A country of natural splendour and contrasts, Mexico is the site of advanced Amerindian civilisations. Its ethnic composition, its prominent regional identities and notoriously vivid culture, have all been shaped by the nation’s history of immigration and various outside influences from the indigenous (Toltec, Olmeca, Zapotec, Maya, Aztec, Huichol, Purapecha and Tarahumara), Spanish and African civilisations.
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Mexico Today
This rich diversity of many cultures is one of Mexico’s most valuable assets. For those wanting to conduct business in this thriving environment, an understanding of this complex Mexican heritage and culture must be achieved in order to secure your future business success.
Mexican Culture - Key Concepts and Values
Communication Style - In Mexico, communication tends to be indirect and subtle and presented in such a way as to be diplomatic and non-confrontational. Meaning is conveyed through non-verbal forms of communication or by less explicit verbal messages. Mexicans will often disguise 'no' in responses such as 'maybe' or 'we'll see' with the aim of maintaining harmony and avoiding disappointing or offending the receiver. When doing business in Mexico, it is vital to take this indirect approach with your Mexican counterparts as it will help to strenghten your business relationships.
Family – A fundamental Mexican value is that of the family and the place it holds in society. As a collectivist culture, the family unit is a dominating factor of daily life and the close ties between extended families and communities can have a major influence on individual behaviour. In a business context, the importance of family is evident in many Mexican companies. Family-owned or controlled businesses are not uncommon and you will often find relatives working for the same company. This means that nepotism is a frequent occurrence in Mexican business culture and establishing trustworthy contacts will be crucial for your success.
Time – In Mexico, time is considered to be flexible, relaxed and circular, and is therefore unlimited. The word ‘mañana’ is closely linked with the Mexican concept of time. In literal terms it means ‘morning’ or ‘tomorrow’, however, it is also a way of saying ‘later’. When hearing it in this context, you should expect things to be done some time in the near future without great urgency or specific dateline in mind. Consequently, business meetings will run at a slower pace and your associates may take longer to reach a decision. Punctuality and time keeping are less closely observed so planning a tight daily schedule when doing business in Mexico should be avoided.
Doing Business in Mexico
Following three centuries under Spanish rule, Mexico finally achieved independence early in the nineteenth century. The subsequent period in Mexico’s history was dominated by civil war, European intervention, a long dictatorship and perhaps the most important event in the twentieth century: the Mexican Revolution which influenced Mexican culture and politics for more than half century. Although violent crime is still a major concern, Mexico’s modern political landscape is a thriving democracy with three political parties.
Mexico is Latin America’s second largest economy and a major oil producer and exporter. Increasing manufacturing output and exports, presence in diverse sectors and the North American Free Trade Agreement brought the country significant economic advantages and invite foreign business from across the globe.
Mexico business Part 1 - Working in Mexico: Working practices in Mexico
Structure and hierarchy in Mexican companies
Working relationships in Mexico
Mexico business Part 2 - Doing business in Mexico: Business practices in Mexico
Mexican business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO translate all your marketing literature and any other documents for your business dealings into Spanish. Failure to do so may jeopardise your business potential.
DO expect your Mexican business counterparts to converse at a much closer physical distance than you may be used to. A Mexican’s sense of personal space is much smaller and physical contact is not frowned upon.
DO take your time during business dealings with your Mexican colleagues and avoid pressing for final decisions, remember that time in Mexico does not always equal money as in some other countries.
DON’T make direct and frequent eye contact when in conversation with your Mexican business associates. Mexicans tend not to make direct eye contact as a sign of respect.
DON’T be overly aggressive while negotiating business deals as it is considered rude.
DON’T offer gifts of extremely high value. Gift giving is not a requirement of Mexican business etiquette but a small gift will be gratefully accepted and appreciated.
Mexican Culture Quiz – true or false
1. During a business meeting, it is considered disrespectful to throw documents on the table.
2. If giving a gift of flowers, you should avoid the colour yellow. Yellow flowers are associated with funerals and symbolise death.
3. To give the ‘OK’ gesture with the thumb and index finger in Mexico is considered vulgar.
4. Your business success in Mexico is primarily based on professional experience and know-how. Building and maintaining good personal relationships is considered less important.
5. Using the ‘psst-psst’ sound to gain another’s attention is considered rude and impolite in Mexican business culture.
Mexican Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True.
2. True.
3. True.
4. False. Good, personal business relationships often take precedence over capability.
5. False. This is an accepted form of behaviour and not considered impolite.
Mexico Today
This rich diversity of many cultures is one of Mexico’s most valuable assets. For those wanting to conduct business in this thriving environment, an understanding of this complex Mexican heritage and culture must be achieved in order to secure your future business success.
Mexican Culture - Key Concepts and Values
Communication Style - In Mexico, communication tends to be indirect and subtle and presented in such a way as to be diplomatic and non-confrontational. Meaning is conveyed through non-verbal forms of communication or by less explicit verbal messages. Mexicans will often disguise 'no' in responses such as 'maybe' or 'we'll see' with the aim of maintaining harmony and avoiding disappointing or offending the receiver. When doing business in Mexico, it is vital to take this indirect approach with your Mexican counterparts as it will help to strenghten your business relationships.
Family – A fundamental Mexican value is that of the family and the place it holds in society. As a collectivist culture, the family unit is a dominating factor of daily life and the close ties between extended families and communities can have a major influence on individual behaviour. In a business context, the importance of family is evident in many Mexican companies. Family-owned or controlled businesses are not uncommon and you will often find relatives working for the same company. This means that nepotism is a frequent occurrence in Mexican business culture and establishing trustworthy contacts will be crucial for your success.
Time – In Mexico, time is considered to be flexible, relaxed and circular, and is therefore unlimited. The word ‘mañana’ is closely linked with the Mexican concept of time. In literal terms it means ‘morning’ or ‘tomorrow’, however, it is also a way of saying ‘later’. When hearing it in this context, you should expect things to be done some time in the near future without great urgency or specific dateline in mind. Consequently, business meetings will run at a slower pace and your associates may take longer to reach a decision. Punctuality and time keeping are less closely observed so planning a tight daily schedule when doing business in Mexico should be avoided.
Doing Business in Mexico
Following three centuries under Spanish rule, Mexico finally achieved independence early in the nineteenth century. The subsequent period in Mexico’s history was dominated by civil war, European intervention, a long dictatorship and perhaps the most important event in the twentieth century: the Mexican Revolution which influenced Mexican culture and politics for more than half century. Although violent crime is still a major concern, Mexico’s modern political landscape is a thriving democracy with three political parties.
Mexico is Latin America’s second largest economy and a major oil producer and exporter. Increasing manufacturing output and exports, presence in diverse sectors and the North American Free Trade Agreement brought the country significant economic advantages and invite foreign business from across the globe.
Mexico business Part 1 - Working in Mexico: Working practices in Mexico
Structure and hierarchy in Mexican companies
Working relationships in Mexico
Mexico business Part 2 - Doing business in Mexico: Business practices in Mexico
Mexican business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO translate all your marketing literature and any other documents for your business dealings into Spanish. Failure to do so may jeopardise your business potential.
DO expect your Mexican business counterparts to converse at a much closer physical distance than you may be used to. A Mexican’s sense of personal space is much smaller and physical contact is not frowned upon.
DO take your time during business dealings with your Mexican colleagues and avoid pressing for final decisions, remember that time in Mexico does not always equal money as in some other countries.
DON’T make direct and frequent eye contact when in conversation with your Mexican business associates. Mexicans tend not to make direct eye contact as a sign of respect.
DON’T be overly aggressive while negotiating business deals as it is considered rude.
DON’T offer gifts of extremely high value. Gift giving is not a requirement of Mexican business etiquette but a small gift will be gratefully accepted and appreciated.
Mexican Culture Quiz – true or false
1. During a business meeting, it is considered disrespectful to throw documents on the table.
2. If giving a gift of flowers, you should avoid the colour yellow. Yellow flowers are associated with funerals and symbolise death.
3. To give the ‘OK’ gesture with the thumb and index finger in Mexico is considered vulgar.
4. Your business success in Mexico is primarily based on professional experience and know-how. Building and maintaining good personal relationships is considered less important.
5. Using the ‘psst-psst’ sound to gain another’s attention is considered rude and impolite in Mexican business culture.
Mexican Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True.
2. True.
3. True.
4. False. Good, personal business relationships often take precedence over capability.
5. False. This is an accepted form of behaviour and not considered impolite.
