■Argentinean Society and Culture

◆ Europeans or Latin Americans?

Most Argentines are mainly of European origin, which distinguishes them from other Latin American countries where European and Indian cultures are more intermingled. Culturally and emotionally, Argentines often appear more European than Latin American.

◆ Argentinean Family Values

The family is the core of Argentine life with extended families still being given importance. The heads of powerful families obtain widespread respect, but with this comes a duty to care for others in terms of security, jobs, etc. and to protect personal and family honor.

Honor is in all respects the almost important element and it routinely influences daily life at home, in the community and in business.

◆ Religion in Argentina

The Argentine constitution promises religious freedom. Roman Catholicism is the official state religion. Other world religions, especially Islam, are getting a foothold within the country during the last ten to fifteen years.

◆ Expressive Communication Style

◇Argentines are generally open, straightforward, and direct, yet are able to keep tactful and diplomatic.

◇Argentines are a friendly peoples and their unreservedness makes their passion and sentimentality prominent.

◇Moreover, when communicating they are physically close to each other, so they will often touch each other when speaking and keep little physical distance between speakers.

■General Etiquette and Customs

◆ Meeting Etiquette

◇Initial greetings are formal and adhere to a set protocol of greeting the most senior or important person first.

◇The common form of greeting is a standard handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile.

◇Maintaining eye contact shows interest.

◇Generally Argentines prefer intermediary introductions, so you should wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to others at a small gathering.

◇When leaving, say good bye to the others one by one.

◆ Gift Giving Etiquette

◇If you are invited to dinner at an Argentine’s home take along a small gift for the hostess.

◇Since taxes on imported spirits are extremely high, a bottle of imported spirits is always appreciated.

◇Never send knives or scissors as they indicate a desire to sever the relationship.

◇Gifts are opened without delay.

◆ Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to an Argentine home:

◇Dress well. It is appropriate for men to wear a jacket and tie. Women are expected to wear a dress or a skirt and blouse.

◇Arrive 30 to 45 minutes later than invited for a dinner party. Being punctual is not the norm.

◇Call your hosts the following day to express your thanks.

◆ Table Manners

◇Wait for the host or hostess to show you where to take a seat. There may be a seating arrangement.

◇Table manners are Continental—hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right hand while eating.

◇Do not start eating until the hostess invites you to do so.

◇Always make sure that your hands can be seen when eating, but do not place your elbows on the table.

◇Wait for the host to make a toast before taking the first sip of your drink.

◇It is regarded good manners to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.

◇When you have finished eating, put your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.

◇There are many rituals and cultural taboos for pouring wine. If at all possible, try not to pour wine.

■Business Etiquette and Protocol in Argentina

◆ Relationships and Communication

◇Argentina is a culture that stresses relationship, so it is important to build networks and make use of them.

◇Argentines maintain and use a complex network of family and friends to call upon for help, favors or assistance.

◇If you get help from others, you will ultimately be called upon to re-pay it.

◇Name-dropping and nepotism do not have the negative implications as it has in the West and can be used to your advantage.

◇Above all Argentines prefer to conduct business with people they know and believe in.

◇They prefer face-to-face meetings rather than by telephone or in writing, which are regarded as impersonal.

◇Once a relationship has been established, they will be loyal to you rather than to the company you represent.

◇Looking good in the eyes of others is vital to Argentines. Therefore, they will judge you not only on what you say, but also on how you display yourself.

◇Avoid confrontation. Argentines do not like publicly acknowledging they are wrong.

◇It is necessary to show reverence and respect to those in positions of authority. When having dealings with people at the same level, communication can be more informal.

◇Be watchful about minor differences and hidden meanings. It is advisable to repeat details, as you understand them to confirm that you and your business colleagues reach an agreement.

◆ Business Meeting Etiquette

◇It is necessary to make appointments 1 to 2 weeks ahead, preferably by email or telephone.

◇Avoid January and February, which are their times for vacation; the middle weeks of July, which is when many go skiing; and during the two weeks before and after Christmas.

◇You should be punctual for meetings, although the person you are meeting may not arrive on time.

◇In some older, more bureaucratic organizations, the more important the person you are meeting, the longer they keep you waiting.

◇Do not start discussing business right away. Small talk helps establish a good relationship.

◇The person you are meeting with may answer telephone calls and deal with other business while you are there.

◇Provide all printed material in both your mother language and Spanish.

◇Decisions are not made at meetings. Meetings are intended for discussion and to exchange ideas.

◆ Business Negotiations

◇Argentines expect to have dealings with people of similar status.

◇Hierarchy is important. The top of the company makes decisions. Business is conducted slowly because it is extremely bureaucratic. Decisions often require several rounds of approval.

◇Argentines do not like to show disapproval directly, so do not think that things are going well simply because no one objects to what you say.

◆ What to Wear

◇Business dress is formal and conservative, yet stylish.

◇It is better for men to wear dark-colored, conservative business suits.

◇Women are expected to wear elegant business suits or dresses.

◇Good quality accessories are important for both men and women.

◇Dress well if you want to leave a good impression.

◆ Business Card Etiquette

◇Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.

◇Make sure one side of your business card is printed in Spanish.

◇Present your business card with the Spanish side facing the receiver.