Business Communication Strategies Memorandum
The capital of Spain is Madrid, and the country has a climate that has hot and clear summers, moderate cloudy along the coast, and cold, cloudy winters in the interior. The majorities of the population are Roman Catholics, 94% and has the ethnic makeup of Nordic and Mediterranean type that speaks Spanish. The government is a parliamentary monarchy.
The country has US embassies in Madrid, Barcelona, and five consular agencies. The American tourists that visit the country are about 1.3 million Americans each year. For emergencies, US citizens can call (34)-91-587-2200 and overseas services 1-888-407-4747. The American Citizen Services (ACS) location is at Calle Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid in the American Embassy. One can email to .
Etiquette in Spain
When introduced, people shake hands while men may embrace and pat on the shoulder. Females may kiss on both cheeks starting with the left. The reference to individuals is usually Dona or Don. The dining etiquette includes bringing pastries, chocolates, and wine when invited into a home. The tables manners include to remain standing until one is invited to sit down and can be shown a specific seat. Do not eat until the host starts. In eating food, use utensils and do not stand until the guest of honor does.
In business communications, they prefer the people they trust and know. Let the business colleagues get to know who one is and develop a relationship. The allegiance of the Spanish business colleagues will be to the individual they have the relationship with rather than the firm. They prefer face to face conversations as it is the best way to display modest and represent oneself to Spaniards. The cornerstones of businesses are personal relationships and trust. They value rank and hierarchy. They do not like to lose and are very thorough. The appointments for meetings are mandatory, and a formal code is necessary. All the material at the meeting should be printed in English and Spanish, and most of them do not give their opinions. The dress code is stylish yet sometimes conservative; something that would be used in the rest of Europe.
