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Do's
and Dont's
 Career
Abroad is the ideal guide to facts on work culture abroad. Do's
and don'ts on etiquette, work ethics and conversational pleasantries,
find them all here.
SPAIN
Greetings
Addressing people by their first names ais acceptable only for
close friends, children, and teenagers.
• When addressing elders or
people you have been just introduced to, follow the Spanish business
protocol of using the formal "Usted" mode of address.
• When addressing each other,
men who are university graduates, businessmen or other professionals
often use the courtesy title "Don" to confer respect.
• Handshakes are a standard
part of Spanish business protocol.
• It is imperative that you
address individuals by any titles they may have, followed by their
surnames. For example, teachers prefer the title "Profesor",
and engineers are referred to as "Ingeniero."
Basic titles of courtesy (followed by a surname) are always appropriate.
Mr.
- Señor
Mrs. - Señora
Miss - Señorita
Dressing
up
• Spaniards dress well. There
are chances that your appearance will be perceived as an indication
of your social standing and relative success.
• Spaniards dress in a more
conservative manner when compared to Americans, and they are fond
of designer clothes.
• Stick with quality, emphasise
on conservative clothing in subdued colours. Brand names will
be noticed!!
• Dressing "con elegancia"
means that men should wear dark suits and ties, preferably with
starched white shirts. Do not remove your Suit jackets as it is
considered impolite to be seen without a suit jacket.
• Business suits or dresses
made with high quality fabrics is what the women should opt to
wear. Trousers have not yet gained acceptance in Spain, but wearing
them in the evening is fine.
• Shorts are unacceptable in
public.
Topics
you can converse on -
• Your home country
•
Travel
• Sports,
especially soccer
• Politics
(Just be sure what you are talking about!)
Topics
you can Avoid
• Bullfighting is a revered
art form here. Consequently, it will be in your best interests
to refrain from airing any criticisms about this practice.
•
Religion and war is a topic you can avoid.
• Avoid placing too much of
an emphasis on your professional experience and business success
during a conversation.
• It is considered rude to make
personal inquiries, especially during first introductions.
Public
Behaviour
• Spaniards get a sense of identity
from their particular region rather than the country as a whole.
• Be sensitive to regional differences;
making misinformed comments about a Spaniard's region of origin
could be taken as a grave insult
• The first-time introductions
with Spaniards should be made in a formal manner. Extend a brief
but firm handshake, and maintain an eye contact during the meeting.
A "Buenos dias", "Buenas tardes" or "Buenas
noches" should accompany your greeting.
• Women generally lightly embrace,
and then touch cheeks while lightly kissing the air.
• In the company of friends,
it's common in for men to hug or pat each other on the back, in
addition to a handshake.
• Spaniards may not only stand
uncomfortably close, but also pat your arm or shoulder when conversing
with you. If you encounter these gestures, moving away will only
cause offense.
• One common gesture is snapping
the hands downward to emphasise a point.
• The North American "O.K."
symbol (i.e. making a circle of the first finger and thumb) is
considered rude.
• A highly religious country,
Spaniards could be easily offended if you take the Lord's name
in vain. It is advisable to refrain from swearing in the presence
of others.
• If you want to catch the attention
of a person then turn your palm down, then wave your fingers or
entire hand.
• Before getting into a taxi,
be sure to negotiate the fare.
• When a public restroom is
needed, men should look for a door marked "Caballeros,"
while women should look for a door marked "Senoras."
In smaller towns, rooms marked "W.C." (for "water
closet") are bathrooms used by both men and women.
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