Spanish Culture

Spain is a very geographic diverse country, ranging from deserts, beaches, and mountains. Spain is deeply rooted in tradition due to the many outside influences throughout time. Spain is the third largest country in Europe. Spain became part of NATO, and thence joined the European Union in 1986. After this the economy of Spain increase signifi earth-closettly, placing Spain firmly on the Western economy map and gained major traffic partners. The country is a highly developed and stable democracy. Spanish Family value The family is the basis of the social structure and includes both the nuclear and the extended family, which sometimes provides both a social and a financial support network. .Today, it is slight(prenominal) common than previously for family members to work in a family business, as in-person preferences atomic number 18 important and university education is general . The structure and the size of the family vary, only if gener solelyy, large number live until lon ger lives, deplete fewer children than earlier, and fewer people live in their homes with extended family. Familial networks contrive become less tight. The greatest changes have continuered inside families, between men and woman, and the parents and children because the values that recreate these relations have changed. Religion in Spain The majority of Spaniards are formally Roman Catholic, although different religious beliefs are accepted. During the history of Spain, there have been long periods of where different religious separates have coexisted, including Muslims, Jews and Christians.Still some traditions manifest to a greater extent like a cultural dismantlet than a religious virtuoso. During hal abjected Week, many participants of the processions wear peaked, black hats as the sign of a contrite and walk barefoot, carrying a burden of some kind. Religious history is apparent(a) in every small town, where the most grandiose building is typically the church. In the large cities the Cathedrals are almost museums. Bussines Key concepts and values expect Spanish burnish places a large emphasis on private pride.Therefore, causing loss of face through criticism or amazement should be avoided at all costs. During business meetings, for example, it is essential that your presentations are fathomable in order to avoid any embarrassment that may occur from possible misunderstandings. In addition, when dealing with your Spanish counterparts you may too cause that competence and control are important constituents of their work ethos and crucial for bringing face.This may result in your Spanish colleagues insisting that everything is in order, even if it is not. Individualism In terms of face-to-faceized attri justes, individualism is highly treasured in Spain, along with an emphasis on character and social status. Spanish culture highlights the importance of self and integritys family. However, influenced by its collectivistic past, fa mily values, a whiz of identity and belonging to a group, are oerly integral parts of society in Spain.Consequently individual(prenominal) 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 lord competence. When doing business in Spain, you will find that individualism is particularly prevalent in management, where Spanish managers are less inclined to favour group decision making and team orientation.Uncertainty Avoidance This is a resilient element of Spanish culture that refers to the cautious come on the Spanish take towards in the buff ideas. In Spain, individuals tend to avoid ambiguity, but often accept a familiar risk situation. Spains attitudes to rules, regulations and structure are important for maintaining a sensation of control in a typically uncertain situation. In business, managers in Spain generally prefer to have precise answers to questions and give precise instruction manual in order to reduce conflict.In addition, you may find that the Spanish pliable nature to initial business suggestions is often hindered by a considered and provisional approach to final decisions. Masculinity Vs Feminity Machismo is the word for male dominance, and the culture of middle-aged men who created it has changed dramatically. Spain is a very equalitarian society, the birth rate is the one of the lowest in Europe, and women are present at university and work. High condition vs. Low condition Take a look how members of high and low contextual cultures see themselves and their opposites High background Communication Low Context Communication polite open reverential true integrates by similarities/ accordance integrates by authenticity not repoint direct High Context claims Low Context Low Context claims High Context frank hiding instruction cannot read between the lines not trustable naive unconditional no self discipline too formal too profligate too slow In high context communication information can have different meanings according.It needs additional information to encode (understand). In low context communication information has only one single meaning. Spain is between High and low context communication but it is to a greater extent oriented to high context. DOING BUSSINES IN SPAIN working(a) practices o Working hours can vary across Spain. Generally speaking, offices open at nigh 09. 00 and close mid-evening, with a two-hour break around 14. 00. However, Spanish working hours have become more Europeanised in recent years, particularly in the northerly cities. o Business namings should always be made well in advance in Spain and confirmation via letter or fax advance(prenominal) is sensible.It is best to arrange initial business meetings for mid-morning due to the relatively unique structure of the Spanish working day. o Punctuality is expected of impertinent visitors however, you may sometimes find your Spanish counterparts arrive up to 30 minutes late. Structure and hierarchy o Hierarchy and position are extremely significant in Spanish business culture. For this reason it is advised to work with those of equal rank rather than with someone of a abase business status. o The distinct hierarchical structure of Spanish businesses representation the authority to make decisions rests with the individual in highest authority. o Subordinates are respectful of authority and are generally far removed from their superiors.Spanish business culture advocates subordinate initiative where problems are dealt with at lower levels first before approaching superiors for assistance. Working relationships o An essential part of conducting business in Spain is establishing personal contacts. Generally speaking, the Spanish prefer to do business with those they are familiar with, therefore obtaining personal contacts enables the negotiation process to advance more swiftly and successfully. o Establishing solid business relationships and building colleague rapport is a vital concept in Spanish business culture. impressive business negotiations and decisions are frequently based on trust and personal feelings, as well as concrete evidence. The Spanish close sense of personal space and animated gist of expression and communication can be seen as part of this emotion directed culture. Business practices o The decision-making process in Spain is usually unhurried and can be a gradual, detailed procedure that involves consideration from various levels within the company. In this respect, maintaining expert relationships with your Spanish counterparts from all positions are vital for success. o When arriving at an appointment it is advised to present your business card to the receptionist. Wherever possible, business separate should be printed in English on one side and in Spanish on the other. You should present your card with the Spanish side face up the recipient. An initial introduction at both business and social meetings generally include a formal handshake with everyone present, male and female, whilst making direct eye contact. Business etiquette (Dos and Donts) DO remain patient in all dealings with your Spanish counterparts.The Spanish are sometimes noted for their relaxed approach to business and Spanish bureaucracy can be frustrating. However, be cautious of the manana stereotype as you will find that certainly in the Union regions such as Catalonia and the Basque Country that deadlines and punctuality are much more closely adhered to. DO try to maintain a friendly and personal atmosphere during negotiations. In order to be effective in Spain, Spanish business culture also requires a sense of self-dignity, consideration and diplomacy. DO use basic titles of courtesy, Mr, Mrs, or Miss, followed by the surname, and professional titl es, such as Dr, where known. Particularly with older counterparts or those in the south of Spain. Care should also be taken in using the correct surname as Spaniards have two, their fathers first surname and their mothers first surname.Normally the fathers surname is used on its own. DONT expect to enter into business discussions at the start of a meeting. Your Spanish colleagues will want to establish a familiar environment on which to build new business relationships. This may include asking personal questions regarding your family life and background. DONT presume that business can be explicitly discussed all over meals, it is generally considered a sociable activity and therefore you should wait until your Spanish colleagues initiate such conversation. Despite this, business lunches and dinners are a vital part of business life in Spain as a means through which to establish trust and future business relationships. DONT display signs of over assertiveness or superiority. Your Spanish counterparts will appreciate a more modest approach to business negotiations.http//www. communicaid. com/cross-cultural-training/culture-for-business-and-management/doing-business-in/Spanish-business-and-social-culture. php