MexicoBy: Sarah Kohlschmidt, Kaitlyn Petolick, Laiken Allen, Ashley Perkins, James Haire, Mike Johnson, Matthew Berman

An Overview

Officially called United Mexican States

Population: 113,423,000

Language: Spanish

Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)

Capital City: Mexico City

GDP: 1.68% of world economy

Mexican Culture-Communication Style

Diplomatic

Non-confrontational

Indirect

Subtle

Mexicans will often disguise “no” in responses such as “maybe” or “we’ll see” (maintain harmony)

When doing business in Mexico, it is vital to take this indirect approach with your Mexican counterparts- help to strengthen your business relationships

Mexican Culture-Family

Collectivist Culture

Family Unit dominates

Abundance of family owned businesses

Nepotism is common

Establishing trustworthy contacts is crucial

Mexican Culture-Time

Flexible, relaxed, and circular-unlimited

“Manana”-direct translation morning or tomorrow

Business meetings run at a slower pace

Punctuality and time keeping not as important

Avoid making a tight schedule

Business in Mexico-Before Departure

Schedule and confirm meetings ahead of time

Patience

Business lunches are preferred for business meetings-2pm lunch

Business breakfast important for establishing personal relationships-8:30am breakfast

Dinner-9pm vs. Americans 6-7pm

In Mexico, time is not money; money is for enjoying life. There is a saying that "Americans live to work, but Mexicans work to live!"

Doing Business in Mexico

During the initial business meeting you should give a warm firm handshake- upon arrival and before you leave

Once the relationship is established more common to kiss on the cheek or give a warm embrace (To withdraw from this touch is considered insulting)

Expect Bartering

Respect is a key component in Mexican business culture and is echoed in the use of professional titles and the formal “you” (usted)

Mexicans place great emphasis on showing respect to others, especially to elder and more senior members of the group

If hiring some one in Mexico, jobs can be advertised for men or women, with an age range, and marital status specified as well. Before you start hiring people talk to a lawyer

To withdraw from this touch is considered insulting.

Your attempts to speak Spanish will be much appreciated

Mexicans are very polite and helpful, they use the word "please" and "thank you" frequently.

Transportation

Taxi- there is usually not a running meter so ask the price before accepting the ride

Combat pollution-cars may only be driven 4 days a week based on license plate numbers, if renting a car ask if it can actually be driven (Mexico City and other large urban areas)

Lots of traffic customary to be 15-30 minutes

Formal Titles

“Mr.” (Senor)

“Mrs.” (Senora)

“Miss” (Senorita)

Professional titles (i.e. “Licenciado”, “Doctor”, “Profesor”) should be used, followed by a surname

Since first names are generally only used with family and close friends, you should wait until invited to address someone in this way

Doing Business in Mexico-Example

If the Mexican writes to confirm the meeting on, for example 9/8/06, he is expecting to meet on August 9, 2006. This will create some difficulties when the American arrives for the meeting on September 8, 2006. Remember that in the United States the month is first, whereas in Mexico the day of the month comes first.

Mexican Business Etiquette

DO translate all your marketing literature and any other documents for your business dealings into Spanish. Failure to do so may jeopardize your business potential.

DO expect your Mexican business counterparts to converse at a much closer physical distance than you may be used to. A Mexican’s sense of personal space is much smaller and physical contact is not frowned upon.

DO take your time during business dealings with your Mexican colleagues and avoid pressing for final decisions, remember that time in Mexico does not always equal money, as in some western countries.

DON’T make direct and frequent eye contact when in conversation with you Mexican business associates. Mexicans tend not to make direct eye contact as a sign of respect.

DON’T be overly aggressive while negotiating business deals, as it is considered rude.

DON’T offer gifts of extremely high value. Gift giving is not a requirement of Mexican business etiquette, but a small gift will be gratefully accepted and appreciated.

Cultural Quiz

Mexican Culture Quiz – True or False During a business meeting, it is considered disrespectful to

throw documents on the table. If giving a gift of flowers, you should avoid the colour yellow.

Yellow flowers are associated with funerals and symbolise death. To give the “OK” gesture with the thumb and index finger in

Mexico is considered vulgar. Your business success in Mexico is primarily based on

professional experience and know-how. Building and maintaining good personal relationships is considered less important.

Using the “psst-psst” sound to gain another’s attention is considered rude and impolite in Mexican business culture.

Cultural Quiz Answers

True.

True.

True.

False. Business relationships often take precedence over capability.

False. This is an accepted form of behavior and not considered impolite.