Culture in Spain

• Hi Terry, this info might be helpful:
  
  Face - Spanish culture places a large emphasis on personal pride. Therefore, causing loss of face through criticism or embarrassment should be avoided at all costs. During business meetings, for example, it is essential that your presentations are comprehensible in order to avoid any embarrassment that may occur from possible misunderstandings. In addition, when dealing with your Spanish counterparts you may also find that competence and control are important elements of their work ethos and crucial for saving face. This may often result in your Spanish colleagues insisting that everything is in order, even if it is not.
  
  Individualism - In terms of personal attributes, individualism is highly valued in Spain, along with an emphasis on character and social status. Spanish culture highlights the importance of self and one’s family. However, influenced by its collectivist past, family values, a sense of identity and belonging to a group, are also integral parts of society in Spain. Consequently personal qualities, appearance, image and personal relationships are extremely significant components in contemporary Spanish culture. 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, you will find that individualism is particularly predominant in management, where Spanish managers are less inclined to favour group decision making and team orientation.
  
  Uncertainty Avoidance – This is a vital element of Spanish culture that refers to the cautious approach the Spanish take towards new ideas. In Spain, individuals tend to avoid ambiguity, but often accept a familiar risk situation. Spain's attitudes to rules, regulations and structure are important for maintaining a sense of control in a typically uncertain situation. In business, managers in Spain generally prefer to have precise answers to questions and give precise instructions in order to reduce conflict. In addition, you may find that the Spanish amenable nature to initial business suggestions is often hindered by a considered and tentative approach to final decisions.
  
  Europe’s third largest country, Spain has experienced a turbulent and reverberating historical past, including the dissolution of the Spanish Empire, civil war, fascist dictatorship and the relatively recent introduction of democracy, all of which have had a significant impact on the Spanish cultural psyche. The Iberian Peninsula’s geographical position opened up Spain to numerous invasions and created an influx of divergent cultures and civilisations. As a result, Spanish culture has evolved immensely and continues to grow. Even the strict religious influences have given way to more modern influences. After establishing itself as a member of NATO, Spain joined the European Union in 1986. Subsequently, the country’s economy increased significantly, placing Spain firmly on the Western economy map and supplying Spain with one of its major trading partners. Over the last four decades Spain’s social and economic structure has changed substantially. Today, it portrays a highly developed and stable democracy in which potential business prospects can be assisted through an awareness of the Spanish cultural system that has shaped this country.
  
  

  Betty 07 Jun 2007, 06:34 - Report

Business culture in Spain