In Latin, the word "person" is different from the definition of the United States and Canada. Latin people usually think that this word stands for chivalry, chivalry, care and masculinity. In Latin America, women, especially mothers, are praised, respected and cared for. Their main task is to take care of the family, not to participate in business activities.
Religion and language
Latin America (including Central America) believes in the same religion-Catholicism. Except Brazil speaks Portuguese, Haiti speaks French, Suriname speaks Dutch and Belize speaks English, all other countries speak the same language-Spanish.
colonize
Almost every country in Latin America was colonized by Europeans, and most of them were colonized by Spanish and Portuguese. European colonial aggression began in the east, brutal and bloody, and ravaged and conquered the local ancient civilizations: Aztec, Maya and Inca. Unlike the North American continent, most North American settlers came for freedom and democracy, while Latin American invaders established dictatorship and feudalism here.
Social structure
Almost anywhere in Latin America, there is a polarized social structure, that is, society consists of only two classes-"the haves" and "the proletarians". The middle class does exist and may be booming in some countries, but in any case, it is only a minority for the whole region. So for first-time visitors, they are often shocked by the huge difference in living standards between extreme wealth and extreme poverty.
interpersonal relationship
Business is often based on personal relationships. Latin Americans like to really know their business partners. For this reason, visitors, especially Americans, often lose patience with the negotiation process, because the negotiation time is too long and they always beat around the bush. It's important to do business and make use of personal relationships here. Therefore, it must be remembered that in all business activities, establishing good personal friendship and mutual trust is the basis of your success. At the same time, we should remember that Latin Americans are willing to do business with North Americans because they think North Americans are rich and successful. However, sometimes they are jealous and even afraid that North America will seek benefits from it with the help of power.
Social life In social life, Latin Americans like food, music and laughter. They attach great importance to family life, and some family celebrations, such as birthdays, weddings and holidays, are full of joy.
Punctuality The most frustrating Latin American custom for American and Canadian business people is the Latin American concept of time. North Americans are very punctual and have a strong sense of time. But the area south of the Rio Grande is completely different. The Latin American view is that "life is cyclical, with no beginning and no end." So when you go to the south, you must be patient and be mentally prepared. Even if everything is all right, your journey may take longer than expected. When you want to confirm the time of the meeting or someone will pick you up at the hotel, if you are already familiar with your Latin American colleague, and if he says to pick you up at 9: 00 a.m. (in fact, it is probably between 10 and1/), then you should smile and ask la hora ingles or la hora espamol (British time or Spanish time). Latin Americans who often deal with North Americans will often smile at you, and remember your time requirements.
Indians In almost every Latin American country (except Argentina), you will find the descendants and lineages of the indigenous people on this continent-Indians. In Brazil, due to the slave trade from Africa, the population of this country is more diversified in color.
These are some major similarities among Latin American countries. Let's look at the differences between them. Every Latin American country is proud of its unique historical path: their origins, their patriots, their hard work and their rich resources. Therefore, before going to a country, it is very important to know their unique culture and people. Brazil
Brazil is the largest country in Latin America, with a population of about1.500 million. It is frequented by American and Canadian businessmen, second only to Mexico. In the business world, we often hear the word "hyperinflation", which is the cancer of Brazil's financial industry. In the past few decades, inflation has continued to occur, reaching 500% or even higher every year. Although the situation improved at the beginning of 2 1 century, cash flow is still a problem that needs attention when doing business in Brazil. Nevertheless, this country, which is rich in natural resources and has many energetic and life-loving people, has attracted many Americans and Canadians to invest a lot of time and money in looking for business opportunities.
Argentina
When you come to Buenos Aires, you will think that you are in the capital of a European country. Fashion, architecture, nightlife and cooking styles all have the heritage of Paris, Naples and Madrid. At the turn of the century, immigrants from Italy and Spain, and then from Britain and Germany left a deep impression here. The businessmen here are sophisticated, generous and efficient. Many North American businessmen think Argentina is one of the most fascinating Latin American countries.
Bolivia
Bolivia and Argentina are as different as the East and the West. 50% of Bolivia's population are Indians, 25% are Indians and Europeans, and the rest come from many countries. As the highest country in Latin America, it looks like a huge mountain range. Mining is a pillar industry in Bolivia.
pepper
Chile stretches like a long, winding rope in the lowlands of the west bank. The Chilean business community consists of descendants of Britain, Germany and Spain. Visiting business women are usually received comfortably and cordially, and rarely meet the common male chauvinism in other Latin American countries. Please refer to the introduction of Mexico for the definition of male chauvinism.
Columbia
Colombia and its commercial center Bogota welcome most visiting North American guests. The atmosphere there is sophisticated, cautious and full of rich cultural atmosphere. However, these enviable advantages have been impacted by the notorious drug trade (which is very popular on the northern coast), occasional revolutionary violence and homeless children in big cities. In business circles, "politeness" is often used to describe Colombian businessmen. American business women will be treated with courtesy and respect, especially if you have a certain title and professional background and are not so aggressive.
Mexico
Located in the southern United States, it is the fastest growing country in Latin America. When you first come to the crowded Mexico City, you may feel that all Mexicans are crowded there, and you are also crowded. The result is smog, endless traffic, and then more smog. 37% of workers in Mexico are women, but only a few women hold leadership or senior management positions in the company. This is a country where male chauvinism prevails, and in the eyes of Americans, this male chauvinism is just an image that a man proudly shows to his lover with a pistol, a beard and squinting. However, as mentioned above, in the eyes of Mexicans and Latin Americans as a whole, male chauvinism symbolizes strength, self-confidence, courage and courage, which are all positive features. So Mexican men are generally chivalrous and take care of women. Nevertheless, when doing business with women, they will still feel superior, so you must be prepared.
Panama
When it comes to Panama, many Americans think of the Panama Canal. However, for visiting American enterprises, American participation in the Canal Zone is a mixed blessing in history. On the one hand, Panamanian businessmen can speak English and know American business stories. On the other hand, there is anti-American sentiment in Panama. Another worry of visitors is that Panama City and Cologne, the main cities in Panama, have high crime rates.
Peru
In Peru, you will be shocked by the great influence of Indians. Compared with other Latin American countries, the proportion of Indians in Peru's population is higher. Lima is the commercial center of Peru, located on the seaside winding westward. The weather is dry and dusty, and the whole city seems to be painted brown. Tourists are generally received generously, but compared with other markets, the economy is relatively backward, and the business center only has basic daily necessities.
Venezuela
For most North Americans, doing business in Venezuela means going to Caracas. When you cross the coastal mountains stretching from the airport to the valley where Caracas is located, you will think that you have come to a metropolis in the United States or Canada. Caracas is full of crowded people and towering buildings, as well as constant traffic, people, traffic and people. Venezuela's economy ranks among the best in Latin America, and many North Americans come here to do business. English is also widely used. Many Venezuelan businessmen are educated in North America, and they have a tradition of Latin American hospitality. However, please remember again that the traditional role of Latin American women is to take care of the family, and men are dominant. If you can speak some Spanish and Portuguese, it will definitely come in handy in your daily life. But unless you are proficient in Spanish or Portuguese, it is unwise to conduct business discussions in these languages. Because many words and phrases in Spanish have different meanings in different countries. You'd better hire an interpreter or find a reliable and fluent assistant.
Spanish in every Latin American country also has a slight local accent. For example, the pronunciation of Spanish spoken by Cubans is a bit vague and many syllables are omitted. If you are not trained, you may find it the most difficult language in the world. On the other hand, the Spanish spoken by Colombians is considered to be the purest and most accurate Spanish in Latin America.