Part II: How to Work in Guatemala PartI

Increasing Cultural Knowledge Base

Listening

We need to be in “focused listening” to the talkative Guatemalans who process information subjectively and emotionally rather than objectively. They will deal with each situation in the moment at hand and not to a “given rule” to solve their (and your) problem.

To partner with my listener for effective results, we have to increase our cultural knowledge base, as well as the awareness of our expectations. It is certainly imperative for us to note the gender of the listener we are interacting with (as a woman, I need to recognize that men in Guatemala – have a tendency to flirt; therefore we need to nicely - but firmly - keep them at bay).

On going it is important for every one to look at the Guatemalans’ definition of their personal work identity (since titles are important) as well as ones own individual symbolic interaction identities.

Comfort Zones...

Anyone working in Guatemala needs to remember that some Guatemalan people will be threatened if one appears that they are trying to change the established rules. Therefore every outsider must make certain that they always validate that they work for their company; and that it is the company line being expressed in discussion, not the personal “me” in a business meeting.

Playing by the Rules of Guatemalan Culture

We need to play by the rules of this collective society (where the majority rules) and put our American individualistic nature aside; which means you may need to make two or three visits to get some simple paper work completed as well as visiting your prospective business contact, a number of times before your are completely accepted….

Please remember that feelings are more important than facts to Guatemalans and be patient with delays, because it is normal business. One is advised to make an appointment up to a month in advance, as well as expecting to build a relationship before getting down to business.

Verbal Communication

In verbal communication title is everything. One is addressed formally by their title and then their surname; only if you are invited to be on a first name basis, is it appropriate to all a person by their first name.

It is also important to be in focused attention in your conversations as well as attentive to the non verbal behavior around you. Nothing must be done to pull rank or cause any one embarrassment - ever. Personal honor is the back bone of every Guatemalan business person. Make it yours as well.

Men are still in charge in Guatemala…

Most high ranking business is still done by men, and, since non verbal messages signify what words cannot (and do carry powerful emotional meanings); business women need to recognize the need to dress in a more formal (and Guatemalan culturally accepted) business type dresses or conservative skirts and jackets (slacks are not common – and please - no jeans since they would inevitably offend someone).

P-Time (Punctuality in general) vs. M- Time

Living in P –time, which is flex time, punctuality in general is not strictly adhered to, although, (especially if I run into an Asian person in a business transaction) I am, like all foreigners, expected to be on M-time (where I am expected in a “tangible outcome” orientation of waiting for my appointment to come in.)

So set your expectations aside and enjoy the life style that Guatemala has to offer. Preparing to do business in Guatemala includes understanding the cultures “in’s” and “outs” as well as where to live, and what places to visit. (Be sure to check out historic town of Antigua (built in the 1600’s), as well as taking time to drive the four hours to the breathtaking Lake Atitlan.)

Look for our Blog entitled: Example of How to Work in a Foreign Culture: Guatemala, Part III, and discover the Protocol of Doing Business in Guatemala.