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1. Marco, a Mexican manager of a consultancy firm, has received a new yesterday
in the night, his boss confirmed him that a really important business could be closed in
Argentina. The deal represents a great opportunity for the development of the company.
However, his boss has some other important meetings to attend with some American
people. Marco had no option but accept the petition of his boss for traveling to Argentina.
He packaged what he thought was essential. However, the rush of the trip did not let him
consider a relevant issue: how is he supposed to behave there? It was until he was on the
flight that he realized he hasn’t thought about it. Immediately a feeling of worry came to his
heart, the perfect project could fail and he would be guilty for it. The man next to him
noticed something was wrong and asked what was happening.
Man: Is everything ok? Marco: No, I
am sort of worried, I am traveling to Argentina for a business meeting and I don’t know how I
am expected to behave. Man: Well, I see, I think I
can help you. I lived there for 5 years and I used to work for a famous law firm.
Marco: REALLY! Wow, can you give me some advice?
Which of the following parts of conversations do you think the man told to Marco? Write Y
for those you think appropriate.
When I had to greet people in business I used a handshake and sometimes a
slight nod just to show respect
You can give kisses on checks in business, it’s common
Remember to addres people as Señor, Señora or doctor
Do not feel bad if they consider other people from other cultures as uncultured, it
is the way they are.
Never talk about politics or religion it is bad seen. Prefer to make
accomplishments avoid children and meals during business meetings. You can
talk about the beauty of parks, gardens.
Be prepared for meet extreme fans of Tango, Opera and American Jazz.
For sports, they do not like soccer
I learn in one business meeting that they like to develop negotiation slowly, so
you have to be patient.
Punctuality is not important for them, I once arrived 30 minutes late and nothing
happened.
They are really serious, they just spend time with you for the business, do not
expect them to try to be your friends, they do not care about it. I was never
invited to any social event with the people I was negotiating.
When I used to work there I had to make lots of contracts, you are always
supposed to close business with written agreements. They are lengthily and
detailed.
If you are invited for a dinner or any meal, never discuss business, they are just
social events. Dinner commonly takes place at 8 pm or 9 pm.
Once a co-worker invited me to a social meeting at his place, when I arrived I
realized I was the only one that had not brought any gift. The I learned that
candies, flowers or other smalls gifts are fine to bring.
You have to learn to hate beef and French cuisine. They rarely eat it.
Be prepared to watch situation where men do not do serious business with
businesswomen internationally. However, they are respectful.