Business Etiquette Differences in Latin America vs. USA

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Doing business across cultures can be a difficult balance to achieve, considering what’s normal in one could be improper or even taboo in the other. The nuances of culturally appropriate behavior in business settings take time to understand, appreciate, and adjust to.

Business etiquette varies widely in Latin America and the US, even though the two regions are contiguous and share deep cultural and economic relationships. 

From differences in dress codes and decision-making styles to meeting protocols, a mutual understanding of preferences is critical for smooth sailing in business interactions.

In this article, we explore some of the biggest differences in business etiquette between Latin America and the USA.

Knowing what to expect and what is expected of you helps professionals remain comfortable and confident while working with cross-border counterparts from either Latin America or the US and make the most of every business opportunity.

1. Interruptions: Engaged Conversations vs. Structured Dialogue

Communication styles in Latin America and the USA differ significantly when it comes to interruptions.

• Latin America: Interruptions during conversations are common here. Interrupting, in fact, is often seen as a sign of engagement and enthusiasm. It’s a way of showing you’re actively involved in the discussion and closely following what’s being said.
• USA: Interrupting someone in the middle of a sentence can be seen as rude or disrespectful in the US. Americans tend to take turns speaking, waiting for the other person to finish before contributing. Such a structured dialogue is considered more professional and polite.

Don’t be surprised by interruptions if you’re doing business in Latin America; it’s usually a positive sign. In the USA, it’s best to wait for your turn to speak to avoid coming across as impolite.

2. Small Talk: Building Relationships vs. Getting Straight to Business

Approaches to small talk in business settings differ substantially between the two regions.

• Latin America: Small talk is an important part of business culture. People here spend time getting to know each other on a personal level before discussing business. This helps build trust and rapport, making it easier to collaborate.
• USA: Americans tend to prefer getting straight to business. While a little small talk is normal, it’s usually brief and cursory. Meetings here typically start with a quick greeting before diving directly into the agenda.

Take the time to engage in small talk and build a relationship before discussing business in Latin America. In the US, however, keep small talk to the minimum and focus instead on the task at hand.

3. Hierarchical Structure: Respect for Authority vs. Equality

Approaches to hierarchy and authority differ significantly between the two regions.

• Latin America: Business culture here is more hierarchical. It’s common to show overt respect for superiors, and unsolicited advice to higher-ups is generally avoided. Decision-making tends to be concentrated at the top, with employees expected to be cautious about challenging authority.
• USA: The workplace is generally more egalitarian here. Employees are expected to be comfortable giving feedback to superiors, and the exchange of ideas is encouraged at all levels. Collaboration and open discussion are valued in the interest of a more inclusive decision-making process.

Show respect for authority and avoid offering unsolicited advice to higher-ups if you’re in Latin America. In the USA, on the other hand, open communication is appreciated and often rewarded. So don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas even if they go against the consensus.

4. Punctuality: Flexible Timing vs. Strict Scheduling

The concept of punctuality is another major difference between Latin America and the USA.

• Latin America: People here are not sticklers for punctuality. Meetings often start and end later than scheduled. It’s regular for a meeting set for 10:00 AM, for instance, to begin at 10:30 AM or even later. This casual approach extends to social gatherings as well, and the focus in both is on building relationships rather than sticking strictly to time.
• USA: Punctuality is highly valued in the US, and being late is often seen as unprofessional. Meetings are expected to start and end on time, with a strong emphasis on efficiency. Tardiness can be perceived as unprofessional or even disrespectful.

If you’re in Latin America, be flexible with meeting times and focus on fostering relationships. Prioritize punctuality in the US and always get to appointments with a few minutes to spare. 

5. Language Differences: Phonetic vs. Non-Phonetic

Language plays a crucial role in effective communication, and the way Spanish and English are structured can influence interactions.

• Spanish (Phonetic Language): Spanish is a phonetic language, meaning that words are pronounced as they are spelled. The same combination of letters has a consistent pronunciation across different words. This clarity makes learning pronunciation easier for Spanish speakers.
• English (Non-Phonetic Language): English is a non-phonetic language where the same combination of letters can be pronounced differently depending on the word. This can lead to confusion for Spanish speakers, as they have to learn pronunciation rules that change frequently.

Example: In English, the combination 'ough' can sound different in words like 'though' (as in 'doe') and 'rough' (as in 'tough'). In Spanish, the pronunciation remains consistent, making it more straightforward.

If you’re a Spanish speaker working with English colleagues, be prepared for pronunciation differences and ask for clarification if something is unclear.

6. Decision-Making Styles: Consensus vs. Individual Responsibility

The way decisions are made in business environments differs between Latin America and the US.

• Latin America: Decision-making is often a slower, more collective process with a tendency to seek consensus, especially among higher-ups. Complex discussions might involve numerous follow-up meetings to ensure everyone’s input is considered. This approach reflects the importance of building agreement and avoiding conflict.
• USA: Business decisions are typically made more quickly in the US, with the emphasis being on personal instead of collective responsibility. Managers here are empowered to make independent decisions without seeking broad consensus. The priority is efficiency, and the focus is on taking action and adjusting plans as necessary. 

Be patient with decision-making processes in Latin America as they may take longer due to the focus on consensus and group harmony. In the US, be prepared for faster decision-making, with clear expectations of individual accountability.

Master Business Etiquette with Immigo

Understanding the differences in business between Latin America and the US can be a game-changer in your professional life.

Being culturally aware is essential for success, whether it’s adapting to communication styles, respecting cultural norms, or navigating the balance between personal and professional relationships.

At Immigo, we specialize in helping professionals like you master both language and cultural nuances. Our tailored classes go beyond language skills to provide you with the cultural insights you need to excel in any business setting.

Ready to take your communication skills to the next level?

Explore our courses today and start building stronger, more effective business relationships across cultures!

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