ARGENTINA

 

Business Meeting Etiquette

 

• Appointments are necessary and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance, preferably by e-mail or telephone.

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

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

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

• Do not immediately begin discussing business. Small talk helps establish a rapport.

• The person you are meeting with may accept telephone calls and attend to other business while you are there.

•  Have all printed material available in both English and Spanish.

• Decisions are not reached at meetings. Meetings are for discussion and to exchange ideas.

Business Negotiations

 

• Argentines expect to deal with people of similar status.

• Hierarchy is important. Decisions are made at the top of the company. Business moves slowly because it is extremely bureaucratic. Decisions often require several layers of approval.

• Argentines have a difficult time disagreeing, so do not think that things are going well simply because no one is challenging what you say.

What to Wear?

 

• Business attire is formal and conservative, yet stylish.

• Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits.

• Women should wear elegant business suits or dresses.

• Good quality accessories are important for both sexes.

• Dress well if you want to make a good impression.