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Latin American Culture generalizations
- hierarchy
- strict roles for men and women
- strong extended families
- emphasis on status and honor
- relationship building
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Hierarchy
- some have much more authority/power than others
- people favor strong charismatic leaders
- vote for person, not the party
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Strict roles for men and women
- men are supposed to be macho
- willing to fight for family's honor
- be romantic
- protect women and children
- hospitable and generous to family and friends
- women are supposed to imitate the Virgin Maryput motherhood ahead of everything else
- passive in social arena
- no respect for women who don't follow traditional rolls
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Emphasis on status and honor
- lack of respect endangers family's ability to survive
- fight to avenge insults and restore honor
- in business, people fear speaking frankly to superiors: fear of offending them and being penalized
- blue collar men wear suits to work to show the status they aspire to
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Relationship building
- most families are not self sufficient
- built ties with outsiders who can help family
- must spend time building relationships
- can by done by joining political organization, military or intermarriage
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Tips for foreign managers
- build trust by showing respect
- be pro active in preventing conflicts
- train people in conflict resolution skills
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