How to do business in Spain - a guide

Scholarly Paper aus dem Jahr 2003 im Fachbereich Wirtschaft - BWL - Allgemeines, einseitig bedruckt, Note: Distinction, Bond University Australia, 14 Eintragungen im Literaturverzeichnis, Sprache: Englisch, Abstract: Doing Business in Spain"Old catholic Spain, dominated from Madrid, its face turned away from Europe to Africa and its old colonies in the new World, dominated by church and state and bankers and bureaucrats and old families who counted their names, has been pushed aside. It has by no means disappeared, but is inhabited by a superannuated generation bewildered by change."IntroductionWhen a foreigner is doing business in Spain, there are many cultural aspects to be aware of. Spain is a collectivist country, with emphasis on family and friends. Business structures are hierarchal and friendship is more important than experience when selecting new staff. The leadership style is autocratic, and the leader is treated with respect. The Spanish behaviour is informal, and being a moderately high context culture, non-verbal language is very loud. This paper is discussing the cultural dimensions and social and ethical issues in Spain. It continues to develop how to communicate effectively, followed by negotiating. The last parts talk about how to work in teams, and how to select expatriates for an assignment in Spain.Cultural dimensions and the management of social and ethical issuesSpain, situated in the very south of Europe has a culture that is very diverse from the cultures of its northern European neighbours, not only due to its Arabic occupation for more than 800 years. This time has left its trace in Spanish every day life and in the way they do business. Spain is deeply rooted to its history, customs and culture. Foreigners, no matter if they are businessmen or just tourists must have respect for this culture if they want to be successful in their ventures. RegionalismSpain consists of 17 regions, and the most important players are Catalans (northeast), Galicians (north - northwest) and Basques (north - northeast). Each region has an own capital, flag and legislature, but their grades of autonomy vary. The Basques are allowed to collect their own taxes and to control their own police, whereas the others are independent from the capital Madrid virtually in name only. Galicia can be compared to Ireland: green, wet and poor.