few minutes late, as the whole country is very laid back time-wise.
Be that as it may, punctuality is still valued in Spanish business culture. Even if your Spanish hosts are more flexible, it's still a good idea to arrive at meetings on time or slightly early. But at the same time, don't arrive too early, as that may inconvenience the host. Around five minutes before the start time should be acceptable.
Furthermore, be flexible and don't stress or feel offended if meetings start slightly late or people are running behind. Being patient and understanding of this cultural nuance demonstrates your adaptability and respect for local practices.
Hierarchy
Hierarchy plays a significant role in Spanish business culture. Addressing individuals with their appropriate titles (e.g., Don for men and Doña for women) reflects respect for their position. In meetings, it's customary to acknowledge the most senior person first before addressing others. This practice showcases your awareness of the social structure and your willingness to adhere to it.
Greetings
In keeping with most Spanish people's warm, friendly personalities, Spanish greetings are typically very personable. Establishing a personal connection is highly valued in Spanish culture, which is why greetings should not be rushed.
A firm handshake is the standard way to greet both men and women colleagues. If you already have a close personal relationship with the business you're doing business with, they may greet you with air kisses on the cheek. Keep direct eye contact and smile while greeting the other person. In more formal settings, a slight nod of the head can also be appropriate.
Out of respect for your Spanish hosts, it's also a good idea to learn some beginner Spanish words and phrases for better communication. Learning to speak Spanish, in general, will also set you up for success in international business, as your Spanish colleagues will appreciate the effort. Here are some Spanish 101 words and phrases to start you off on the right track:
- Hello – Hola
- Goodbye – Adios
- Nice to meet you – Mucho gusto
- How are you? – ¿Cómo está?
- My name is... – Mi nombre es... / Soy...
- Please – Por favor
- Thank you – Muchas gracias
Business cards
Exchanging business cards is a common practice in Spanish business circles. Have your business cards printed in both Spanish and your native language (one language per side) and present the card to your Spanish counterpart with both hands.
Upon receiving a card, take a minute to examine it and note the details showcasing your interest in the person and their details.
Business attire
Spain is known for its stylish and fashionable culture, and this extends to the business world. Dressing professionally reflects your seriousness and respect for the business environment. Attire tends to be smart and well put together. Men typically wear suits and ties, while women opt for elegant and chic business attire. For both men and women, accessories should be kept to a minimum and shouldn't be too flashy.
Gift-giving
Gift-giving is not very common for business negotiations and meetings, generally being reserved for personal relationships instead of professional ones. If a business partner or high-ranking individual invites you to their home, it's thoughtful to bring a small gift for your host like a bottle of wine or chocolates. Keep it simple and modestly priced. But it's not expected to exchange gifts in business settings.
Business meetings etiquette
From scheduling business meetings to proper follow-up procedures, here's what you can expect from business meetings in Spain.
Scheduling and arrival
- Meetings are usually scheduled in advance, and it's important to confirm the date, time, and location before the meeting day.
- Arrive on time for the meeting, expecting a slightly delayed start time.
Greetings and seating
- Greet everyone, starting with the most senior-ranking individuals, with the common 'handshake, smile, and eye contact' combination.
- Exchange business cards.
- Start off the meeting with some casual small talk, asking others about how their families are doing, recent events, etc., to help build and strengthen the relationship.
Agenda, Discussion and negotiation
- Be active, and participate in any discussions/debates.
- Address everyone with proper titles.
- Pay attention and take notes.
- You may find yourself being occasionally interrupted; this isn't considered rude here, so don't feel slighted. However, as the guest, you should try to refrain from interrupting others.
- Discussions can take awhile and sometimes go off-topic, so expect that some meetings may run long.
- The meeting usually follows a structured agenda, but discussions can be more fluid and tangential. Spanish meetings often involve lively discussions with participants expressing their opinions openly. However, it's important to maintain respect and avoid confrontational behavior.
Conclusion and follow-up
- At the end of the meeting, clarify next steps and responsibilities.
- Thank everyone for their time and input as the meeting winds down, especially the most senior person.
- Sending a follow-up email summarizing key points and decisions can help ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Sometimes after a meeting, there might be opportunities for more informal networking or socializing, such as sharing a meal or a coffee.
Dining etiquette
Meals are a cornerstone of Spanish culture and an integral part of business relationships. Spaniards love to dine long and late, with business dinners typically starting around 9:00 pm and going until late in the evening. However, it's OK to leave early if needed.
When dining out with your Spanish colleagues, remember these etiquette tips:
- Wait for the host to start the meal or indicate where to sit.
- Keep your hands on the table, not in your lap.
- Meals are not the time to 'talk shop' in Spain; instead, stick to casual conversation and get to know your Spanish colleagues better.
- Never place your elbows on the table, especially during the meal.
- Avoid leaving leftovers.
- It's common for the host to pay the bill, but offering to contribute is a polite gesture.
Siesta
Historically, the siesta is a crucial part of each Spaniard's daily routine. Lasting up to an hour or more, workers across Spain typically took this midday break to go home, eat lunch, and maybe take a brief nap during the heat of the day.
However, the siesta is not as widely practiced as it once was, and some Spanish companies may not allow workers to take such long and leisurely midday breaks. However, in keeping with the leisurely pace of Spanish life, many Spanish professionals still take longer lunch breaks. Respect this cultural norm and try to avoid planning meetings or business appointments in the early afternoon hours.
Things to know about doing business in Switzerland
- Being too formal: While professionalism is important, being excessively formal can create a barrier to building genuine relationships. Strive for a balance between professionalism and warmth. Since Spanish business culture places great emphasis on building personal connections, failing to engage in small talk and learn about your colleagues' personal interests can be seen as a lack of interest or effort.
- Underestimating the importance of food: Meals are significant occasions for both business and personal relationships. Declining invitations to dine can be interpreted as a lack of interest. Additionally, not respecting dining etiquette, such as keeping elbows off the table, can be seen as rudeness.
- Disregarding titles and hierarchy: Ignoring proper titles or the level of hierarchy within an organization can be seen as a sign of disrespect.
- Being aggressive or pushy during negotiations: Adopting an aggressive or pushy demeanor in negotiations can be off-putting. Spanish business culture values a more collaborative and considerate approach to decision-making.
Finding success in Swiss business culture
Mastering business etiquette in Spain is about more than just adhering to formalities—it's about showing genuine respect for the culture and people you're interacting with. Business culture in Spain is centered around creating genuine relationships, respecting each other, and building trust. By understanding and embracing these customs, you can foster positive relationships, build trust, and navigate the Spanish business landscape with confidence.
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