2. MEETING ETIQUETTE (PART 1)
Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol of greeting the eldest or most
important person first.
A standard handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile will suffice.
Maintaining eye contact indicates interest.
In general, Argentines prefer third-party introductions, so you should wait for your host or
hostess to introduce you to others at a small gathering.
Titles, especially among the elderly, are very important. Address a person directly by using
his or her title only. A Ph.D or a physician is called Doctor. Teachers prefer the title Professor,
engineers go by Ingeniero, architects are Arquitecto, and lawyers are Abogado. Persons
who do not have professional titles should be addressed as Mr., Mrs., or Miss, plus their
surnames. In Spanish these are:
Mr. = Senor
Mrs. = Senora
Miss = Senorita
3. MEETING ETIQUETTE (PART 2)
Most Hispanics have two surnames: one
from their father, which is listed first, followed
by one from their mother. Only the father’s
surname is used when addressing someone.
Good conversation topics: soccer, history,
culture, home and children, opera
Bad conversation topics: the Perón years,
religion, Falkland Islands conflict
When leaving, say good-bye to each
person individually.
4. ARGENTINEAN APPEARANCE
Dress is very important for making a good impression in Argentina; your
entire wardrobe will be scrutinized. Business dress is conservative: dark suits
and ties for men; white blouses and dark suits or skirts for women.
Maintaining eye contact is very important
A pat on the shoulder is a sign of friendship
A sweeping gesture beginning under the chin and continuing up over the
top of the head is used to mean "I don't know" or "I don't care"
With thumb and finger touching (as if holding a pinch of salt), one taps
them with the index finger to indicate "hurry up" or "a lot"
Make sure to cover your mouth when yawning or coughing
Don't put your feet up on any furniture
Eating in the street or on public transportation is considered rude
5. WORKING PRACTICES IN ARGENTINA
Business hours are normally from 9am to 7pm Monday to
Friday. It is not uncommon however for businesses to remain
open until 9 or 10pm. Business lunch hours vary but are
normally between 1 - 3pm. Business dinner events usually
begin late evening around 10pm.
Argentineans have a much more flexible attitude towards
time. Therefore, do not be surprised if business meetings or
social events begin late.
6. STRUCTURE AND HIERARCHY IN ARGENTINEAN
COMPANIES
Business organizations in Argentina tend to be hierarchical. Decisions
and ideas are generated at the top. Status is important in
Argentinean society and respect should be given to supervisors and
work colleagues.
As Argentinean society is very status conscious, it is important to
address colleagues with the proper title followed by only his or her
father’s surname, unless invited to do so otherwise.
Many Argentinean women are well educated and more are entering
the workforce. However, women tend to leave the workforce upon
having children, but a common practice with many Argentinean
women is to hire a nanny so that they may return to work.
7. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS IN
ARGENTINA
Business relationships in Argentina are based on trust and
familiarity. Personal contacts and networks are important in
making business deals. Cultivating friendships will improve
your success in the business world in Argentina.
Argentineans prefer to knit their private and professional
lives together. They may be hesitant to trust people at first
so it is important to take the time to develop interpersonal
relationships with your Argentinean counterparts before
conducting business.
8. BUSINESS PRACTICES
Business in Argentina is conducted entirely in Spanish. Most Argentineans
do have a working knowledge of English, but it is wise, however, to bring
an interpreter to meetings if you do not have a proficient knowledge of
Spanish.
Negotiations can be quite lengthy as Argentineans are very detail-
oriented and want to examine everything thoroughly before reaching an
agreement. Although generally very informal, they rely on a clear, work-
related structure and value rules and procedures.
Initial introductions in Argentinean business are informal. A handshake
while maintaining strong eye contact is the normal greeting and should
also be exchanged upon leaving. Once a relationship has developed
into friendship, a kiss on the cheek complements the handshake.
Argentineans do not hesitate to interrupt, argue or criticize if they feel it is
needed. Arguments and debates are generally considered constructive
ways of bringing about new ideas. Argentineans prefer to deal with
immediate issues, yet do not plan things out fully.
9. BUSINESS ETIQUETTE (DO’S AND DON'TS)
Do have your business cards printed in Spanish and English. Although most
Argentineans have a working knowledge of English, you should never assume this.
Argentineans will appreciate any effort you make to speak Spanish.
Do arrive on time to meetings, but as a general rule, do not expect your Argentinean
counterparts to do so. For Argentineans, arriving ten to fifteen minutes after the
scheduled time is common.
Do address your Argentinean business colleagues with the appropriate title. If you are
unsure of the exact title, it is important to use “Señor” or “Señora” followed by his or
her father’s surname.
Don't use one finger to point. Instead use the whole hand when making gestures.
Don't be offended or surprised if your Argentinean colleague is in your personal space.
Many Latin American cultures use close physical proximity as a way of
communicating with one another. It is not uncommon for colleagues to exchange
kisses on the cheek.
Don't miss out on an opportunity to socialize with your Argentinean colleagues outside
the office. People in Argentina make a point to get to know their colleagues so don't
be surprised if you are invited to attend football matches or have a coffee at a local
café after work.
