Business Etiquette for Mexico
Finding out how Hispanic professionals conduct business is important for people who deal with multilingual companies. Educating yourself on how Hispanic business people act in their meetings can help you communicate with a Hispanic work partner, or it can aid you with your business trip to Mexico. Discovering their traditions can keep you from making a fool of yourself in front of business partners!
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Time
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Mexican business people have a relaxed idea of time. They adhere to time commitments in a flexible manner, which might confuse Americans. At social functions, people typically show up 30 minutes after they are expected. According to Mexperience "Mexico Business Etiquette Customs," the term "Hora Inglesa" literally means English Time. It translates to the idea that people must adhere to agreed times.
Dress
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Although Mexico might be hot during your visit, make sure you dress professionally. According to "Business Traveler Magazine," there are regional differences in the type of clothes business associates expect you to wear. For instance, large cities and areas in Northern Mexico demand upscale clothing for work meetings. Some tropical areas, including Cancún, call for formal tropical clothing with no sandals.
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Conversations
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Mexicans hold conversations within close physical distance, and they might think a person is unfriendly for stepping away from them. This practice might be unusual for some Americans who typically perceive that space between people is normal and shows a respect for boundaries.
Men and Women
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Women should not make plans for a business meeting with a man unless other associates and spouses come also. It's appropriate to shake hands with other men and women during introductions. They also might pat another woman on the shoulder or arm. They may perhaps give her a kiss on the cheek if they know her well.
Typical Business Meetings
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Appointments typically should be made from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If that does not work, plan to meet in the late afternoon. A business lunch, for instance, is an important method to build a work relationship. It lasts between 2:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon. People also meet for working breakfasts around 8:00 a.m. that last for a couple hours. People in Mexico do not typically meet for business dinners.
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References
- Photo Credit hispanic businessman image by Ryan Shapiro from Fotolia.com
