Spanish Business Etiquette
If you or your company plans to do business in tradition-rich Spain, knowing how to practice proper etiquette is extremely important. Spanish people are especially social and friendly and generally exercise politeness in professional situations. Being aware of etiquette in this country before you arrive will help you make a positive first impression, which can lead to profitable business deals.
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Professional Greetings
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Simply shaking hands is usually appropriate for a greeting in a professional setting. However, it is best to follow the lead of the Spanish professional, since some men will engage in a brief embrace or a pat on the back. Women can shake hands with one another as well, but will often kiss each other twice on the cheek--once on the right, once on the left. Men and women can shake hands in business situations, but it is best to wait for the woman to extend her hand first.
Spanish Greetings
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When calling a Spanish professional or confirming a meeting over the phone, it is proper to use the Spanish words for "good morning" (buenos dias) and "good afternoon" (buenas tardes). The term "buenos dias" should be used until 2 p.m.--after this, greet the person with "buenos tardes." When an international professional arrives at a meeting, it is appropriate to greet people before getting to the exact meeting location. For instance, extending a "hello" (hola) or buenos dias to other occupants on the elevator, or the security officer at the building entrance shows politeness and courtesy.
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Attire
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Spanish professionals tend to be very stylish, and expect international colleagues to dress in conservative yet trendy clothing for business meetings. Men should wear suits in black, navy blue and dark gray, and ties made from quality materials. Women can also wear business suits with a blouse; dresses are acceptable as well. Women can wear accessories to the workplace, but it's best not to be gaudy. Professionals should be well-groomed (i.e. neat hairstyles, clean nails), and clothes should be professionally pressed.
Business Meetings
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It is important for international colleagues to be on time for business meetings, since punctuality is highly valued in Spain. Business meetings are scheduled in the morning or evening, since offices in Spain are closed from 2 to 5 p.m. for siesta. Meetings tend to have an agenda, but are not extremely formal--it is common for professionals to engage in a few minutes of small talk at the start and end of meetings. The purpose of these meetings is mainly to discuss a certain business deal or negotiations--decisions are not usually made at the meeting. During the discussion, Spanish business professionals often interrupt one another, as this is not considered rude in Spain.
Giving Gifts
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It is not customary for professionals to exchange gifts at initial business meetings. However, if a business professional is invited to a Spaniard's home, it is proper etiquette to give the host sweets, pastries or quality wine as a gift. Gifts should be neatly wrapped and presented, since Spaniards tend to open their gifts immediately upon receipt.
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References
- Photo Credit Bandera española image by Raulmahón from Fotolia.com
