Office Conduct

Learn about business etiquette, such as proper office conduct, the level of formality, punctuality, business attire, use of titles and other important topics. Below is a brief excerpt from this section:  

Different Business Cultures

Spain has three types of business cultures:

  1. The first is characterized by modern industries that receive lots of foreign investment and embrace innovative management techniques.

  2. The second is typified by traditional small family businesses, which make up the majority of the GDP (gross domestic product).

  3. Finally, there are the major banks, which inhabit a middle ground between the other two cultures.

Communication, Greetings and Titles

Use the formal version of ‘you’ (Usted) until the other person asks you to use the informal tú. In the south, people are quicker to adopt a familiar tone.

Address colleagues by their titles (Señor, Señora, Señorita or Profesor), followed by their surnames. Spaniards often have two surnames, the first being the father’s name and second the mother’s. In conversation, only the father’s name needs to be used. In written correspondence, it is proper to include both surnames.

This is just a brief sample of the extensive information in the GoinGlobal Spain Career Guide, which is carefully researched and regularly updated by local career experts.

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