Argentina has a vibrant, rich culture influenced by its diverse population and proud heritage. This unique culture stems from Argentina’s strong European ties mixed with indigenous people of South America.
Argentina Today
After the country’s struggle through political turmoil in recent years and an economic crisis in the early 2000s, Argentina restructured its economy. As an emerging market, Argentina opens its arms to new business ventures and endless international opportunities. It is important to understand and appreciate this unique culture to ensure successful working relationships with Argentinians.
Argentine Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Personal Relationships – Personal relationships are highly valued in Argentina. People in Argentina take a sincere interest in others and spend a lot of time getting to know each other. Argentinians also place emphasis on networking so it is essential to develop relationships personally and professionally before doing business with Argentinian counterparts. Knowing the right people will also help minimise any frustrations one might have when conducting business in Argentina.
Time – Time in Argentina is approached in a very relaxed and flexible manner. Punctuality is not a priority among Argentinian people and you may find they arrive late to business functions. Argentinians also tend to multitask, often allowing interruptions to distract them from the task at hand. They prefer to deal directly with issues rather than taking the time to plan things out.
Status – Argentinian people are very status conscious. They believe that appearance is important and that quality clothing and appearance convey status so it is important to dress in a conservative and professional manner.
Religion – Religion is an integral part of daily life in Argentina as over seventy percent of the country is Catholic. Though many people no longer actively go to church, many customs and holidays are based on Catholic traditions.
Doing Business in Argentina
After centuries of Spanish rule, Argentina finally gained its independence in the early nineteenth century. Argentina was once considered one of the world’s wealthiest countries, but through economic crisis and financial turmoil, the country plummeted from the world stage and Argentina was left to rebuild itself. By diversifying its economy and developing its exports, Argentina has been able to reclaim its place as a world player. Agriculture accounts for the majority of exports, with petrochemicals, oil, mining and natural gas following closely behind. As the economy continues to thrive with annual growth rates over eight percent, Argentina is an ideal location for potential business investments. An understanding of Argentina’s historical, political and economic context as well as its unique social and business culture is vital for any organisation wishing to do business in Argentina.
Part 1 – Working in Argentina: Working practices in Argentina
Structure and hierarchy in Argentinian companies
Working relationships in Argentina
Part 2 – Doing Business in Argentina: Business practices
Argentine Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO have your business cards printed in Spanish and English. Although most Argentinians have a working knowledge of English, you should never assume this. Argentinians will appreciate any effort you make to speak Spanish.
DO arrive on time to meetings, but as a general rule, do not expect your Argentinian counterparts to do so. For Argentinians, arriving ten to fifteen minutes after the scheduled time is common.
DO address your Argentinian business colleagues with the appropriate title. If you are unsure of the exact title, it is important to use ‘Señor’ or ‘Señora’ followed by his or her father’s surname.
DON’T use one finger to point. Instead use the whole hand when making gestures.
DON’T be offended or surprised if your Argentinian colleague is in your personal space. Many Latin American cultures use close physical proximity as a way of communicating with one another. It is not uncommon for colleagues to exchange kisses on the cheek.
DON’T miss out on an opportunity to socialise with your Argentinian colleagues outside the office. People in Argentina make a point to get to know their colleagues so do not be surprised if you are invited to attend football matches or have a coffee at a local café after work.
Argentine Culture Quiz – True or False
1. It is acceptable to discuss personal information in business meetings before getting to know your Argentinian business colleagues.
2. Tapping the finger to the thumb is commonly used to symbolise ‘hurry up’.
3. It is not appropriate to make physical contact whatsoever beyond the initial handshake greeting.
4. Argentinians tend to place the individual before the company.
5. Being well-polished and ensuring you have a good overall appearance is an integral part of the business world and conveys status to Argentinians.
Argentine Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True. Argentinian people value personal relationships. It helps them to trust those with whom they are conducting business.
2. True. Body language such as this is often used by Argentinians to communicate.
3. False. Argentinians are not as aware of personal space as some other cultures. You will therefore find that the distance between two people is often closer than what you are used to.
4. True.
5. True.
Argentina Today
After the country’s struggle through political turmoil in recent years and an economic crisis in the early 2000s, Argentina restructured its economy. As an emerging market, Argentina opens its arms to new business ventures and endless international opportunities. It is important to understand and appreciate this unique culture to ensure successful working relationships with Argentinians.
Argentine Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Personal Relationships – Personal relationships are highly valued in Argentina. People in Argentina take a sincere interest in others and spend a lot of time getting to know each other. Argentinians also place emphasis on networking so it is essential to develop relationships personally and professionally before doing business with Argentinian counterparts. Knowing the right people will also help minimise any frustrations one might have when conducting business in Argentina.
Time – Time in Argentina is approached in a very relaxed and flexible manner. Punctuality is not a priority among Argentinian people and you may find they arrive late to business functions. Argentinians also tend to multitask, often allowing interruptions to distract them from the task at hand. They prefer to deal directly with issues rather than taking the time to plan things out.
Status – Argentinian people are very status conscious. They believe that appearance is important and that quality clothing and appearance convey status so it is important to dress in a conservative and professional manner.
Religion – Religion is an integral part of daily life in Argentina as over seventy percent of the country is Catholic. Though many people no longer actively go to church, many customs and holidays are based on Catholic traditions.
Doing Business in Argentina
After centuries of Spanish rule, Argentina finally gained its independence in the early nineteenth century. Argentina was once considered one of the world’s wealthiest countries, but through economic crisis and financial turmoil, the country plummeted from the world stage and Argentina was left to rebuild itself. By diversifying its economy and developing its exports, Argentina has been able to reclaim its place as a world player. Agriculture accounts for the majority of exports, with petrochemicals, oil, mining and natural gas following closely behind. As the economy continues to thrive with annual growth rates over eight percent, Argentina is an ideal location for potential business investments. An understanding of Argentina’s historical, political and economic context as well as its unique social and business culture is vital for any organisation wishing to do business in Argentina.
Part 1 – Working in Argentina: Working practices in Argentina
Structure and hierarchy in Argentinian companies
Working relationships in Argentina
Part 2 – Doing Business in Argentina: Business practices
Argentine Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO have your business cards printed in Spanish and English. Although most Argentinians have a working knowledge of English, you should never assume this. Argentinians will appreciate any effort you make to speak Spanish.
DO arrive on time to meetings, but as a general rule, do not expect your Argentinian counterparts to do so. For Argentinians, arriving ten to fifteen minutes after the scheduled time is common.
DO address your Argentinian business colleagues with the appropriate title. If you are unsure of the exact title, it is important to use ‘Señor’ or ‘Señora’ followed by his or her father’s surname.
DON’T use one finger to point. Instead use the whole hand when making gestures.
DON’T be offended or surprised if your Argentinian colleague is in your personal space. Many Latin American cultures use close physical proximity as a way of communicating with one another. It is not uncommon for colleagues to exchange kisses on the cheek.
DON’T miss out on an opportunity to socialise with your Argentinian colleagues outside the office. People in Argentina make a point to get to know their colleagues so do not be surprised if you are invited to attend football matches or have a coffee at a local café after work.
Argentine Culture Quiz – True or False
1. It is acceptable to discuss personal information in business meetings before getting to know your Argentinian business colleagues.
2. Tapping the finger to the thumb is commonly used to symbolise ‘hurry up’.
3. It is not appropriate to make physical contact whatsoever beyond the initial handshake greeting.
4. Argentinians tend to place the individual before the company.
5. Being well-polished and ensuring you have a good overall appearance is an integral part of the business world and conveys status to Argentinians.
Argentine Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True. Argentinian people value personal relationships. It helps them to trust those with whom they are conducting business.
2. True. Body language such as this is often used by Argentinians to communicate.
3. False. Argentinians are not as aware of personal space as some other cultures. You will therefore find that the distance between two people is often closer than what you are used to.
4. True.
5. True.