Job Discussion Forums

waygukgaijinhaole · Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:47 pm Post subject: Gift to Ecuadorian boss?

I'm starting a new job in Ecuador, January 7th. Is it customary to give a gift to the employer, when starting a position? If so, what to give? Thanks for any advice or ideas.

Twisting in the Wind · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 571 Location: Purgatory

I have never heard of such a custom. Sounds like potential brownnosing to me.

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

Brownosing is just another word for strategic job manouvering. Go for it. I'd rather be out a couple of bucks for a box of ginseng extract than out of a job for being too proud.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Pick something tasteful, not too expensive, and non-romantic if your boss is of the opposite sex.

I think there is a danger of appearing to brown-nose here. Present the gift in private, and not in front of other teaching staff.

waygukgaijinhaole · Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 8:55 am Post subject:

MixtecaMike & Guy, Thanks.

Twisting in the Wind- Are you being sarcastic? ...because it is certainly customary in parts of Asia(to give a gift when you arrive, not to be sarcastic Smile

).

Twisting in the Wind · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 571 Location: Purgatory

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

Don't do it. And be VERY cautious in Ecuador. (I am not talking about crime in the streets, either.) Watch your back.

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

Twisting in the Wind · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 571 Location: Purgatory

I have a couple of South American teacher friends who I am asking your question to. I'll post again when I get their opinion. Very Happy

waygukgaijinhaole · Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2004 8:09 am Post subject:

Dare I ask? What do you mean, Moonraven?

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

Like with anything open to interpretation, "Be Discrete."

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

It's "discreet", uneducated Mikeyboy. "Discrete" has a completely different meaning.

If you give a gift in Latin America, folks will assume that you are a hopeless "lambisc�n"--OR that you have bought into the stereotype that in order to get anything done or be treated civilly that you must give a "mordida" (bribe). You will be off on the wrong foot. Which, I assume from your original question, is the opposite of what you are trying to be.

Twisting in the Wind · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 571 Location: Purgatory

So true, MR, so true. Although what the OP wants to give is a "gift," and not strictly a mordida, one needs to be careful how it is given, not just that it isn't given in front of other teachers so they won't see what a buttkisser you are. I've seen mordidas given in rude, flashy ways by gringos and others who didn't know that such occasions called for some propriety and style and the whole thing ended up backfiring. Appearance is very important to Latin Americans. Still waiting on my teacher-friends to get back to me.

Twisting in the Wind · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 571 Location: Purgatory

Sorry, Waygookgaijinhaole-- I reread that last post and it sounded a bit rude. I apologize. I didn't mean to imply that you were deliberately being a "buttkisser" by wanting to or giving a gift to your new boss, only that it might be perceived that way by other teachers. Again, I apologize.