Working With Latino Americans Exam Emphasis Stereotypes & Myths (1) Worldview Values (2) Relationship Values (2) Mexican-Americans (1) Puerto-Rican Americans (1) Cuban Americans (1) Leadership Challenges (1)

Stereotypes & Myths They are too passive, polite & lacking in conviction to be good leaders in the workplace Overlooks advantages of group orientation Focuses on style not substance They are willing to learn and adapt to American corporate cultures They are too emotional & excitable to be leaders Different views about expressing emotions, results in a difference in style not substance

Stereotypes & Myths Latino American Men are macho & the women easily intimidated Male dominance in marital decision making is not the rule “quick knife” phenomenon of youth gangs Getting along is highest priority They are only qualified for menial jobs Some groups have qualifications equal to Euro-Americans, some need remedial education and training

Current Profile A diverse population of many subgroups Fast-growing and young: high fertility rates & immigration Concentrated in the West & Southwest Wide-ranging educational levels & language barriers Job discrimination, lower income, and relative poverty

Common Worldview Values Latino countries have been strongly influenced by Spanish culture, with its aristocratic hierarchy Closeness to the Spirit World A Sense of Destiny or Fatalism Hierarchy and Status

Common Worldview Values Expressing Emotions or the Passion Factor Space – up close and personal Time – Who Knows What the Future Holds? Adopting the American Dream

Personal Relationships Familismo Family First Mutual Dependence Undying Loyalty Simpatico: Getting Along Acquiescence Simpatico Courtesy Personalismo: Relating in a Personal Way Reluctance to Self-Disclose

Personal Relationships Machismo and Gender Roles Machismo Domestic Abuse Male-Male Sex Women’s Lot Communication Patterns Speaking Indirectly High concern for Feelings High Sensitivity to Criticism Saying Hello and Goodbye

Mexican Americans Background Current profile Cultural themes & issues The Mexican-American War moved borders Civil war in Mexico triggered immigration to U.S. Current profile Fastest growing segment of the population They have the lowest educational level Largest proportion of native-born citizens Cultural themes & issues Mexican Americans hold onto Mexican cultural characteristics to a far greater extent than other ethnic groups – pervasive retention of the Spanish language

Mexican Americans Cultural themes & issues – cont’d Changing male-female dynamics – male dominance of family is changing as women may find work more easily, at higher pay Religion – blend of Catholicism & ancient beliefs of the Aztec and Mayan Indians Valuing the American dream – most believe that they are better off in the U.S. than in Mexico

Puerto Rican Americans Past Connections Became U.S. citizens shortly after 1900 Catholic, low-skill rural backgrounds Education & Income 65% hold diplomas, 60% speak English well 26% live in poverty Prejudice & Discrimination Breaking Out of Poverty & Gaining Skills Often lack English fluency, transferable skills, & formal education More professionals are leaving Puerto Rico for U.S.

Cuban Americans Current Profile Revitalizing Miami Cuban Professionals Best educated & affluent Most born in Cuba, half are now U.S. citizens Fled Communism under Fidel Castro Revitalizing Miami “new capital city of Latin America” Destination for Latin American tourists Banking center for Central & South American investors Cuban Professionals Most are exiles, plan to return to Cuba

Other Latino Americans Central Americans South Americans Dominican Americans

Leadership Challenges: Meeting Cultural Need of Latino Americans Meeting Family Obligations Communicating Organizational Need for Goal Achievement and Accurate Information Seeing that Their Style Is Not Their Substance

Leadership Challenges: Meeting Cultural Need of Latino Americans Turning Conflict Avoidance into Resolution with Sensitivity Dealing Constructively with Promotion Anxiety

Leadership Opportunities: Building on Latino American Strengths Enhance Work Team Relationships Highlight the Group Value Promote Assertive Expression Encourage Decision Making Appeal to Personal Dignity,Honor, and Good Name Give feedback in a personal, supportive way, offered with understanding & empathy Give feedback in private

Leadership Opportunities: Building on Latino American Strengths Show respect for Their Values & Issues The Manager and Respeto-Status Relationships with Personalismo Relationships and Simpatico The Woman Manager of the Latino American Men Help Make Connections to Latino Marketplaces