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

2. 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.”

3. ETIQUETTE IN MEETINGS
SUCCESSFUL MEETING GUIDELINES
WHAT COMES NEXT ?

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. Company/Employee Image
Business Cards
Business Attire

8. 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.

9. Bibliography Etiquette in Business Meetings/ Language Communication
Business Culture
Hernandez, I. (2006, March 27). Doing Business in Mexico-Culrural Differences. Retrieved from mexidata:
Kwintessential. (n.d.). Retrieved from Mexico-Language, Culture, Customs, and Etiquette:
Li, H. (2012, February 20). Doing Business in Mexico: Culture Differences to watch for. Retrieved from IBT: