Dennis Regalado

September 9, 2010
Paper A

Values and attitudes

Family is important to Argentina society; it is the center of life.

Extended family is also prominent. The head of the family carries a

responsibility of honor, to provide for all the family’s needs it affects his daily

routines; including his interaction with friends and work.

(http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/argentina.html)

Argentina has a very low rate of divorce; one of the reasons for this is

that the Catholic Church is very prominent in Argentina society. Divorce is

look down upon in this culture. The traditional marriages consist of men and

women deciding freely to marry with the exception that minors under the

age of 18 need parental consent.

Culture of Argentina - traditional, history, people, traditions, women, beliefs, food, customs,
family, social, marriage, men, life, immigrants, population, religion, rituals, History and
ethnic relations http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Argentina.html#ixzz0yn3xqNC6

It is crucial to know that business will not happen on weekends,

because the business sector and family are vitally connected in Argentina,

and the weekends are dedicated to spending time with the family. Families

can also create networking, as most Argentines acquired jobs through family

contacts rather than what is on there resume. It is also important to make

sure you do not talk about how you have accomplished everything without

anyone’s help. When present in a meeting, talk about your background and

your family’s accomplishments.

(rDs16X9fQJ:www.learncom.com/pdf/921A.pdf+argentinas+work+ethic&hl=en&gl=us&pid=
bl&srcid=ADGEESj8GpZD8HcruodnvWGn9AJ7i7b0_rxSSCFU3ofWUNGGNEPLWuP3hkChRMqe

A9McbKkK1_TbDpVWNkJFJltyJOBjNylq8jSzgswccyjdjnQWkCIiGqLUuHgXT-

kRWcPous_AMfqN&sig=AHIEtbQjkaNMuQ09OqXTq6nnnn_qMBx9Og)

Professionalism is very important, and women especially shouldn’t be

offended by the chauvinistic culture in Argentina. Argentina is a country that

is also developing a role for women in the business world even though it is

still young. There is possibility for women to succeed in Argentina but it may

be a challenge. Dressing very conservatively is a great start for women to

avoid falling into this chauvinistic attitude towards women. Also know that

when having lunch or dinner an Argentine man will never let the woman pay,

so to avoid this businesswomen should take a male co-worker with her.

The value of honesty in Argentina is held at a very low standard. The

culture in Argentina has never had a very stable political system, and their

political and economic trust have been very low. Ralph Waldo Emerson

wisdom sheds light on this situation, saying, “distrust is very

expensive.”(citation) Argentina has been a capitalist institution with lack of

trustworthiness. The struggle with trust has created a society whose reliance

on itself is all they have.

Friendships in this culture are actually very important, even though

there is a prominent distrust between people. Even though building

relationships might sound impossible with such a high ethnocentric attitude,

most Argentineans hold relationships to a high standard. When doing

business with Argentineans you will notice it is very tough to get to your

objective. The reason for this is that many Argentines want to know who you
are before they start to listen to your proposition, so don’t be discouraged if

they do not seem interested to your business proposition at first. Argentines

make a priority to build a personal relationship with people they do business

with, so prepare yourself to prove to them your partnership material.

(http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:h-

rDs16X9fQJ:www.learncom.com/pdf/921A.pdf+argentinas+work+ethic&hl=en&gl=us&pid=

bl&srcid=ADGEESj8GpZD8HcruodnvWGn9AJ7i7b0_rxSSCFU3ofWUNGGNEPLWuP3hkChRMqe

A9McbKkK1_TbDpVWNkJFJltyJOBjNylq8jSzgswccyjdjnQWkCIiGqLUuHgXT-

kRWcPous_AMfqN&sig=AHIEtbQjkaNMuQ09OqXTq6nnnn_qMBx9Og).

(http://www.argentinepost.com/2010/02/trust-friendship-development-in-argentina.html

European influence is major player in Argentina’s culture. European

descendants make up 85% of Argentina’s population. The European

background plays a critical role in their ethnocentric attitude towards each

other and to their neighboring countries because they are the only South

American country that does not connect itself to its indigenous background,

which creates the belief that they come from a pure race. This belief impacts

the business culture by creating a tendency to favor European products;

usually the marketing approach takes a European emphasis.

To know Argentina’s history is a priority, because they have a great

appreciation for those who know it and especially because of the lack of

trust, this would be a great start to creating a partnership or friendship. José

de San Martin is a very important political figure who won Argentina

independence from Spain in 1816. José de San Martine is an ideal name that

you don’t want to forget, and while traveling in Argentina you will notice that
most of the street and plaza names are named after him.

The great city of Buenos Aires is Argentina’s capital and is proclaimed

by Argentineans as the best city in the world. For example if you were to

depart from Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, the flight attendant

would announce through the intercom, “we will be departing from the

majestic city of Buenos Aires shortly,” and once you have landed in Paris the

flight attendant will announce through the intercom, “we have landed in the

small city of Paris, London.” The ethnocentric attitude in Argentina is

directed not only towards neighboring countries, but also to the rest of the

world. Argentineans pride themselves to be part of the great city of Buenos

Aires and it is important to know that criticism can easily offend them, so it is

vital to be sensitive to their culture and to pay close attention to when

sincere compliments are appropriate.

Though it is important to know the history of Argentina, it is important

not to bring up the Perón years and the Falkland/Malvinas island War.

Argentineans hold great resentment towards these years, because Perón

was the most controversial leader of Argentinean and the Falkland/Malvinas

islands were part or the “dirty war” which was a humiliating event for

Argentineans. If you do bring up the islands in conversation, make sure you

use the name of “Malvinas”.

Argentinean scheduling is different from American scheduling:

sometimes Argentineans will be prompt, but usually you will be kept waiting,

so be patient. When presenting a business proposition it will take a process

of a couple of days, so it is very important to plan for this. When you have an

appointment arrive on time but know that Argentineans will start late. With

95% literacy rate, Argentina workers are on same level as other industrial

countries. Their work ethic is considered to be very strong, but there are

certain circumstances at work where you will find workers without a

problem-solving attitude. The workers will mostly likely blame a problem on

bad luck or fate, and they also tend to work longer hours and take long

breaks. It is very important to always know professional titles and courtesy

titles. Responding with a professional title is an act of respect. Greet with a

handshake and a slight nod and know that sometimes Argentineans will give

you a hug, but usually this is more common in other Latin countries. If you

encounter a businesswoman, you may greet her with a light kiss on the

cheek, but remember that this more appropriate for an Argentinean man

towards an American businesswoman. If you are an American business man

approaching an Argentinean woman, just refrain and wait for the woman to

take initiative. If the woman is not comfortable with this kind of greeting,

then make sure you extend your hand at the beginning of the meeting. It is

also very important to know who is higher in hierarchy in a group so that you

can greet them first. First names should not be used unless the host requests

it. Some Argentineans have two last names, but this is rare and is more

common in Latin countries.

General manners and customs

The way you behave will definitely have a great impact on how
Argentineans will treat you. Greetings will be essential to transmitting the

right message, so make sure you first locate the eldest or most important

person in the group and then proceed with a regular handshake, making sure

that at the same time you keep eye contact, then finish with a smile.

Argentineans believe eye contact shows interest and care. If you have the

opportunity for third-party introductions, make sure you give them the

opportunity to introduce you to the others. When leaving make sure you say

bye to each person individually. A light kiss on a female cheek is sometimes

customary or both cheeks if not sure let them lead. Make sure you do not

take advantage of this custom for it will show no respect for Argentinean

culture. Argentineans have a more physically affectionate culture. Hugs and

pats on the back are considered normal. Make sure you never put your feet

on their furniture.

Gifts are a priority if you are invited to an Argentineans house. A good

idea for a gift is a spirit because they are extremely taxed in Argentina. What

not to bring are knives and scissors because you will immediately lose the

connection with the hostess. Remember that the gifts will be opened in front

of you immediately so think about something that could be used in the same

day. Proper dress is required for men when invited to host home. He should

were a jacket, a dress shirt, and a tie. The usual male wear in Argentina is

casual, which is a dress t-shirt and dress jeans. Women should wear a dress

or a skirt and blouse when invited to a host house. Generally women have

more trouble adapting to the style in Argentina because the normal dress
wear for them has more flair than the normal American attire. Once you and

the hostess have set a date and time make sure you arrive thirty to forty-five

minutes later than time designated for dinner. Remember that punctuality is

not the norm in Argentina. There is an exception to the lax punctuality; this

is futbol or soccer as Americans call it. Also lunch and dinner are later than

normal American meals, being at 3 for lunch and 9 or 10pm for dinner. Make

sure you send a card the next day or call them to express gratitude.

Once you are inside the house and the conversation has started

usually the conversation will consist of light-hearted humor. Sometimes

Argentineans will be making jokes about each other’s weight. Even if all the

jokes are about you, don’t get offended and just proceed with the night. It is

an Argentinean custom to tease one another but you should not join in this

custom immediately. The host will sit you so be patient and be social. There

is nothing new with the way you hold your knife or fork. Always wait for the

hostess to invite you to begin eating. Make sure your hands are always

visible but do not let your elbows fall on the table. A toast will be made and

that will be your cue to drink your beverage. Leaving food on your plate is

considered polite in Argentina, even if you are still hungry. When you

finished your meal place your fork and knife on your plate with the prongs

facing toward you and the handles facing to the right. If there is wine try to

avoid pouring it, because in many cases this would be offensive.

(http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/argentina.html)

(http://www.helium.com/items/1931423-etiquette-and-manners-in-argentina?page=2)
If you attend a funeral while in Argentina you will view the dead person
immediately after they die. This will either take place at a funeral home or

the place where the person passed away. Coffee will be the only thing served

in some occasions. In the Northeast part of Argentina, funerals are a little

different because of traditions passed down. It will consist of a special

ceremony called “Velorio del angelito” this title will only be given if the

ceremony is for a child’s death. There will be dancing and singing as part of

the tradition at the ceremony. Culture of Argentina - traditional, history, people,

traditions, women, beliefs, food, customs, family, social, marriage, men, life, immigrants,

population, religion, rituals, History and ethnic relations http://www.everyculture.com/A-

Bo/Argentina.html#ixzz0yn4jAakJ

Business-specific manners and customs

When conducting business in Argentina make sure you are prepared

for formal conversation and have formal clothing. Argentina is quite different

compared to the rest of Latin America, especially in Buenos Aires or if you

are dealing with high executives of traditional families who own their own

business. Argentineans are very detail-oriented when it comes to your

appearance. Make sure you look your best from your head to your toes. This

is true when you are dealing with very high executives. They will look

critically to your lodging and home so make sure you stay in a top quality

hotel. It will be necessary to schedule an appointment ahead of time because

walk-ins are not welcomed.

When it comes to government bureaucracy you must have a local contact in

order to ease the process. Local contacts will know the ins and outs to

certain business processes. Most business deals happen because of personal

connections, which is different from most American business deals. Business

with Argentineans takes longer because they want to create a personal

relationship first.

During this process of creating a personal relationship there will be idle

conversation so make sure you know what is currently going on in Argentina.

Also make sure you do not try to speed up this process so you can get to the

business proposition. This will be considered rude. Drinks will be provided,

most likely a cup of espresso. Accepting the beverage will show politeness.

There is no time limit to negotiations. Since business in Argentina takes

longer, patience and cultural understanding is required.

It is a plus if you can speak Spanish, their native tongue. It will

definitely win more business. If you do not know Spanish make sure you ask

for permission to speak English, if this is your only means of communication.

People from Argentina appreciate the effort to speak their language, even if

you only know a little. Another benefit would be to have your business card

translated to Spanish and the documents you are giving to them. Business

can be done on the phone. Yet it is more beneficial if you can do it in person,

it gives you a better chance of accomplishing a business deal. This is

because you can only gain a certain level of trust on the phone. Much

Argentinean communication is done by physical motion, by using hand

gestures when speaking. Gestures that show acceptance include the

distance between people who are in a conversation. The closer the distance

you are from the other person, the more interest is shown. Business deals
would profit from the opportunity to talk to each other in person.

Make a priority to be eloquent in your speaking. Argentines are

particular about the level of your speaking abilities because they see it as a

reflection of your education. Most communication in Argentina is diplomatic,

which results in very misleading information. This causes frustration for

those that do not know these mannerisms. This usually happens with

potential business partners who are reluctant to say no to the proposal.

Communication can sometimes be a challenge. To understand Argentinean

communication you must look for the context not the content. It is necessary

to be observant of body language, relationships, and the situation. These

things lead to a better understanding of the conversation. During the

negotiation process you should always inform your possible partner of the

option of forfeiting the deal. This saves you valuable time. If you do get to

the negotiation process make sure you are prepared to wait for a long time.

Argentines will do everything possible to get what they want so concessions

will come slowly. Argentineans may not have the best attitude during

negotiation. Another reason why negotiation will take an extended time

periods is because Argentines tend to be very analytical so they have to

review each step. Also, there is corruption in business sector and

government, so there will be checks and balances to look over. This is one of

the reasons why it is so important to build a relationship founded on trust at

the beginning of the negotiation process.

Keys to being successful to closing a deal with an Argentinean are to

interpret their aspiration and motivations. If money is their motivation, then

you have an easy process. But if you run into someone with no motivation of

money then you will experience problems.

Argentines tend to be not as open to new ideas as old ones. Sometime

making a deal can be very emotional, but make sure you keep composure.

Their views on situations are taken very seriously. They tend to focus more

on intuition.

In family owned companies they tend to have less focus on facts and

figures. They are sold more on your emotions, so make sure you are

enthusiastic and have a positive attitude during the presentation of your

product or service. Negotiations sometimes can seem like they are out of

control. But be forewarned that Argentines tend to act as though they are

disinterested in the business deal. This is done to cause your discomposure

and to make you vulnerable. Also this makes it easier for them to get what

they want.

The most important thing to remember is that nothing has happened

or is final until the contract has been signed. Make sure you keep your

composure and do not be rude. At times, there is so much confusion you

might have no idea where you are standing with your proposition. During

these situations it is good to talk to your key contact of the host company

and to ask them how the negotiation process is going. One thing to be aware

of is that at the last minute Argentines tend to raise the stakes. However,

you should never assume anything is legitimate until it is added to and

signed on the contract. Everything is subject to change until the contract is

signed.

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:h-
rDs16X9fQJ:www.learncom.com/pdf/921A.pdf+argentinas+work+ethic&hl=en&gl=us&pid=
bl&srcid=ADGEESj8GpZD8HcruodnvWGn9AJ7i7b0_rxSSCFU3ofWUNGGNEPLWuP3hkChRMqe
A9McbKkK1_TbDpVWNkJFJltyJOBjNylq8jSzgswccyjdjnQWkCIiGqLUuHgXT-
kRWcPous_AMfqN&sig=AHIEtbQjkaNMuQ09OqXTq6nnnn_qMBx9Og
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/argentina.html
http://www.helium.com/items/1931423-etiquette-and-manners-in-argentina?page=2

Social structure

The Argentines social structure tends to be hierarchical especially in

business organizations. Status in a business organization is important. The

higher you are the more respect you will receive. The way you are addressed

and the way address someone else should always be by the proper

professional title followed by father’s surname, unless they tell you

differently.

Women in Argentina are more involved in the workforce than they

have been in past years. The typical Argentinean women once bearing a

child would leave the workforce. Today Argentinean women are starting to

hire nannies for their children and return to their jobs.

(http://www.communicaid.com/access/pdf/library/culture/doing-business-in/Doing
%20Business%20in%20Argentina.pdf)
Equality for women in Argentina has been a struggle even though it is

under their constitution. Women are still fighting for equality in advancement

of position, pay, and labor force. There are no equal opportunities in the

government sector for women. There are more male senators, deputies, and

secretaries of state. Architecture is the only field that women outnumber

men in Argentina. One of the main issues women have dealt with in the

workplace is sexual harassment. Women in Argentina suffer from domestic

abuse and violence against them frequently. This is at work and in everyday

society. The government has created a battered women’s shelter, which is

operated 24/7 in the city of Buenos Aires.

Handicapped access to public places has had a major growth after a

law was created to stop discrimination of the disabled. The law was aimed

mostly for the indigenous people in Argentina, but still today you will hear

reports of police brutality against them.

Culture of Argentina - traditional, history, people, traditions, women, beliefs, food, customs,
family, social, marriage, men, life, immigrants, population, religion, rituals, History and
ethnic relations http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Argentina.html#ixzz0yn3kFSza
http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Americas/Argentina-SOCIAL-DEVELOPMENT.html
Argentina is made up of mostly an upper class and lower class but

recently there has been an immergence of a very large middle class. Most of

the upper class can be traced to former landowners of large estates. The

middle class has gained in number once urbanization and industrialization

took a huge jump because of immigrants immigrating to Argentina. They

created industrial, commercial, and public sector jobs in their economy. In

1980 and the 1990s, there was a huge economic crisis that turned the

middle class back in time where they gained the name “The New Poor”. The

upper classes are very easily recognized; usually they will be wearing

imported clothes or top Argentine name brands. Style is not fixed. It is much

like the US in that they tend to have fashion change with season and culture.

There was a time where education for upper class was secluded to only
British and French culture. This is not true anymore. Today, Argentineans

tend to favor more of the North American education and style.

http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Argentina.html

Culture of Argentina - traditional, history, people, traditions, women, beliefs, food, customs,
family, social, marriage, men, life, immigrants, population, religion, rituals, History and
ethnic relations http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Argentina.html#ixzz0yn3kFSza
The Argentinean family is under the category of nuclear family. They

tend to be small families having one or two kids. A big reason for this is the

economy and also family tradition. The children will usually stay at home

with parents until they are married. Their average age is late twenties. Once

they are married they tend to live far away from family. The household

responsibilities are shared between spouse and wife, but usually the wife

takes care of all the chores at home.

Culture of Argentina - traditional, history, people, traditions, women, beliefs, food, customs,
family, social, marriage, men, life, immigrants, population, religion, rituals, History and
ethnic relations http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Argentina.html#ixzz0yn49BTWw

Religion(s)

The religious beliefs in Argentina are 90% claim to be Roman Catholic,

1 million Protestant with different denomination within Christianity, 500.000

are Jewish, and about 100.000 are Islam. An important fact about Roman

Catholic Argentineans is that only 50% of them regularly attend church. The

other 50% might show on special occasions.

(http://www.spainexchange.com/guide/AR-religion.htm)

The middle and upper class urban sectors have recently started to

follow New Age and EASTERN religions. Spiritual phenomena are normal in

Argentina. Many catholics believe in certain saints with healing powers.

There is also a major influence of sorcerers, which have migrated from Brazil

who bring with them the Afro-Brazilian beliefs. Palm reading and Tarot have

become very popular on weekends in Argentinean fairs.

Culture of Argentina - traditional, history, people, traditions, women, beliefs, food,

customs, family, social, marriage, men, life, immigrants, population, religion, rituals, History
and ethnic relations http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Argentina.html#ixzz0yn4RdLHz
Physical and material environments/Aesthetics

Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world compared to the

US. It is one-third its size. Most of Argentina’s land consists of lowland,

except for the very mountainous western areas. There are four regions that

make up the topography of Argentina: Andean, Patagonia, subtropical plain

of the north, and the pampas. The Andean region covers 30% of the country.

The Patagonia region covers 300,000 square miles. The average altitude in

Argentina ranges from 300-1,600 ft, even though there are certain parts of

Patagonia that can reach up to 5,000 ft. The huge expanse of well-watered

level plains known as the pampas are a huge characteristic that Argentina

features. The pampas region expands in shape of a half circle from Buenos

Aires to the Andes, to the Chaco, and to Patagonia. It all surrounds the major

city of Argentina, Buenos Aires that holds 80% of the population and is the

source of its greatest wealth. The highest peak in South America is located in

Argentina. It is called Mt. Aconcagua, and its elevation is 22,835 ft.

(http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Americas/Argentina-TOPOGRAPHY.html)

With a varied landscape, it is important to understand that the heart,

mind, and soul of the country are in the capital Buenos Aires. The city is 450

years old and it is where the main operations of business, government, and
the arts are located. If you ever are traveling in Argentina you will always go

through Buenos Argentina because it is the transportation hub. Its always

important to know that the seasons are opposite in Argentina compared to

American seasons. The winter season will run from June through August. On

average the temperature in Argentina is a very temperate climate.

(http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:h-
rDs16X9fQJ:www.learncom.com/pdf/921A.pdf+argentinas+work+ethic&hl=en&gl=us&pid=
bl&srcid=ADGEESj8GpZD8HcruodnvWGn9AJ7i7b0_rxSSCFU3ofWUNGGNEPLWuP3hkChRMqe
A9McbKkK1_TbDpVWNkJFJltyJOBjNylq8jSzgswccyjdjnQWkCIiGqLUuHgXT-
kRWcPous_AMfqN&sig=AHIEtbQjkaNMuQ09OqXTq6nnnn_qMBx9Og)

The aesthetics of Argentina consist of a mandatory siesta, which is a

time to take a break from work and go back home to see your family. It is

actually is quite nice once you get used to the business hours. Plastic surgery

in Argentina has become a norm so much that it is actually included in your

insurance plan. Plastic surgery in Argentina has the highest per capita rates

of experience. Youthfulness and beauty are very important in the

Argentinean society. Futbol is a national pastime. It is what we call soccer in

the United States. Futbol in Argentina is so important that the country will

paralyze when its country is playing. If traveling on the road you will find no

one on the streets and sometimes if it’s a world cup match the President will

order for the country to go home and watch the game. Mate is a type of tea

that many Argentineans drink out of tradition, and it is acceptable to take a

break at work for this reason. In the business world Mate is actually a very

important TOOL to negotiation and conversation. It’s a very traditional drink

that consists of a special thermal bottle with a metal straw that has a specific
process to drinking. (http://www.tenfootsquare.com/top-ten-cultural-differences-about-
argentina/)

Hofstede’s Five Dimensions

Argentina can be compared to many Latin American countries, and it

can almost be said that their cultures are identical. If we take a closer look

with the help of the Hofstede Framework we will be able to see deeper into

their cultures.

Hofstede Framework consists of five dimensions: Individualism versus

collectivism, Power distance, Uncertainty avoidance, Masculinity vs.

Femininity, and Long-term orientation.

The Uncertainty Avoidance is ranked in the highest on Hofstede

diagram at 85%. This tells us that Argentina society’s has a very low

tolerance for uncertainty. A process that Argentina has tried to attempt to

reduce their uncertainty is creating stricter rules, law, policies, and

regulations. Their country’s top priority or goal has become to make sure

they control everything as much as possible to make sure they don’t have to

deal with uncertainty. We can definitely see this in their society with their

interactions in relationships. They hold trust factor to a high priority before

taking any risks in any kind of situation. This is also why business

propositions to Argentinean business people take a lot longer process than

usual.

The Power distance is the third highest ranked on Hofstede diagram at

45%. Argentina’s power distance tells us that status is held very high. This is
one of the reasons that it is important to always greet the most important

person first. To know everyone’s professional title or proper last name is also

very important. In this kind of culture you see more inequality between

different social classes. Respect is another aspect of power distance

dimension. As you can see the manners and customs are more formal than

US manners and customs. In a Business sector, power distance is crucial in

Argentina because it is more formal and casual at different times than an

American businessperson would do business.

Individualism is the fourth highest ranked on Hofsted diagram at 40%.

Individualism in Argentina is relatively high in comparison with other Latin

countries. The reason for such a high Individualism rank relates to their

uncertainty, lack of trust, and them being not very risk adverted. Most Latin

countries have a very high collectivistic rank, but due to the belief of

Argentinean race being pure, European descendants cut out half of its

population because there is also indigenous people who live in Argentina.

The business sector tends to be more in favor of doing business with

business partners of high status, people that are able to speak the same

language as them. There is a great sense of pride and patriotism in being

Argentinean that can be seen especially in their passion for Futbol as they

cheer and don’t sleep when their country plays for the world cup. Futbol is

probably one of the only factors that brings together a corrupted country

that has a lack of trust for anyone. The day Argentina plays against one of

it’s biggest rivals, Brazil, the country suddenly becomes united. They
become a collectivistic society with their hearts and souls as they watch in

suspense.

Masculinity is the second highest ranked on Hofsted diagram at 55%.

The masculinity versus femininity, tells us that Argentinean women are still

not equal to men in their society. We can definitely see this in the business

sector as more governmental jobs are given to men over women. The role of

women in Argentina has been changing in the last couple of years. Women

today are hiring nannies and going back to work instead of being stay at

home moms, which used to be the norm. There is one field in the job force

women are taking over in Argentina, which is architecture. One major issue

women have at work is sexual harassment, and in most cases they can’t do

anything about it because of the society not seeing women as equal and the

women knowing it will lose them their job to speak out. This has been

changing recently to new laws created to protect women.

Hofsted has not yet calculated the Long-term Orientation in Argentina,

but with what I have learned from my research, I would characterize

Argentina in a short-term orientation because of its importance of its culture

and tradition. Argentineans are also very sensitive to how you address them.

They have a more formal greeting approach than an American approach.

Their sense of not being very risk-adverted shows that they like to have a

very steady approach and don’t like drastic change immediately. In the

business sector, make sure your approach isn’t going to make your partner

feel uncomfortable.
http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_argentina.shtml

Summary of key differences/similarities with US culture

Argentina and the US are on two different continents, a couple

thousands miles away, but there are many similarities as well as differences.

Family in Argentina is crucial in the business aspect, and it plays a role in the

collectivistic part of society. Old American culture used to put family first, but

the lack of family time in the US is growing. Family dinner is not common

anymore in America. The youth in Argentina experience a different culture as

they grow up their whole life at home until they are married. The typical

American youth, once the age of 18, either leaves the house to work or

leaves to college away from family. There is more independence in America

with a lack of family time.

When you are in a conversation with an Argentinean, make sure you

don’t approach them with a closed mind to what they believe, which is very

common in the way conversation usually occurs in the US. There is no

political correctness in Argentina, so make sure anything said to you or to

someone is not taken in all seriousness. Americans will usually feel awkward

because our culture isn’t really open to say what they feel. Argentineans

tend to be so passionate that profanity is not the same there as it is an

America.

Time is one of the biggest differences between the US and Argentina.

Punctuality is not the norm in Argentina as it is in the US. It is important to

be prepared during a business proposition because they will usually start late
and take a longer process than you are used to.

The way of greeting is also very different in Argentina than in the US. It

is taken to another level becoming more formal. Status also has more

emphasis in Argentina than in the US. For instance, calling someone by their

right title is a sign of respect. There are parts of the US where this is still

true, but it is a tradition that is dying.