Workplace differences between the U.S. and Mexico Cultural Diversity Workplace differences between the U.S. and Mexico

Communication Language/Idioms Gestures/Non-Verbal Do’s: Avoid : Welcome physical contact (such as hugging, touching of the arm) If female, initiate handshakes with men Don’ts: Overuse eye contact Make the “O.K” symbol with your fingers Put your hands on your hips Back away from the person speaking to you Avoid : American slang “Cool” Acronyms “NCCA” Idioms “Nailed it.”

ETIQUETTE IN MEETINGS SUCCESSFUL MEETING GUIDELINES WHAT COMES NEXT ?

SUCCESSFUL MEETING GUIDELINES Setting up the meeting: Made at least two weeks in advance Confirming the week prior Direct number to the executive Be patient Address executive formally

SUCCESSFUL MEETING GUIDELINES WHAT COMES NEXT ? Expect slow pace all documents bi-language Correspondence on their timeline face-to-face preferred Be on time; norm Mexican business run late

NEGOTIATIONS Rules of Negotiations: never throw documents on table No first name usage Do not bring lawyers Save final offer; be willing to haggle

Company/Employee Image Business Cards Business Attire

Business Culture Time in Business Structure/Hierarchy Religion Most Mexicans are Catholic and observe more religious holidays than Americans. Therefore they take more days off work than we’re used to. Holidays include: Good Friday Day of the Dead Virgin of Guadalupe Day And more depending on the region In Mexico, discussing religion in the workplace is frowned upon, and you should be especially careful never to use the Lord’s name in vain.

Bibliography Etiquette in Business Meetings/ Language Communication http://www.executiveplanet.com/mexico-2/mexico_public_behaviour-2/ Business Culture http://www.goinglobal.com/articles/22/ http://www.executiveplanet.com/mexico-2/mexico_conversation-2/ Hernandez, I. (2006, March 27). Doing Business in Mexico-Culrural Differences. Retrieved from mexidata: http://mexidata.info/id830.html Kwintessential. (n.d.). Retrieved from Mexico-Language, Culture, Customs, and Etiquette: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/mexico-country-profile.html Li, H. (2012, February 20). Doing Business in Mexico: Culture Differences to watch for. Retrieved from IBT: http://www.ibtimes.com/doing-business-mexico-culture-differences-watch-413594