Mexico has a long history of cultural norms and values that have been passed down through generations. These beliefs and traditions form the basis of Mexican business culture, which is why it can be difficult to understand for outsiders. In this blog post, we’ll explore Mexican business culture in greater depth and provide insight into how best to navigate its intricacies. From negotiation tactics to understanding national holidays, you’ll gain valuable knowledge about what it takes to make your business thrive in Mexico.
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Communication
Communication in Mexico is generally direct and concise. Mexicans tend to avoid small talk, especially when they are doing business. The preferred communication style is often seen as blunt and to the point. This can be interpreted as being impolite or rude, but it is simply the way business is done in Mexico.
It is important to be aware of body language when communicating with Mexicans. For example, eye contact is considered to be very important and avoiding it may be interpreted as a sign of disrespect. Additionally, touching someone else’s shoulder or back is generally not done unless you are very close friends or family.
When it comes to written communication, emails and other formal documents are usually written in Spanish. However, if you are corresponding with a Mexican business partner who speaks English, it is perfectly acceptable to use English as well.
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Cultural taboos
Cultural taboos are an important part of business culture in Mexico. It is important to be aware of these taboos so that you can avoid offending your Mexican business partners.
Some common cultural taboos in Mexico include:
- Talking about death: Mexicans believe that death is a natural part of life and should not be feared or avoided. As such, talking about death is considered taboo.
- Disrespecting elders: Elders are respected in Mexican culture, and it is considered very rude to disrespect them. This includes speaking to them in a tone that is too familiar or friendly.
- Making negative comments about Mexico: It is impolite to make negative comments about Mexico, its people, or its culture. Doing so will likely offend your business partners and damage your relationship with them.
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Holidays
In Mexico, there are a number of holidays that are celebrated throughout the year. These holidays include:
- New Year’s Day (January 1st)
- Three Kings’ Day (January 6th)
- Valentine’s Day (February 14th)
- Day of the Dead (November 1st & 2nd)
- Independence Day (September 16th)
- Christmas Eve (December 24th)
- Christmas Day (December 25th)
On New Year’s Eve, it is common for businesses to close early so that employees can spend time with their families. Many businesses will also close on Three Kings’ Day and Independence Day. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are typically slow days for business, as many people have the day off from work.