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Colombia Introduction

Colombia has a population of approximately 33 Million with an ethnic composition of 58

percent mestizo, 20 percent European, 14 percent mulatto, and the remaining of Africandescent (living on the north coastal areas), and mixed African-Amerindian. Pure-blooded

Amerindians now constitute only 1 percent of the population. The Republic of Colombia is

a unitary, multiparty republic with two legislative houses: the 102-seat Senate and the

161-seat House of Representatives. The president is elected to a single four-year term

and cannot succeed himself. The president is both chief of state and head of government.

Spanish is the official language, however, some Amerindians speak only their native

languages. Many business people understand English. The vast majority of Colombians

(95 percent) are Roman Catholic. The Colombia constitution guarantees freedom of

religion.

Colombia Fun Fact

Colombian women are among the most politically active in Latin America, in spite of

cultural restrictions on their social and work behavior. Colombia is divided by three

mountain ranges, and this has led to the development of strong regional movements.

When these movements fail to find common ground with the government in Bogota,

guerrilla movements (usually left-wing) evolve.

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The Geert Hofstede analysis for Colombia is similar to other Latin American countries

where there is very strong uncertainty avoidance, large power distance, and low

individualism. This is indicative of a society that has a high concern for rules, regulations,

and controls, is slow to accept change, and is risk adverse. There is a high emphasis

placed on close ties with individuals, or relationships, whereby everyone takes

responsibility for fellow members of their group. There are significant inequalities of

power and wealth within the society. Colombia has one of the highest masculinity

rankings in Latin America. This indicates that the country experiences a high degree of

gender differentiation of roles. The male dominates a significant portion of the society and

power structure.

Colombia is similar to many Latin American countries when analyzing Hofstede's

Dimensions.

Colombia's highest Hofstede Dimension is Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) at 80, indicating

the societys low level of tolerance for uncertainty. In an effort to minimize or reduce thislevel of uncertainty, strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations are adopted and

implemented. The ultimate goal of this population is to control everything in order to

eliminate or avoid the unexpected. As a result of this high Uncertainty Avoidance

characteristic, the society does not readily accept change and is very risk adverse.

Colombia has a low Individualism (IDV) rank (13), as do most Latin countries (average 21).

The score on this Dimension indicates the society is Collectivist as compared to

Individualist. This is manifest in a close long-term commitment to the member 'group', be

that a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture

is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules and regulations. The society fosters

strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their

group

The Power Distance (PDI) ranking of 67 indicates a level of inequality of power and wealth

within the society.

Colombia has one of the higher masculinity rankings in Latin America (64). This indicates

the country experiences a higher degree of gender differentiation of roles. The male

dominates a significant portion of the society and power structure.

In many of the Latin American countries, including Colombia, the population is

predominantly Catholic (see Religions Graph below). The combination of Catholicism andthe cultural dimensions reinforce a philosophy predicated in the belief that there is an

absolute Truth. As Geert Hofstede explains about peoples with a high Uncertainty

Avoidance Index, their attitude is, There can only be one Truth and we have it. More

Geert Hofstede Details

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Colombia Appearance

For dress, formality increases as you move inland. It is important to adopt

conservative business attire inland. Suits in dark colors are preferred. Women should

dress conservatively and modestly: a suit or dress

Colombians stand closer together when conversing than North Americans, however

they engage in less physical contact during conversation than other South Americans

It is impolite to yawn in public

Colombian women will often substitute the gesture of holding forearms for a

handshake

Colombians indicate that someone is stingy by tapping their fingers on their elbow

The "O.K." gesture (thumb and forefinger curled into a circle) when placed as a circle

over ones nose indicates that someone is homosexual

Two pointing fingers (as North Americans would use to indicate length) is an obscene

gesture in Colombia

Avoid putting your feet up on a table or other piece of furniture

Women visitors should be especially sensitive about making any glance or gesture

that might be considered flirtatious

Colombia Behavior & Manners

Schedule business appointments in advance

Punctuality is relaxed; although as a foreigner you are expected to be on time

Have business cards printed in English on one side and the translation Spanish on the

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other. Present the card with the Spanish side facing your Colombian colleague

Business people prefer relaxed conversation before business

Lunch is the main meal of the day and a popular choice for a business meal

Typically, the person who has initiated the invitation will pay for a meal in a

restaurant, although you may have to fight for the check even though you have issued

the invitation

Let the host make a toast first, then you might wish to make one

Colombia Communications

Handshaking the customary greeting in business; dont rush it. Colombians take a

long time in greetings; they feel it conveys respect for the other person. Among friends,

expect the abrazo, or embrace

Titles are important and should be included on business cards. Address a person

directly by using his or her title only. A Ph.D. or a physician is called Doctor. Teachers

prefer the title Profesor, engineers go by Ingeniero, architects are Arquitecto, and lawyers

are Abogado. Persons who do not have professional titles should be addressed as Mr.,

Mrs., or Miss, plus their surnames. In Spanish these are

Mr. = Senor

Mrs. = Senora

Miss = Senorita

Most Hispanics have two surnames: one from their father, which is listed first,

followed by one from their mother. Only the fathers surname is used when addressing

someone

Bullfighting is popular; dont make negative comments

Good conversation topics: history, culture, soccer, coffee, gold museum

Bad conversation topics: drug traffic, politics, religion