1. 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)

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. Other Latino Americans
Central Americans
South Americans
Dominican Americans

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. 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