Work Life
True or False: In a Spanish firm, it is common practice to address your boss only by their professional title and last name.
False. While respect is high, a respectful title/address is common, often alongside first names, showing the relaxed formality.
True or False: Spanish people value Individualism more highly than New Zealanders do, according to Hofstede.
False. Spain scores higher on Collectivism, meaning family and social bonds are stronger.
True or False? Spanish communication is best described as subtle and indirect.
False. It is described as direct, loud, and expressive.
What time is when a typical Spanish lunch break, often individual, occurs in a professional environment.
around 1:00 PM (The workplace lunch is earlier than the social lunch)
What is the typical time for dinner (cena) in the Spanish summer.
around 10:00 PM (or later)
What region's separate language is one that foreigners should be prepared to encounter, especially if working in a city like Barcelona?
Catalonia (or Catalan)
You've been waiting two weeks for a Spanish colleague to respond to an important email about a project conflict. When they finally respond, they suggest you meet them for coffee. What should you do?
Meet them in person and directly solve the problem, as communication is direct and relationship-based (not over email)?
You are meeting a new female colleague, Maria, for dinner. She arrives 15 minutes late. How should you greet her (gesture) and how should you interpret her lateness?
Greet her with two kisses on the cheek and interpret her lateness as normal for a social setting in a polychronic culture?
During a discussion, your Spanish colleague begins using a lot of hand gestures and raises their voice. Based on the training, this is how you should interpret their behaviour.
an expression of passion/sincerity that is common with their direct communication style, rather than anger or hostility.