Comparative_Countries

| Mexico | Germany | Denmark | Spain | Making Contacts | Contacts are made usually by being introduced by mutual friends. Other ways of networking is through family members. | Making contacts in Germany seems to be mostly by introduction. They are formal in most situations. Family is kept separate from business. | Danes are a tight knit group of people. The most popular way of meeting people is by networking. Another way is to just introduce yourself. | One way of making contacts is business networking. They have different social gatherings in an informal fashion to exchange ideas, make new contacts and maintain long established relationships. The other way is through relatives. | RelationshipsDF or RF | Mexico is relationship focused. A Relationship must be developed first. Mexican people make friends first, and then they do business, not the other way around. | Germany is the precise opposite of a relationship focused culture. An attempt to start a personal relationship with a professional associate may be viewed suspicious. | Denmark is more of a deal focused relationship. They value their privacy to the point that sometimes it develops into a cold climate. Discussion of personal issues is reserved for intimate friends. | Spain is a relationship focused country. Trust and personal relationships are the cornerstone of business. If you are interrupted while you are speaking, don’t take that as an insult, it only means the person is interested in what you are saying. | Time: Mono orPoly | Mexican culture is polychronic. It’s not considered rude if you are late for an appointment, but be on time for an office appointment. | Germany is one of the most monochronic cultures in the world. There is a time and place for everything, and careful planning allows for both work and leisure | Danes are strongly monochronic but will not tolerate time pressure. Danes don’t take themselves or life too seriously. | Spain is a polychronic culture. It is quite normal for people to deal with more than one activity at the same time, (it would not unusual for a Spaniard to interrupt a meeting to make a personal call). | Status andHierarchy | Mexico is a class-conscious society. Professional titles are extremely important in Mexico. | German organizational culture is characterized by hierarchy. Titles are used often as a sign of respect. Also, there is almost a universal respect for authority. | Rarely are titles used with the Danes. It is very common to refer to someone by their first and last name. Respect is expected, no matter what your profession is. | Hierarchy and rank are important. Most people should deal with people of similar rank to your own. Since this is a hierarchical country, you may never actually meet the person who ultimately makes the decision. | Communication:ReservedOr Expressive | Communication is expressive more so than most countries. Polite in most cases. A friendly hug at a first meeting if often exchanged. | German communication is formal, so it’s more reserved. They are more of a guilt based culture which makes them to be shyer. Germans will be direct to the point of bluntness. | Communication is somewhat reserved in certain situations. They are a guilt based society which tends to make them a little on the shy side. Unlike Germany the of office doors are let open. | Spaniards are expressive in their communication. In certain situations Communication is formal and follows rules of protocol. A good idea is to avoid confrontation if at all possible. Spaniards do not like to publicly admit that they are wrong. | High context orLow context | Mexico is a high context culture. Speech is indirect; people might say “maybe” rather than “no.” | Germany is a low context culture. Germans believe that maintaining clear lines of demarcation between people, places, and things is the surest way to lead a structured and ordered life. | Denmark is considered a low context culture. Communications identified as direct, precise, dramatic, open, and based on feelings or true intentions. | Spain is a high context culture. For Spain that means they are indirect, ambiguous, maintains harmony, reserved and understated. | Non- VerbalGestures | For the most part it’s a non-verbal culture, but you must be careful with hand gestures in Mexico. Something here in the US might be really offensive there. | Non-verbal communication is not relied on heavily, since Germans are straight forward but do expect a great deal of written communication, both to back up decisions and to maintain a record of decisions and discussions. | Nodding of the head is a sign of respect when shaking hands. Non –verbal communication is not relied on completely. Danes are known for speaking their mind when need be. | Non-verbal communication is often used here. Since most Spaniards do not give their opinions in business meeting, you must watch for non-verbal communication. Gestures are a bit tricky here, something’s in the US is considered ok, but in Spain it might be offensive. | Eye Contact | Mexicans like to make eye contact, especially when they are closing the deal. It is considered to be a sign of respect. | Eye contact is important in the world of business. A handshake may be accompanied with a slight bow and a good eye contact is essential. | Making eye contact is encouraged in the business world. A good firm handshake is always a good idea. | Making eye contact is much similar to here in the US. It is considered proper and polite to maintain almost constant eye contact with another person during a conversation or business meeting. Also,  Face-to-face contact is preferred to written or telephone communication. | Touch andPersonal Space | In Mexico they tend to stand closer to each other than in the USA and Europe. In Mexico, it's quite common for people to stand and talk with each other a foot or less away from each other.Stepping back too far may be taken as a sign of mistrust. Physical contact is essential when meeting new people. | Since Germany keeps family and work separate it’s not accepted to touch or invade someone’s space.Germans do not have an open-door policy. People often work with their office door closed. Knock and wait to be invited in before entering. | Personal space is just that, personal. A firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile is all that is accepted in Denmark. Until a friendship is formed and trust grows. | Spain is more relaxed with the issue of touch and personal space. When first introduced expect to shake hands. Once a relationship is established, men may embrace and pat each other on the shoulder. Women will kiss each other on both cheeks. | Dress Code | For formal occasions, men should always wear a suit and tie and women a formal dress. For informal occasions, smart-casual attire may be appropriate depending on the venue and situation. Always dress conservatively, if not sure navy, black and gray are best colors. |  Business dress is understated, formal and conservative.  Men should wear dark colored, conservative business suits. Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses. | Dress code in Denmark is more informal than formal. Jackets, suits and ties are not required. Expect your Danish colleagues to be dressed professionally, but low-key. Social dress will be more informal. | Business dress is stylish yet, conservative. Spain for the most part dresses similar to Europe. Elegant accessories are important for both men and women. In general the Spanish have a very modern outlook on clothing. They are keen on designer clothes but quality is more important than a designer name. | Gifts | Gift-giving is an important aspect of Mexican social culture. Gifts are seen as symbols of affection and appreciation. Sometime not bringing anything is seen as being rude. | If you are invited to a German's house, bring a gift such as chocolates or flowers. Yellow roses or tea roses are always well received. | If invited to a Danish home for dinner, bring flowers, good quality chocolates or good quality wine. A bouquet of mixed wildflowers makes an excellent gift. Flowers should be wrapped.  If you are invited to dinner or a party, it is polite to send flowers in advance of the event. | Gift giving is not a must but appreciated. You can bring chocolates, pastries, or cakes; wine, liqueur, or brandy; or flowers to the hostess. If you know your hosts have children, they may be included in the evening, so a small gift for them is always appreciated. | Negotiation Style | Negotiations generally happen over breakfast or dinner. It is more casual and family/friendship oriented. It is essential to keep your emotions at the surface, especially in a business negotiation. | Decision-making is held at the top of the company. Avoid confrontational behavior or high- pressure tactics. It can be counterproductive. Once a decision is made, it will not be changed. | There will be a minimal amount of small talk. Danes prefer to get down to business quickly and Communication is direct. Danes like to be productive, and don’t like wasting time. | Spaniards are very thorough. They will review every minute detail to make certain it is understood. First an oral understanding is set, than a formal contract will be drawn up at a later date. Spaniards expect both sides to strictly comply to the terms of a contract. |