Argentina is located in South America with a population of over 43 million people. Spanish is the dominant language though English and Italian are also spoken. Culturally, Argentina has been influenced by European immigration and maintains moderately high power distance and individualism. Business negotiations emphasize personal relationships and long-term benefits over quick deals. Meetings require advance confirmation and Argentines may be late while valuing punctuality from foreign counterparts.

1. Ankit Patel
Renu Bisht
Karan Shah
ARGENTINA

2.  Located in the continent of South
America.
 Population of Argentina is 43,024,374
(2014 EST).
 Climate: mostly temperate; arid in
southeast; sub-antarctic in southwest.
 97% people are Spanish and Italian and 3
% are other white people.
 Modern Argentine culture has been
largely influenced by Italian, Spanish and
other European immigration.
 Spanish is the official language, although
many people speak English, Italian, or
other languages.

4.  Argentina is at 49 on
the Power Distance
Index: higher values
than characterizes all
other Latin American
countries.
 Moderate Power
Distance

5.  Individualism ranks
middle which signifies
a society of a more
collectivist nature and
strong relationships
where everyone takes
responsibility for
fellow members of
their group.

6.  Masculinity/Femininity
scores 56, reflecting the
presence of slightly more
masculine than feminine
elements. Important to
note a strong achievement
orientation and
assertiveness, the
masculine behaviour of
female managers and
politicians, and the equally
strong ego needs.

7.  Uncertainty avoidance
ranks highest which
indicates a high concern
rules, regulations, controls
and issues with career
security – typically, a
that does not readily
accept change and is risk
adverse.

8.  Eye contact- Maintaining eye contact is very
important.
 Touch: A pat on the shoulder is a sign of
friendship.
 Gesture:-
 A sweeping gesture beginning under the
chin and continuing up over the top of the
head is “I don’t know.”
 Brushing the hand, palm down, outward
from under the chin means “I don’t care.”

9. Touching the thumb & finger of one hand
and tapping them with the index finger of the
other means “hurry up” or “a lot.”
Yawning in public, eating in the street or on
public transportation, and putting feet up on
furniture are all ‘no-no’s.
Avoid the North American OK sign, which
has a very vulgar meaning.
Hands on the hips indicate anger or
challenge.

10. Greetings:
Men shake hands firmly and may follow with
a hug if they know each other well, as well
as a kiss on the check. Women often kiss
the cheek of women and men, as well as
shake hands, in business as well as social
settings.

11.  Negotiations:
Argentines can overcome problems and
move forward faster. The culture
promotes a win-win approach. Maintain
Maintain personal relationships and
emphasizing long-term benefits. If you
cannot resolve the situation, it is best to
walk away without burning bridges.
 Directness
Argentines are on the whole open,
and direct, yet are able to remain tactful
and diplomatic (Moderate Direct)

12.  High context/ low context
Argentina is high context country. It
use very few words to communicate
very complex ideas, wants, needs,
 Time
Be punctual for business
appointments, but prepare to wait
thirty minutes for your counterpart,
especially if you are meeting an
important person.
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes later than
invited for a dinner party. Arriving on
time is not the norm.

13.  Contract:
Contracts are lengthy and detailed. A
contract is not final until all of its
elements are signed. Any portion can
re-negotiated. Get everything in writing.
Argentines often need several meetings
and extensive discussion to make deals
 Person and Task
Personal relationships are important
must be developed before business is
done. Maintain personal relationships
and emphasizing long-term benefits.

14.  Meeting
• Confirm meetings one week in
advance preferably by e-mail
or telephone.
• Avoid January and February,
which are their vacation times;
• The middle weeks of July,
which is when many go skiing;
and during the two weeks
before and after Christmas.

15. •The person you are meeting with may
accept telephone calls and attend to other
business while you are there. Have all printed
material available in both English and
Spanish.