Society and Culture

Society and Culture

Business. Social.
Language

Religion

Demographics

Cultural Orientation

Business Practices

Appointments
Punctuality

Business Entertaining

Cultural note

Time

Protocol
Greetings

Titles / Forms of Address

Gestures

Cultural note

Dress

Gifts

Business. Social. Language

Religion

Demographics

Cultural Orientation

Business Practices

Appointments Punctuality

Business Entertaining

Cultural note

Time

Protocol Greetings

Titles / Forms of Address

Gestures

Cultural note

Dress

Gifts

Business. Social.
Language

Appointments
Punctuality

Protocol
Greetings

Spanish is the official language, although many people speak English, Italian, or other languages. Argentine Spanish is heavily influenced by Italian and is unlike Spanish spoken anywhere else on the continent.

Church and state are officially separate, but about 90 percent of the population considers itself Roman Catholic. Jews and Protestants account for 2 percent each.

About 85 percent of Argentines are of European descent, primarily Spanish or Italian. Indians, mestizos (people of mixed Indian and Spanish ancestry), and blacks together make up only 15 percent of Argentina's 40 million people. There are also significant numbers of French, English, and German immigrants. Buenos Aires boasts the largest number of Jews in Latin America; they are commonly referred to as los rusos (the Russians) because most of the early Jewish settlers emigrated from Czarist Russia. There are over 500,000 Irish Argentinians who are well represented in all professions & business activities including law, banking, accountancy, medicine, manufacturing, real estate, horse breeding & farming. An influential Anglo - Argentine community gives the English a good say too.

Cognitive Styles: How Argentines Organise and Process Information

Strong European influences make Argentines less open to discussion of new ideas than the citizens of most other Latin American countries. Those with higher educations are more apt to be abstractive in their thinking, although associative, experiential thinking is the rule of thumb. Strong personal relationships make Argentines more concerned about the consequences of an action than about the action itself.

Negotiation Strategies: What Argentines Accept as Evidence

There is a decided conflict among the forces of feeling, faith, and facts. Argentines look at problems from a subjective perspective, but these feelings are usually influenced by faith in some ideology (primarily the Catholic church, a political party, or ethnocentrism). Facts are always acceptable as long as they do not contradict either feeling or faith. However, an outsider may never realize this, since it is difficult for Argentines to openly disagree with someone they like.

Value Systems: The Basis for Behavior

Humanitarian values are strong, but consumerism is resulting in a more materialistic society. The following three sections identify the Value Systems in the predominant culture–their methods of dividing right from wrong, good from evil, and so forth.

Locus of Decision Making

Decisions are usually made by an individual, but they are always made with the best interest of a larger group in mind. The most honored group is the extended family, from which one gains his or her self-identity. Kinships and friendships play major roles in decision making.

Sources of Anxiety Reduction

Although the older generations are still attached to the church and the extended family for their security, the younger generation is putting more faith in the social structure. This sometimes leads to unrealistic allegiance to a strong political figure or ideology.

Issues of Equality

Those who are in power consider themselves entitled to the privileges that come with the office. Although machismo is still very strong, it is being challenged on all fronts. There are now more women than men in school, and women are taking a leading role in both politics and business.

Visitors are expected to be punctual. However, do not be surprised if your Argentine counterpart is late. In general, the more important the person, the more likely it is that he or she will keep you waiting.

Note that social occasions have different rules. Even Europeans are expected to be thirty to sixty minutes late for dinner or parties; to show up on time would be impolite. But be on time for lunch and for events with a scheduled starting time, such as the theater.

When it is important to know if your Argentine counterpart expects promptness, you can ask, "¿En punto?" (on the dot?).

It is wise to make your first appointment in Argentina with an enchufado–an individual who has contacts in your industry segment. This person opens the doors, and can greatly facilitate the process of doing business. Argentine executives may put in a very long day, often lasting until 10:00 P.M. An
8:00 P.M. business meeting is not at all unusual.
Negotiating

The pace of business negotiations is a little slower than in Ireland. Do not be surprised if it takes you several trips to accomplish your goal.

One reason business moves slowly is that Argentina is a bureaucratic country. Each decision must be approved by many people.

Personal relationships are far more important than corporate ones. Each time your company changes its representative, you will virtually be starting from scratch. A new relationship must be built up before business can proceed.

Any time you want to deal with the Argentine government, it is vital to have an Argentine contact to act as an intermediary. Without one, you probably won't even get an appointment.

Don't assume that each portion of a contract is finalised once agreement on that portion has been reached. Until the entire contract is signed, each portion is subject to renegotiation.

Business meals are popular and are usually held in restaurants; offers to dine in Argentine homes are relatively infrequent.

To summon a waiter, raise your hand with your index finger extended or call out mozo (waiter) or moza (waitress). Don't adopt the local habit of making a kissing noise to attract a waiter; although common, it is considered impolite.

Business lunches are uncommon outside of Buenos Aires, since most people go home to eat lunch.

Argentines do not usually discuss business over meals; meals are considered social occasions.

As dinner does not begin until 10:00 P.M. (or later on weekends), Argentines have tea or coffee and pastries between 4:00 and 6:00 P.M. If you are in a meeting during that time, you will be offered something. Accept something to drink, even if you don't want it. Argentines do not put milk in their coffee, so it will probably not be available.

When dining, keep your hands on the table, not in your lap.

Avoid pouring wine, if possible. There are several complex taboos about wine pouring, which a foreigner can unknowingly violate. For example, pouring with the left hand is a major insult, pouring wine backwards into a glass indicates hostility, and so on.

Remember that the taxes on imported liquors are enormous. When you are invited out, your host will be paying, so don't order imported liquors unless your host does so first. Try a local drink instead; most types of liquor are produced in local versions.

To indicate that you are finished eating and have had enough, cross your knife and fork (with the prongs down) on your dinner plate.

Argentina serves some of the best beef in the world; expect to see a lot of it at meals.

Argentina is three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T.-3).

Except when greeting close friends, it is traditional to shake hands briefly and nod to both men and women.

Close male friends shake hands or embrace upon meeting; men kiss close female friends. Close female friends usually kiss each other. The full embrace (abrazo) may entail a hug, a handshake, and several thumps on the shoulder, ending with another handshake.

While many languages will be heard on the streets of Argentina (English, French, German, Italian, and several Indian languages), all the businesspeople you meet will be fluent in Spanish, so Spanish titles may be used.

Note that Argentine Spanish has many unique features not found in other Spanish-speaking countries; it is highly influenced by Italian.

Most people you meet should be addressed with a title and their surname. Only children, family members, and close friends address each other by their first names.

Persons who do not have professional titles should be addressed as Mr., Mrs., Miss, plus their surname. In Spanish, these are.

Mr. = Señor
Mrs. = Señora
Miss = Señorita

When a person has a title, it is important to address him or her with that title
followed by the surname. A Ph.D. or a physician is called Doctor. Teachers prefer the title Profesor, engineers go by Ingeniero, architects are Arquitecto, and lawyers are Abogado.

The Argentine people converse at a closer distance than Irish people are used to–often with a hand on the other person's lapel or shoulder. Restrain yourself from trying to back away; an Argentine will probably step forward to close the distance.

Maintaining eye contact is very important–something that some Irish may find difficult while speaking to a person at such close quarters.

A pat on the shoulder is a sign of friendship.

The gesture that some Irish use to mean "so-so" (twisting the flat, open hand from side to side) is common in Argentina. The meaning is the same.

A sweeping gesture beginning under the chin and continuing up over the top of the head is used to mean "I don't know" or "I don't care."

With thumb and middle finger touching (as if holding a pinch of salt), one taps them with the index finger to indicate "hurry up" or "a lot."

Avoid placing your hands on your hips while speaking.

Make sure to cover your mouth when, either yawning or coughing.

Sit only on chairs, not on a ledge, box, or table.

Don't rest your feet on anything other than a footstool or rail; it is very impolite to place them upon a table.

Eating in the street or on public transportation is considered most impolite.

Try to avoid offering any political opinions. Be especially cautious about praising Argentina's neighbors (notably Chile). Argentina has fought wars with all of them albeit a long time ago.

Most Argentines are anxious to put the Falkland Islands War behind them, so avoid bringing the subject up. However, if it is discussed, remember to refer to the islands by their Argentine name, the Malvinas Islands.

The Argentine style of banter may seem odd, as it may include mildly derogatory comments about your wardrobe or your weight. Don't take it seriously; indeed, it is a sign that your Argentine colleague is getting comfortable around you.

Argentines are great sports fans. Talking about sports is always a good way to open a conversation. Soccer (called futbol) is the most popular sport.

Most Argentines love opera, so this is a good topic to discuss. Restaurants and sightseeing are also fine topics.

Dress is very important for making a good impression in Argentina. Your entire wardrobe will be scrutinized.

While Argentines are more in touch with European clothing styles than many Latin Americans, they tend towards the modest and the subdued. The provocative clothing popular in Brazil, for example, is rarely seen in Argentina.

Business dress in Argentina is fairly conservative; dark suits and ties for men; white blouses and dark suits or skirts for women.

Men may wear the same dark suit for evening wear, but may substitute an ascot for their tie. Women should wear a dress or skirt.

Both men and women wear pants as casual wear. If you are meeting business associates (outdoor barbecues, called asado, are popular), avoid jeans and wear a jacket or blazer. Women should never wear shorts, except when invited to a swimming pool.

Indian clothing is for Indians; don't adopt any native costumes, no matter how attractive. The same goes for gaucho outfits.

Bring lightweight clothing for the summer, topcoats and sweaters for the winter (especially as central heating is not universal). Don't forget that the seasons in South America are the reverse of those in the US & Europe.

Don't wear anything outside that can be damaged by water during Carnival time. Drenching pedestrians is a favorite Carnival pastime of the young.

High taxes on imported liquor makes this a highly appreciated gift. The most popular types are scotch and French champagne. Quality Irish whiskey or [Scotch] single malt will be appreciated. Don't bring wine; the Southern Cone produces plenty of good-quality wines.

As in the US, England or Ireland, any gift given should be of high quality. If the item is produced by your company, the corporate name or logo should appear discreetly, not be emblazoned over the whole surface.

Avoid giving knives; they symbolize the severing of a friendship.

Argentina is a major cattle producer, and thus a major leather producer. Avoid bringing leather gifts.

If you are invited to an Argentine home, bring a gift of flowers, imported chocolates, or quality Irish whiskey [or Scotch single malt]. Bird-of-paradise flowers are highly prized.

Here you will see unique estates, some of which are on offer only once in a hundred years.

Whether you need profit, lifestyle, sporting or other amenity estates here is where you will find uniqueness: beauty & elegance.

Here at The Southern Land Company we have "boots on the ground" partners as well as support partners all helping to build lasting relationships.

Society and Culture

Business. Social.
Language

Spanish is the official language, although many people speak English, Italian, or other languages. Argentine Spanish is heavily influenced by Italian and is unlike Spanish spoken anywhere else on the continent.

Religion

Church and state are officially separate, but about 90 percent of the population considers itself Roman Catholic. Jews and Protestants account for 2 percent each.

Demographics

About 85 percent of Argentines are of European descent, primarily Spanish or Italian. Indians, mestizos (people of mixed Indian and Spanish ancestry), and blacks together make up only 15 percent of Argentina's 40 million people. There are also significant numbers of French, English, and German immigrants. Buenos Aires boasts the largest number of Jews in Latin America; they are commonly referred to as los rusos (the Russians) because most of the early Jewish settlers emigrated from Czarist Russia. There are over 500,000 Irish Argentinians who are well represented in all professions & business activities including law, banking, accountancy, medicine, manufacturing, real estate, horse breeding & farming. An influential Anglo - Argentine community gives the English a good say too.

Cultural Orientation

Cognitive Styles: How Argentines Organise and Process Information

Strong European influences make Argentines less open to discussion of new ideas than the citizens of most other Latin American countries. Those with higher educations are more apt to be abstractive in their thinking, although associative, experiential thinking is the rule of thumb. Strong personal relationships make Argentines more concerned about the consequences of an action than about the action itself.

Negotiation Strategies: What Argentines Accept as Evidence

There is a decided conflict among the forces of feeling, faith, and facts. Argentines look at problems from a subjective perspective, but these feelings are usually influenced by faith in some ideology (primarily the Catholic church, a political party, or ethnocentrism). Facts are always acceptable as long as they do not contradict either feeling or faith. However, an outsider may never realize this, since it is difficult for Argentines to openly disagree with someone they like.

Value Systems: The Basis for Behavior

Humanitarian values are strong, but consumerism is resulting in a more materialistic society. The following three sections identify the Value Systems in the predominant culture–their methods of dividing right from wrong, good from evil, and so forth.

Locus of Decision Making

Decisions are usually made by an individual, but they are always made with the best interest of a larger group in mind. The most honored group is the extended family, from which one gains his or her self-identity. Kinships and friendships play major roles in decision making.

Sources of Anxiety Reduction

Although the older generations are still attached to the church and the extended family for their security, the younger generation is putting more faith in the social structure. This sometimes leads to unrealistic allegiance to a strong political figure or ideology.

Issues of Equality

Those who are in power consider themselves entitled to the privileges that come with the office. Although machismo is still very strong, it is being challenged on all fronts. There are now more women than men in school, and women are taking a leading role in both politics and business.

Business Practices

Appointments
Punctuality

Visitors are expected to be punctual. However, do not be surprised if your Argentine counterpart is late. In general, the more important the person, the more likely it is that he or she will keep you waiting.

Note that social occasions have different rules. Even Europeans are expected to be thirty to sixty minutes late for dinner or parties; to show up on time would be impolite. But be on time for lunch and for events with a scheduled starting time, such as the theater.

When it is important to know if your Argentine counterpart expects promptness, you can ask, "¿En punto?" (on the dot?).

It is wise to make your first appointment in Argentina with an enchufado–an individual who has contacts in your industry segment. This person opens the doors, and can greatly facilitate the process of doing business. Argentine executives may put in a very long day, often lasting until 10:00 P.M. An
8:00 P.M. business meeting is not at all unusual.
Negotiating

The pace of business negotiations is a little slower than in Ireland. Do not be surprised if it takes you several trips to accomplish your goal.

One reason business moves slowly is that Argentina is a bureaucratic country. Each decision must be approved by many people.

Personal relationships are far more important than corporate ones. Each time your company changes its representative, you will virtually be starting from scratch. A new relationship must be built up before business can proceed.

Any time you want to deal with the Argentine government, it is vital to have an Argentine contact to act as an intermediary. Without one, you probably won't even get an appointment.

Don't assume that each portion of a contract is finalised once agreement on that portion has been reached. Until the entire contract is signed, each portion is subject to renegotiation.

Business Entertaining

Business meals are popular and are usually held in restaurants; offers to dine in Argentine homes are relatively infrequent.

To summon a waiter, raise your hand with your index finger extended or call out mozo (waiter) or moza (waitress). Don't adopt the local habit of making a kissing noise to attract a waiter; although common, it is considered impolite.

Business lunches are uncommon outside of Buenos Aires, since most people go home to eat lunch.

Argentines do not usually discuss business over meals; meals are considered social occasions.

As dinner does not begin until 10:00 P.M. (or later on weekends), Argentines have tea or coffee and pastries between 4:00 and 6:00 P.M. If you are in a meeting during that time, you will be offered something. Accept something to drink, even if you don't want it. Argentines do not put milk in their coffee, so it will probably not be available.

When dining, keep your hands on the table, not in your lap.

Cultural note

Avoid pouring wine, if possible. There are several complex taboos about wine pouring, which a foreigner can unknowingly violate. For example, pouring with the left hand is a major insult, pouring wine backwards into a glass indicates hostility, and so on.

Remember that the taxes on imported liquors are enormous. When you are invited out, your host will be paying, so don't order imported liquors unless your host does so first. Try a local drink instead; most types of liquor are produced in local versions.

To indicate that you are finished eating and have had enough, cross your knife and fork (with the prongs down) on your dinner plate.

Argentina serves some of the best beef in the world; expect to see a lot of it at meals.

Time

Argentina is three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T.-3).

Protocol
Greetings

Except when greeting close friends, it is traditional to shake hands briefly and nod to both men and women.

Close male friends shake hands or embrace upon meeting; men kiss close female friends. Close female friends usually kiss each other. The full embrace (abrazo) may entail a hug, a handshake, and several thumps on the shoulder, ending with another handshake.

Titles / Forms of Address

While many languages will be heard on the streets of Argentina (English, French, German, Italian, and several Indian languages), all the businesspeople you meet will be fluent in Spanish, so Spanish titles may be used.

Note that Argentine Spanish has many unique features not found in other Spanish-speaking countries; it is highly influenced by Italian.

Most people you meet should be addressed with a title and their surname. Only children, family members, and close friends address each other by their first names.

Persons who do not have professional titles should be addressed as Mr., Mrs., Miss, plus their surname. In Spanish, these are.

Mr. = Señor
Mrs. = Señora
Miss = Señorita

When a person has a title, it is important to address him or her with that title
followed by the surname. A Ph.D. or a physician is called Doctor. Teachers prefer the title Profesor, engineers go by Ingeniero, architects are Arquitecto, and lawyers are Abogado.

Gestures

The Argentine people converse at a closer distance than Irish people are used to–often with a hand on the other person's lapel or shoulder. Restrain yourself from trying to back away; an Argentine will probably step forward to close the distance.

Maintaining eye contact is very important–something that some Irish may find difficult while speaking to a person at such close quarters.

A pat on the shoulder is a sign of friendship.

The gesture that some Irish use to mean "so-so" (twisting the flat, open hand from side to side) is common in Argentina. The meaning is the same.

A sweeping gesture beginning under the chin and continuing up over the top of the head is used to mean "I don't know" or "I don't care."

With thumb and middle finger touching (as if holding a pinch of salt), one taps them with the index finger to indicate "hurry up" or "a lot."

Avoid placing your hands on your hips while speaking.

Make sure to cover your mouth when, either yawning or coughing.

Sit only on chairs, not on a ledge, box, or table.

Don't rest your feet on anything other than a footstool or rail; it is very impolite to place them upon a table.

Eating in the street or on public transportation is considered most impolite.

Cultural note

Try to avoid offering any political opinions. Be especially cautious about praising Argentina's neighbors (notably Chile). Argentina has fought wars with all of them albeit a long time ago.

Most Argentines are anxious to put the Falkland Islands War behind them, so avoid bringing the subject up. However, if it is discussed, remember to refer to the islands by their Argentine name, the Malvinas Islands.

The Argentine style of banter may seem odd, as it may include mildly derogatory comments about your wardrobe or your weight. Don't take it seriously; indeed, it is a sign that your Argentine colleague is getting comfortable around you.

Argentines are great sports fans. Talking about sports is always a good way to open a conversation. Soccer (called futbol) is the most popular sport.

Most Argentines love opera, so this is a good topic to discuss. Restaurants and sightseeing are also fine topics.

Dress

Dress is very important for making a good impression in Argentina. Your entire wardrobe will be scrutinized.

While Argentines are more in touch with European clothing styles than many Latin Americans, they tend towards the modest and the subdued. The provocative clothing popular in Brazil, for example, is rarely seen in Argentina.

Business dress in Argentina is fairly conservative; dark suits and ties for men; white blouses and dark suits or skirts for women.

Men may wear the same dark suit for evening wear, but may substitute an ascot for their tie. Women should wear a dress or skirt.

Both men and women wear pants as casual wear. If you are meeting business associates (outdoor barbecues, called asado, are popular), avoid jeans and wear a jacket or blazer. Women should never wear shorts, except when invited to a swimming pool.

Indian clothing is for Indians; don't adopt any native costumes, no matter how attractive. The same goes for gaucho outfits.

Bring lightweight clothing for the summer, topcoats and sweaters for the winter (especially as central heating is not universal). Don't forget that the seasons in South America are the reverse of those in the US & Europe.

Don't wear anything outside that can be damaged by water during Carnival time. Drenching pedestrians is a favorite Carnival pastime of the young.

Gifts

High taxes on imported liquor makes this a highly appreciated gift. The most popular types are scotch and French champagne. Quality Irish whiskey or [Scotch] single malt will be appreciated. Don't bring wine; the Southern Cone produces plenty of good-quality wines.

As in the US, England or Ireland, any gift given should be of high quality. If the item is produced by your company, the corporate name or logo should appear discreetly, not be emblazoned over the whole surface.

Avoid giving knives; they symbolize the severing of a friendship.

Argentina is a major cattle producer, and thus a major leather producer. Avoid bringing leather gifts.

If you are invited to an Argentine home, bring a gift of flowers, imported chocolates, or quality Irish whiskey [or Scotch single malt]. Bird-of-paradise flowers are highly prized.