Argentina's Business Etiquette
By:Razma, Kainat & Habiba
Argentine business people are formal and conservative regarding style and colours. Doing business in casual attire is not perceived as appropriate.
Men are recommended to wear:
- Dark coloured, conservative business suits in colours such as blue, grey and brown are acceptable.
Women are recommended to wear:
- Elegant business suits or dresses in blue or pastel colours with black or brown shoes made of leather
PROTOCOL, BUSINESS CARDS, & INTRODUCTION
- If invited to dinner at Argentine home bring a small gift for the host/hostess
- Do not give knifes neither scissors, as they indicate a desire to sever the relationship
- Gifts are open immediately
- Business cards are given without formal ritual
- Have one side of your business card translated in Spanish
- Present your business card so the Spanish side faces the recipient
- Argentine's expects to deal with people of similar status
- Argentine's have a difficult time disagreeing
HIERARCHY IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE:
- Wait for the Host/hostess to guide you to the dining table
- Hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating
- Do not begin eating until told to do so
- Always keep your hands visible while eating, but do not rest elbows on the table
- Decisions are made at the top of the company
- Business moves slowly because it is extremely bureaucratic
- Decisions often require several layers of approval
If you are invited to an Argentine home:
- Men should wear a jacket and tie
- Women should wear a dress or a skirt and blouse
- Arrive 30-45 minutes later then invited for a dinner party. Arriving on time for dinner is not usual!
- Call your hosts to thank them the following day