UNIVERSITATEA ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA IAI

FACULTATEA DE ECONOMIE I ADMINISTRAREA AFACERILOR

Communication styles in the workplace

SPAIN

Studeni:Creanga Alexandru
Pele Bianca Ioana
Dumitrasco Marin

Introduction
The communication style is how you talk to people of the same or opposite sex, your
body language when you talk, how you react to certain situations, and how much emotion you
show. Direct communication is when the speaker clearly relays his thoughts and opinion in his
verbal message. Indirect communication is when information is gathered from more than the
words spoken by the communicator. Understanding direct and indirect communication can be
critical when entering a new culture. If a culture is primarily a direct style of communication
then they will say exactly what they are thinking at that point in time. For example, if you took a
bite out of a sandwich and said that the sandwich tastes good. If a culture is primarily an indirect
style of communication then they will not say exactly how they feel about something, but will
express it in different ways. For example, if you took a bite out of a sandwich and it tasted bad
you would make a facial expression that made it seem like the sandwich tasted bad.
Spain is an indirect culture which means that they do not tell you how they feel
immediately. They will use body language to show how they feel, or even possibly be misleading
about how they feel. You may not know how they felt about something you did or say until
weeks later depending upon how much time you spend with each other. When entering a culture
with indirect communication you always want to be aware of what youre saying, and watch
others body language. By learning body language you can decode what people are actually
thinking instead of what they are telling you. Another great way to adapt to an indirect culture is
by spending lots of time with people that you will be around the most. By doing this you will
figure out what does and doesnt bother them.
The Spanish traditionally show great affection for family and friends, greeting one
another with hugs or touching cheeks while making kissing noises. Even male friends usually
embrace when meeting, as in Romania. When meeting for the first time, people traditionally
shake hands. Men sometimes shake with two hands, placing their left hand on the other person's
forearm.
The Spanish prize eye contact. This culture also relies heavily on body language. People
often talk over one another, using their hands wildly to make a point or contorting their facial
expressions to reflect their thoughts. Interrupting someone shows interest in what they say. When
talking in Spain, your stance and facial expressions will convey your message as much---and
possibly more than---the words you say. The Spanish also place a lot of emphasis on how people
present themselves. Sometimes, especially in business meetings, a Spanish person will not
express his opinion with words. He will, however, reveal his message through nonverbal cues.

In the business environment, it is advisable to use the courtesy titles: seor for a man,
seora for a married woman and seorita for an unmarried woman together with the persons
surname.
In certain cases, you may be expected to use their professional titles when addressing a
person, such as professor or doctor together with their surname. However, professional and
academic titles are not normally used when addressing Spanish executives.

Points to be aware of
In contrast to German meetings, Spanish meetings are often not for
decision-making but about exchanging opinions and collecting information, and for
strengthening interpersonal relationships. In fact, important decisions can often be
made at the casual dinner table.
Be aware of how you express criticisms and complaints or even a strong
wish. Remember that everything you say to a person from a relationship-oriented
culture is received in an interpersonal context. Criticisms and complaints, even if
expressed neutrally for you (e.g. fact-based and technical) can actually sound harsh
and cold and give personal offence.
Be aware that if you ever reach a point where you feel the need to qualify
your blunt actions or words (e.g. Please dont take it personally), you have likely
already gone too far and from then on you should focus on damage control.
Note, in contrast to Germans, Spaniards value an openness to risk-taking;
courage and risk-taking are valued as leadership qualities. There is a strong
temperamental aversion to forecasting and planning, especially to grandiose
schemes based on in-depth analyses. This can affect the quality of joint ventures
with long-term objectives.
Note that even on formal business occasions manners can be based on an
easy and relaxed informality; remember that familiarity and a quality of a
relationship based on trust are highly valued. Be circumspect, see what others do!
Be aware of going too far by pursuing arguments or points on purely
technical grounds because a) the interpersonal element is valued over the technical
truth, and b) a degree of modesty (modesto) is valued over assertiveness.
Be aware that time is less linear and compartmentalised into units
(monochronic), but more flexible and overlapping (polychronic) to serve a purpose
or relationship.
Be aware that, like the Chinese and Japanese (!), losing and giving face is
an important value in building interpersonal relationships. Unlike the Asians,

however, the Spaniard may react with visible touchiness and sensitivity when they
feel their personal dignity and point of honour (pundonor) have been compromised.

Points to avoid
Dont aim to plan everything 100% perfectly. What the Spanish value is how
you react when unforeseeable conditions arise. The effort spent on building the
personal relationship invests in a mutual trust that safeguards everyones face in
tricky situations. Expect delivery dates, schedules, budgets, forecasts to be only
approximations and rough guides for action. Who knows what will happen
tomorrow? The sign of competent leadership is courage (valiente) and how one
responds to the unpredictable.
Dont go into initial meetings with a fixed agenda and points ready to be
ticked off. Be prepared to do more socialising during business than you consider
normal or beneficial. Dont make the mistake of thinking it is all a waste of time:
your body language can break any potential deals!
You dont win points with Spaniards by pursuing a discussion based on who
is technically correct and incorrect, or who is at fault and who is not. The quality of
the relationship and ones obligations to it are more important.
Avoid talking about business or giving detailed descriptions of your
job/current projects, etc., once you and your colleagues have moved out of the
business environment. If someone asks, keep it short and sweet. Social occasions
are not an extension of the business day. No one is that interested in all the details!
Remember: they are more interested in you.

Points to do
When making criticisms or expressing personal wishes, use a softer tone
than you would in German.
If you are asked personal questions (e.g. family, personal experiences) take
that as a cue that these topics are favourable small talk topics.
Be prepared to small talk more than you think is necessary. Understand
the function that it serves in the culture.
Business is personal: in Spain, be prepared to work hard for it to be more
personal; business will come automatically.
Be prepared to cope with a much higher degree of improvisation compared
to what you may expect in Germany. A businessmans or managers reputation is
build on how he acts and reacts under unpredictable circumstances.

Be prepared to be less perfect, but more authentic.

Be prepared to offer to treat your colleagues more often than you would
consider necessary in Germany, inside and outside of company time; sometimes
you need to let the needs of a relationship cue what you should do, even when the
rules say you dont have to.
At least show interest in and appreciation for the personal well-being of
those close to Spanish colleagues, and be prepared to receive likewise from them
with graciousness. Listen to who your colleagues mention during small talk (e.g.
family members, mutual acquaintances) and remember to inquire after them next
time you meet.
Do try to feel out mutual acquaintances and connections with Spanish
colleagues; do not be afraid to ask. Expect much time during social occasions to be
spent discovering who you know in connection to someone else. Good references
from trusted connections speak more for an individual than only technical
competence and ability. The best reference you can give about another person is
hes a good friend of mine.