The Spanish Mindset Map

Historical Insight
• 15th century Reconquest, discovery of America, Unification of present Spain. Beginning of nationalism
• 19th century revolt and independence of Spanish Colonies - Great sense of loss and shame
• 1936 Spanish Civil War
• 1939 Franco becomes dictator - isolation from the rest of the world
• 1975 Death of Franco. Juan Carlos becomes King
• 1977 First elections since 1936
• 1978 National Referendum - Democratic Constitution Constitutional Monarchy
• 1982: Socialist Party (PSOE) elected - Led to growth, modernisation, scandals, corruption
• 2003: Supports USA and Britain in invading Iraq.
• 2004: Partido Popular ousted immediately after horrific terrorist attack on Madrid trains

Economic & Political Conditions
• 1986 Membership in the EU - peak growth
• Member of G8 - 7th largest economy in the world
• Deregulation, privatization from 1980s
• Unemployment lowest since 1986, although many workers do not declare earnings (Claramente desactualizado)
• 73% of young people on temporary contracts
• Multinationals pulling out for cheaper labour in East European EU countries and China

Characteristics of Society
• Hospitable - Noisy - Spontaneous - Vital
• Ageing population
• Decline in births: Zero growth.
• One of the lowest fertility rates in Europe
• Immigrants from Africa and Eastern Europe: A new phenomenon and the children of tomorrow
• Importance given to money, good contacts and technical education
• Younger generation find great value in traditions
• The "noble" class less important as in the past

Primary Belief Systems
• 80% Roman Catholic but big difference in Roman Catholic ethics and actual lifestyles
• Very tolerant to homosexuality, despite Catholicism; gay marriage allowed
• Increasingly diverse population means more religions practiced
• Growing Muslim community

Spanish Mindset
• Great sense of pride and self confidence. Don't like to be told what to do. Individualistic
• Great socialisers but also hard workers.
• Fluid time management. Time not a priority, (with regional variations)
• Take past as a reference for present and future
• Dynamic - Passionate. Good at improvisation. Avoid long term plans
• Great loyalty to company, family/ close friends
• Not very fond of job mobility

Educational Structures
• Public schools/universities (70% of students)
• Private schools/universities (operated by Catholic Church)
• Great reform on educational system ahead, Last major reform (LOGSE) proved to be a failure
• "Open Doors" policy with students
• Rote learning into more flexible approach
• Good Business Schools
• Reinforcing Humanities and Spanish History
• Disdain for manual labour

Geographical Influences
• 17 autonomies
• Basques: hard working. Great entrepreneurs. Constantly intimidated by terrorist ETA
• Catalans: view themselves as the most Europeans of all. Practical, industrious. Money matters for them. (Os han calado )
• Galicians: Hardworking, thrifty
• Mountains, plateau and sea
• Great climate variations in different regions, affecting character and personality of people
• Neighbouring Portugal not seen as important; "Africa begins in the Pyrenées" syndrome

Life Style Aspirations
• Stable employment is valued
• Money as a sign of success
• Many cultural and sporting heroes
• Quality of life
• Human rights
• End of terrorism
• Protest against war in Iraq
• Final riddance of stigma of Franco

Language
• Castillian Spanish, (tension with nationalists)
• Regional languages (not dialects!) have legal status in Catalunya and Basque country
• English for young generation (French for old)
• Latin roots. Many words similar to French and Italian

The Essentials (10 Key Tips)

1. Spend sufficient time letting your business colleagues get to know you; trust, personal relationships, and character are critical.

2. Business in Spain is hierarchical. Deal with people who are similar in rank to your own. You might not meet the person who actually makes the decision. Decisions are not reached at meetings. Meetings are for discussion and to exchange ideas.

3. Arrive on time for meetings, while recognising that actual starting and finishing times might be flexible. (¡Cuanta razón!)

4. Sharpen up your skills for understanding body language. The Spanish do not like to lose face, and so will not necessarily say that they do not understand.

5. Not all Spanish business people speak English. Find out if you will need an interpreter.

6. Be aware that face-to-face contact is preferred to written or telephone communication.

7. Avoid confrontation if at all possible. Spaniards do not like to admit publicly that they are wrong.

8. Expect to be interrupted when you are speaking. It is simply an indication the other person is interested in what you are saying. Don't expect agendas to be followed in a strict fashion.

9. Be sensitive to regional issues in Spain and do not put all Spaniards into the same category; a person from Catalunya will have different attitudes and customs from a person from Malaga or the Basque country.

10. Place importance on socialising after work. The Spanish day has no rigid divide between work and play and much business may be done over lunch or dinner.

Iniciado por luenma06

Ahora un breve resumen de la mentalidad anglosajona: No son de fiar.

Iniciado por pepe_perez

Interesante; ¿existe una página similar para otras nacionalidades?

Sharpen up your skills for understanding body language. The Spanish do not like to lose face, and so will not necessarily say that they do not understand.

Sharpen up your skills for understanding body language. The Spanish do not like to lose face, and so will not necessarily say that they do not understand.