Job Discussion Forums

[francois_lucas]

Hello everybody, I am currently working on the mexican culture for my studies (engineering school) and I have to examine what aspects are specific to the mexican professional world.

I would just like to have some answers from people who worked in Mexico to the following questions :

- "do and don't" : what should I (avoid to) do in order to be well seen doring a conversation with a mexican person ?

- Can I freely talk about - politics ?
- money ?
- personal information ?

- Is formal dressing required at work ? Are there a relation between dress and social level ?

- Are trade unions very active and influent ? Do mexican people adhere to trade unions in their majority ?

- Are women as well integrated at work than men ? (~ does machism already exist ?)

Thank you in advance for your answers (and sorry for my english, it certainly contains some mistakes)

Fran�ois (French 3rd year student at ESIEE)

[Guy Courchesne]

I wonder if your questions would be answered differently from other cities in Mexico? I get to discuss these topics a lot in business English classes.

Here is my opinion, which may not be completely correct.

Mexicans value diplomacy, discreteness, and indirectness in conversation. If you are the type of person that is bold and likes to 'cut to the chase' you might feel frustrated that your conversation partner doesn't do the same. I think that most Mexicans, when pressed for a choice or to give an opinion, will opt for 'yes' over 'no' or for an opinion that doesn't cause trouble, even if the person thinks otherwise.

I find it wise to take the time to make a few personal enquiries when meeting someone in a professional manner for the first time, before getting down to business. There is never a real rush for these things in Mexico.

Probably best to avoid politics, mostly because of the above. Talking politics would probably elicit an opinion. As a foreigner, talking Mexican politics can be very difficult. In my experience, it tends to make people defensive here.

It is not a good idea to ask how much someone earns for a living, unless you know them well.

Inquiring about family is always good. Family is important here.

In Mexico City, the professional class is more formal here than in my native Canada. I would say yes that there is a class divide and that it can be easily seen through dress. Suits and ties for the men, suits for the women too.

Some unions are very strong in Mexico, mostly in the public sector. The state owns and operates the oil and electrical generation industries and their unions are well-entrenched in society, politically active, and vocal. I'm not sure that they make the majority here. Teacher unions are also quite large, but less powerful.

Machismo still exists. Perhaps more prevalent in the countryside or provincial cities than Mexico City, but it exists. Women are integrated into the professional class, but it is still very much dominated by men.

You might also want to look at the historical role of the Catholic church in Mexico for your studies.

[francois_lucas]

Thanks a lot for these pieces of information ! That's exactly what I needed. May I keep your e-mail address for eventual additional questions ? (I would not disturb you)

[Guy Courchesne]

Having lived in Mexico for so long, very little disturbs me.

Feel free to email.

[Samantha]

These websites may help also.

http://www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Mexico.html

http://www.businessculture.com/mexico/index.html

http://www.mexperience.com/business/resources/bc_practice.htm

http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/mexico.htm