Situated in south-western Europe, Spain’s geographical diversity encompasses landscapes that range from deserts and coastal beaches to snow-covered mountains. But Spain’s diverse regions are not only geographically and climatically different but they also form an eclectic blend of personalities and identities.
Search our Course Catalogue for all Spain Courses
Popular courses for Spain
Spain Today
Europe’s third largest country, Spain has experienced a turbulent and reverberating past, including the dissolution of the Spanish Empire, civil war, fascist dictatorship and the introduction of democracy, all of which have had a significant impact on the Spanish cultural psyche. The Iberian Peninsula’s geographical position opened up Spain to numerous invasions and created an influx of divergent cultures and civilisations. As a result, Spanish culture has evolved immensely and continues to grow. Appropriate and effective business etiquette in Spain can only be effectively applied through an understanding of this well-developed and highly complex culture.
Spanish Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Face – Spanish culture places a large emphasis on personal pride. Therefore, causing loss of face through criticism or embarrassment should be avoided at all costs. In addition, when dealing with your Spanish counterparts you may also find that competence and control are important elements of their work ethos and crucial for saving face. This may result in your Spanish colleagues insisting that everything is in order, even if it is not.
Family – Spanish culture highlights the importance of their family. Influenced by its collectivist past, family values, a sense of identity and belonging to a group are integral parts of society in Spain. Consequently, personal qualities, appearance, image and personal relationships are extremely significant components in contemporary Spanish culture. In a business context, personal attributes and character are frequently valued as much as technical ability, experience or professional competence.
Uncertainty Avoidance – This is a vital element of Spanish culture that refers to the cautious approach the Spanish take towards new ideas. In Spain, individuals tend to avoid ambiguity but often accept a familiar risk situation. Spain’s attitudes to rules, regulations and structure are important for maintaining a sense of control in a typically uncertain situation. In business, managers in Spain generally prefer to have precise answers to questions and give precise instructions in order to reduce conflict.
Doing Business in Spain
Spain’s peaceful transition to democracy in 1975 entailed rapid economic growth. After establishing itself as a member of NATO, Spain joined the European Union in 1986. However, Spain was hit hard by the global financial crisis in 2008 and the government had to implement austerity measures to reduce a large budget deficit and tackle unemployment. The government’s efforts to cut spending and make the labour market more flexible have shown small successes so far. Spain remains a highly developed economy in which potential business prospects can be assisted through an awareness of the Spanish cultural system that has shaped this country.
Spain & Spanish business culture Part 1 - Working in Spain: Working practices
Structure and hierarchy
Working relationships
Spain & Spanish business culture Part 2 - Doing business in Spain: Business practices
Business etiquette (Do's and Don'ts)
DO remain patient in all dealings with your Spanish counterparts. The Spanish are sometimes noted for their relaxed approach to business and Spanish bureaucracy can be frustrating. However, be wary of the ‘mañana’ stereotype: in the northern regions such as Catalonia and the Basque Country deadlines and punctuality are much more closely adhered to.
DO try to maintain a friendly and personal atmosphere during negotiations. In order to be effective in Spain, their business culture also requires a sense of self-dignity, consideration and diplomacy.
DO use basic titles of courtesy, such as Mr, Mrs, or Miss followed by the surname and professional titles, such as Dr where known; particularly with older counterparts or those in the south of Spain. Care should also be taken in using the correct surname as Spaniards have two, their father’s first surname and their mother’s first surname. Normally, the father’s surname is used on its own.
DON’T expect to enter into business discussions at the start of a meeting. Your Spanish colleagues will want to establish a familiar environment on which to build new business relationships. This may include asking personal questions regarding your family life and background.
DON’T presume that business can be explicitly discussed over meals, it is generally considered a sociable activity and therefore you should wait until your Spanish colleagues initiate such conversation. Despite this, business lunches and dinners are a vital part of business life in Spain as a means through which to establish trust and future business relationships.
DON’T display signs of over assertiveness or superiority. Your Spanish counterparts will appreciate a more modest approach to business negotiations.
Spanish Culture Quiz – true or false
1. During business lunches and dinners different ranks within a Spanish company often dine together.
2. In Spain, crossing your fingers is a friendly gesture that can symbolise ‘protection’ or ‘good luck’.
3. Whilst conducting business negotiations it is common to experience interruptions or individuals speaking simultaneously. By interrupting Spaniards are showing genuine interest in the discussion.
4. The North American symbol for ‘OK’, making a circle with the index finger and thumb is considered vulgar in Spain.
5. In accordance with Spanish business culture, it is customary to offer a gift at the outset of any form of business negotiation.
Spanish Culture Quiz – Answers
1. False. Employees from varying levels within a company rarely mix during business lunches.
2. True.
3. True.
4. True.
5. False. In Spain, gifts are not normally exchanged at business meetings. However, if they are given, it is usually only after the successful completion of a deal.
Spain Today
Europe’s third largest country, Spain has experienced a turbulent and reverberating past, including the dissolution of the Spanish Empire, civil war, fascist dictatorship and the introduction of democracy, all of which have had a significant impact on the Spanish cultural psyche. The Iberian Peninsula’s geographical position opened up Spain to numerous invasions and created an influx of divergent cultures and civilisations. As a result, Spanish culture has evolved immensely and continues to grow. Appropriate and effective business etiquette in Spain can only be effectively applied through an understanding of this well-developed and highly complex culture.
Spanish Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Face – Spanish culture places a large emphasis on personal pride. Therefore, causing loss of face through criticism or embarrassment should be avoided at all costs. In addition, when dealing with your Spanish counterparts you may also find that competence and control are important elements of their work ethos and crucial for saving face. This may result in your Spanish colleagues insisting that everything is in order, even if it is not.
Family – Spanish culture highlights the importance of their family. Influenced by its collectivist past, family values, a sense of identity and belonging to a group are integral parts of society in Spain. Consequently, personal qualities, appearance, image and personal relationships are extremely significant components in contemporary Spanish culture. In a business context, personal attributes and character are frequently valued as much as technical ability, experience or professional competence.
Uncertainty Avoidance – This is a vital element of Spanish culture that refers to the cautious approach the Spanish take towards new ideas. In Spain, individuals tend to avoid ambiguity but often accept a familiar risk situation. Spain’s attitudes to rules, regulations and structure are important for maintaining a sense of control in a typically uncertain situation. In business, managers in Spain generally prefer to have precise answers to questions and give precise instructions in order to reduce conflict.
Doing Business in Spain
Spain’s peaceful transition to democracy in 1975 entailed rapid economic growth. After establishing itself as a member of NATO, Spain joined the European Union in 1986. However, Spain was hit hard by the global financial crisis in 2008 and the government had to implement austerity measures to reduce a large budget deficit and tackle unemployment. The government’s efforts to cut spending and make the labour market more flexible have shown small successes so far. Spain remains a highly developed economy in which potential business prospects can be assisted through an awareness of the Spanish cultural system that has shaped this country.
Spain & Spanish business culture Part 1 - Working in Spain: Working practices
Structure and hierarchy
Working relationships
Spain & Spanish business culture Part 2 - Doing business in Spain: Business practices
Business etiquette (Do's and Don'ts)
DO remain patient in all dealings with your Spanish counterparts. The Spanish are sometimes noted for their relaxed approach to business and Spanish bureaucracy can be frustrating. However, be wary of the ‘mañana’ stereotype: in the northern regions such as Catalonia and the Basque Country deadlines and punctuality are much more closely adhered to.
DO try to maintain a friendly and personal atmosphere during negotiations. In order to be effective in Spain, their business culture also requires a sense of self-dignity, consideration and diplomacy.
DO use basic titles of courtesy, such as Mr, Mrs, or Miss followed by the surname and professional titles, such as Dr where known; particularly with older counterparts or those in the south of Spain. Care should also be taken in using the correct surname as Spaniards have two, their father’s first surname and their mother’s first surname. Normally, the father’s surname is used on its own.
DON’T expect to enter into business discussions at the start of a meeting. Your Spanish colleagues will want to establish a familiar environment on which to build new business relationships. This may include asking personal questions regarding your family life and background.
DON’T presume that business can be explicitly discussed over meals, it is generally considered a sociable activity and therefore you should wait until your Spanish colleagues initiate such conversation. Despite this, business lunches and dinners are a vital part of business life in Spain as a means through which to establish trust and future business relationships.
DON’T display signs of over assertiveness or superiority. Your Spanish counterparts will appreciate a more modest approach to business negotiations.
Spanish Culture Quiz – true or false
1. During business lunches and dinners different ranks within a Spanish company often dine together.
2. In Spain, crossing your fingers is a friendly gesture that can symbolise ‘protection’ or ‘good luck’.
3. Whilst conducting business negotiations it is common to experience interruptions or individuals speaking simultaneously. By interrupting Spaniards are showing genuine interest in the discussion.
4. The North American symbol for ‘OK’, making a circle with the index finger and thumb is considered vulgar in Spain.
5. In accordance with Spanish business culture, it is customary to offer a gift at the outset of any form of business negotiation.
Spanish Culture Quiz – Answers
1. False. Employees from varying levels within a company rarely mix during business lunches.
2. True.
3. True.
4. True.
5. False. In Spain, gifts are not normally exchanged at business meetings. However, if they are given, it is usually only after the successful completion of a deal.
