Business Etiquette in Latin America

Business etiquette in Latin America has been veryfamily and nepotism is common. Seniority relating to
much influenced by its colourful history from theage in business, especially in family concerns in Latin
Spanish invasion onwards. However, it cannot be saidAmerica is regarded as appropriate etiquette and the
that the region is a homogeneous community witholder member is often the person to have the last say.
shared business etiquette. In general, business people inIt is also common etiquette in Latin America to conduct
Latin America are seen to be pre-disposed to bematters of business in a more relaxed manner than
effusive, garrulous and inquisitive, although businessthat of their western counterparts. They tend to
etiquette in some areas such as Bolivia or Peru tendsconsider that it is good business to become more
to be more reserved in nature.acquainted through convivial conversation so that
Just at the countries across Latin America are diversepatience becomes a must. It would not be good
in nature, so are are their weather patterns. Whenetiquette to attempt to take over a conversation. Latin
planning a business trip to the region it pays to checkAmericans prefer to leave the managers to have the
the weather and climate setting off.control.
It is advisable to ensure when setting out on aAnother form of accepted etiquette during business
business visit to Latin America that documents anddiscussion in Latin America often involves sitting closer
material relating to business has been translated intoto one another than would be seen as general
Spanish. Indeed this would be seen as correctpractice in North America or Europe. It would not be
etiquette. It is further advised that close attention shouldetiquette however, to try to change position and move
be paid when in Latin America to timing. It would not beaway as this could be construed as hostile.
etiquette to arrive late for a meeting and it is essentialBusiness people in the region are predominantly
to allow for traffic in heavily congested areas.conservative in their dress and can be quite status
An accepted etiquette in most Latin Americanconscious so it is essential etiquette to dress
countries is that of the concept of family which canaccordingly so as not to cause offence by dressing
extend beyond ties to fellow colleagues, so that theydown.
may mix business with leisure including members of