Business Etiquette in Spain

By: Iulia Preotescu

A Little About SpainCapital: MadridLanguage: Spanish (Castilian)Religion: Roman CatholicGovernment: Parliamentary Monarchy

A Cultural Overview

Family is the most important component of daily life. Men and Women are very equal in the Spanish society.

Overview

Introduction etiquetteDinner party etiquetteRelationships and CommunicationNegotiation skillsBusiness Meeting etiquetteDress etiquetteGestures and Body language

Overview

Introduction etiquetteDinner party etiquetteRelationships and CommunicationNegotiation skillsBusiness Meeting etiquetteDress etiquetteGestures and Body language

Overview

Introduction etiquetteDinner party etiquetteRelationships and CommunicationNegotiation skillsBusiness Meeting etiquetteDress etiquetteGestures and Body language

Overview

Introduction etiquetteDinner party etiquetteRelationships and CommunicationNegotiation skillsBusiness Meeting etiquetteDress etiquetteGestures and Body language

Overview

Introduction etiquetteDinner party etiquetteRelationships and CommunicationNegotiation skillsBusiness Meeting etiquetteDress etiquetteGestures and Body language

Introduction Etiquette

When you are introduced shake hands.Men sometimes use a two-handed shake in which the left hand is placed on the right forearm of the other person.People are referred to as Don or Dona followed by their first name.

Dinner Party Etiquette

When you are invited to a dinner party, it is appropriate to bring a gift.

Some gifts could include: chocolates, pastries, or cakes; wine, liqueur, or brandy; and flowers.If your hostesses have children, you should also bring a small gift for them, as they will be included in the night.

Table Manners

Don’t sit down until you’re invited to.Always keep your hands visible while eating.Don’t begin eating until the hostess starts.Indicate you are finished by laying your knife and parallel on your plate.Allow the guest of honor to leave the table first.

Overview

Introduction etiquetteDinner party etiquetteRelationships and CommunicationNegotiation skillsBusiness Meeting etiquetteDress etiquetteGestures and Body language

Overview

Introduction etiquetteDinner party etiquetteRelationships and CommunicationNegotiation skillsBusiness Meeting etiquetteDress etiquetteGestures and Body language

Foods

Cheap, substantial meals as opposed to gourmetTapasSerrano HamFish delicacies (Paella)Continental breakfast, light lunch, late evening meal

Fiestas and Traditions

Each town has their own celebrationsCelebrate national holidays such as Christmas, Easter, All Saint’s Day, ect.Majority of festivities are religious based

Bullfighting

The National Sport of Spain711 AD24,000 bulls are killed each year

Relationships

Spaniards like to do business with people that they know and trust.You need to spend enough time with your colleagues to establish trust.Relationships will remain no matter what company you are with.

Communication

Face-to-face contact is better than telephoning or writing letters.Your presentation of self is going to be very important with dealing with the people of Spain.

Modesty is important to the Spaniards.

Communication

Avoid confrontation if it is possible.Spaniards do not like to publically admit that they are wrong.

Spaniards like to look good in the eyes of others.Communication is formal when dealing with Spaniards.

Overview

Introduction etiquetteDinner party etiquetteRelationships and CommunicationNegotiation skillsBusiness Meeting etiquetteDress etiquetteGestures and Body language

Overview

Introduction etiquetteDinner party etiquetteRelationships and CommunicationNegotiation skillsBusiness Meeting etiquetteDress etiquetteGestures and Body language

Negotiation Skills

Since Spaniards do not like to lose face, they will not always tell you if they don’t understand something.Spaniards are very detailed in their work.

They will review every minute detail in a contract with you.

Business Meeting Etiquette

All appointments should be made far in advance.The first meetings are formal and are used to get acquainted.When you go to a meeting, make sure that printed information is on hand in English and Spanish.

Business Meeting Etiquette

You are responsible for hiring an interpreter if needed.More than one person may speak at once.Most Spaniards will not give their opinion at a meeting.

Overview

Introduction etiquetteDinner party etiquetteRelationships and CommunicationNegotiation skillsBusiness Meeting etiquetteDress etiquetteGestures and Body language

Overview

Introduction etiquetteDinner party etiquetteRelationships and CommunicationNegotiation skillsBusiness Meeting etiquetteDress etiquetteGestures and Body language

How to Dress for SuccessYou need to dress stylish but conservative.Both men and women need to carry elegant accessories.Stand up straight and speak firmly to show confidence.