Top Tips on Spain

Top Tips on Spain

Tip 1
As the future is volatile and uncertain, detailed long-term planning is somewhat irrelevant. The ability to react creatively to changing circumstances is of greater value than such forward planning.

Tip 2
Spanish business culture is varied and undergoing rapid and fundamental changes. Which type of organisation are you dealing with? Do your homework.

Tip 3
Managers are expected to manage. Instructions are given and managers expect them to be adhered to.

Tip 4
Respect is earned through the display of good character and personality. Traits such as sincerity, courage and strong leadership are all appreciated.

Tip 5
Relationships are all important. Internal organisations are driven through these relationships, as are external client contacts. It is essential to work on the development of good long-term relationships even at the expense of some short term hits.

Tip 6
Business organisations tend to be structured along hierarchical lines, but the reporting and power structures might not ultimately closely resemble the paper version. Information, power and delegation might flow along more abstract, unclear lines of relationship and mutual self-interest.

Tip 7
Information is given on a ‘who needs to know’ or ‘who do I want to know’ basis.

Tip 8
Meetings are often for the dissemination of information or the issuing of instructions rather than for open debate.

Tip 9
Agendas, when used, will not necessarily be adhered to. They can be seen to stifle creativity and debate.

Tip 10
Although it is important to be punctual, it is far more important to place the correct amount of emphasis on relationships. Therefore, dealing with people is more important than punctuality.

Tip 11
Communication can be theatrical in style with emphasis placed on the strength of conviction of the speaker. If you are sincere in your convictions, show it.

Tip 12
More emphasis is placed on the spoken than the written word. It is often not enough to send some information in writing – follow it up with a phone call to discuss things.

Tip 13
Although humour tends to be absent from very formal meetings or deadlock situations, it is important to be seen as relaxed and approachable. Humour is often used in the workplace amongst colleagues.

Tip 14
Teams tend to consist of groups of individuals working on specific tasks and reporting to a strong leader. Inter-group communication can be limited.

Tip 15
Entertaining at meal times is an important part of the relationship building process. Food is to be savoured. Save discussions about specific business issues for the coffee.

Tip 16
Body language in Spain is more expansive than in many other parts of the world. Do not mistake theatrical body language and gestures with a lack of control.

Tip 17
Spaniards have extremely strong eye contact. Good eye contact is important as it builds trust.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Spain only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.