Business Culture in Mexico: What Expanding Companies Should Know

Mexicans worked the most among OECD countries in 2021, with 2,128 annual hours. The typical workweek in Mexico is 48 hours long, which equates to six eight-hour days. This is the legal maximum. The typical workday lasts from nine in the morning to six in the evening, with an hour for lunch in between. The fact that many Mexicans have more than one job is also important to note, particularly in rural areas or in low-paying industries. Mexicans are very family oriented and support each other.

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In general, communication in Mexico is cordial and respectful, while close partnerships are highly valued. Nevertheless, in Mexico, business connections are formal, especially at the beginning. Consequently, it’s crucial to use official titles and to address them by their last names, unless you have their permission to do otherwise.

Additionally, it’s valuable to read between the lines because Mexicans have a propensity for being indirect in their communication. Those accustomed to more direct communication methods may find this indirect approach bemusing. For instance, Mexican business partners won’t state their disagreements or outright rejection of a deal in an open and transparent manner. It would be rude and uncommon to communicate in such a hostile manner. If it appears that a process has stagnated, the specific cause of the issue should be elicited in a diplomatic and non-confrontational manner. One will eventually have a sense of the non-verbal level of communication, which is more prominent in Mexico.

The Spanish colonial past in Mexico has a significant impact on business manners. Respecting authority structures and exhibiting reverence to individuals in positions of power are crucial. When entering a room, it’s vital to shake hands with superiors before greeting anyone else.

Business wear has a tendency to be conservative, therefore it’s crucial to look adequate to leave a strong first impression.

Mexicans are more formal in their professional transactions, but they operate within a kind and welcoming culture. Mexicans frequently stand closer to one another when conversing as a result, which might be unusual for people from other cultures. Additionally, Mexicans frequently extend their handshakes beyond the norm for other nationalities.

Patience is the key to successful business negotiations in Mexico. The process of negotiating can be drawn out and include multiple meetings, ideally in person. Since Mexicans place a high value on fostering peaceful relationships, it is also advisable to avoid hard selling, pressure tactics, and confrontation.

The decision-making structures of Mexican companies are often highly centralized and hierarchical. The owner or managing director is usually the only person who can ultimately make binding decisions.

Comparatively to other nations in North America, Mexicans seem to have a looser concept of time. Even while it is still crucial to go to meetings on time, it is possible to end up having to wait for 30 minutes. Small conversation can consume a lot of time when it is a first encounter. The first five to fifteen minutes of follow-up sessions are typically spent engaging in small conversation. The proposed agenda may not always be strictly followed during meetings. There might be an outline, but it mainly acts as a general direction.

Read More Here About The Concept of Time in Different Cultures.

In conclusion, the Mexican workplace culture favors friendly, warm communication, which includes forming personal bonds. Mexicans also maintain a strong respect for authority. It is feasible to successfully navigate Mexico’s workplace culture by comprehending and respecting these cultural norms and distinctions.