Business Etiquette in Spain By: Olivia Watkins and Autumn Lewis

A Little About Spain Capital: Madrid Language: Spanish (Castilian) Religion: Roman Catholic Government: Parliamentary Monarchy

A Cultural Overview Family is the most important component of daily life. Men and Women are very equal in the Spanish society.

Overview Introduction etiquette Dinner party etiquette Relationships and Communication Negotiation skills Business Meeting etiquette Dress etiquette Gestures and Body language

Introduction Etiquette When you are introduced shake hands. Men sometimes use a two-handed shake in which the left hand is placed on the right forearm of the other person. People are referred to as Don or Dona followed by their first name.

Dinner Party Etiquette When you are invited to a dinner party, it is appropriate to bring a gift. Some gifts could include: chocolates, pastries, or cakes; wine, liqueur, or brandy; and flowers. If your hostesses have children, you should also bring a small gift for them, as they will be included in the night.

Table Manners Don’t sit down until you’re invited to. Always keep your hands visible while eating. Don’t begin eating until the hostess starts. Indicate you are finished by laying your knife and parallel on your plate. Allow the guest of honor to leave the table first.

Relationships Spaniards like to do business with people that they know and trust. You need to spend enough time with your colleagues to establish trust. Relationships will remain no matter what company you are with.

Communication Face-to-face contact is better than telephoning or writing letters. Your presentation of self is going to be very important with dealing with the people of Spain. Modesty is important to the Spaniards.

Communication Avoid confrontation if it is possible. Spaniards do not like to publically admit that they are wrong. Spaniards like to look good in the eyes of others. Communication is formal when dealing with Spaniards.

Negotiation Skills Hierarchy and rank are very important to the people in Spain. Decision making is something that those at the top of the company deal with. Decisions Meetings *

Negotiation Skills Since Spaniards do not like to lose face, they will not always tell you if they don’t understand something. Spaniards are very detailed in their work. They will review every minute detail in a contract with you.

Steps to Drawing up a Contract Step One: Reach a verbal agreement. Step Two: Draw up a formal written contract. If you make a contract with a company it is in your best interest to fully abide by the rules of that contract.

Business Meeting Etiquette All appointments should be made far in advance. The first meetings are formal and are used to get acquainted. When you go to a meeting, make sure that printed information is on hand in English and Spanish.

Business Meeting Etiquette You are responsible for hiring an interpreter if needed. More than one person may speak at once. Most Spaniards will not give their opinion at a meeting.

How to Dress for Success You need to dress stylish but conservative. Both men and women need to carry elegant accessories. Stand up straight and speak firmly to show confidence.

Gestures A thumbs up gesture is a good gesture to use when you want to show that things are going well. When you point, use your whole hand and not just your index finger. When summoning someone have your palm down and make a pulling motion with all of your fingers together.

Learning about Spain is the first step in our international expansion.