Business Differences between the United States and Mexico

1. Business Differences between the United States and Mexico Dr. Robert J. Hoover Professor of Marketing College of Business Idaho State University Pocatello, Idaho

2. Mexico Intensely patriotic Pride in history & traditions Little desire to live elsewhere United States Intensely patriotic Believe in superiority of the “American way of life” Mexico-US Differences: Nationalism

3. Mexico Codes based on Christian morality Deviance from ethical norms widespread Many ways of “telling the truth”: “simpatia” United States Strict codes of conduct Ethics instilled via schooling Pressure to compromise ethics due to competition, wealth acquisition Mexico-US Differences: Ethics

4. Mexico University training: theoretical Planning but barriers to implementation Worker apathy since projects not realized United States University training: applications of theory Solves problems based on facts Little theoretical focus on problems encountered Mexico-US Differences: Theory vs. Practice

5. Mexico Having degree, title confers respect Family background extremely important Will choose status over achievement United States Status based on achievement Wealth is symbol of achievement Less importance given to family background Mexico-US Differences: Status

6. Mexico Extremely sensitive Conflict avoidance Criticism taken personally Never criticize in front of friends United States Suppresses sensitivity Accepts work criticism as separate from personal criticism Mexico-US Differences: Personal Sensitivities

7. Mexico Cooperative more than competitive Value friendly atmosphere free of conflict Promotion on influence rather than merit United States Thrive on stimulus of competition Highly ambitious Belief that competition leads to efficiencies Mexico-US Differences: Competition

8. Mexico Most planning = short-term Long-term planning compromised due to political/economic uncertainties Maquiladoras are exempt from above United States Long-term planning considered critical to business success Will sacrifice long-term for short-term Mexico-US Differences: Planning

9. Mexico Loyal to the “boss” High loyalty where company has good HR Trend toward more self-loyalty United States Loyal to self first Work toward self-development Move around for chances of advancement Mexico-US Differences: Loyalty

10. Mexico “Manana” Less time pressure Time commitments less important Lack of punctuality socially OK United States “Time is money” Constant pressure to meet time commitments Lack of punctuality is disgrace Life moves by the clock Mexico-US Differences: Attitudes about Time

11. Mexico Mostly Roman Catholic Mother responsible for children’s religious training Lives controlled by “higher power” Businesses see religion as positive force United States Diverse religious backgrounds Protestant “ethic” dominates Belief in separation of church & state Religion not brought into workplace Mexico-US Differences: Religion

12. Mexico Takes precedence over other aspects of life Resistance to moving away from family Father is authority Children dependent United States Family subordinate to work Executive is mobile Family authority is shared Children taught independence/self-sufficiency Mexico-US Differences: Family

13. Mexico “Work to live” Mix business with pleasure Leisure time is very important Work is necessary evil Try to incorporate pleasure into work day United States “Live to work” Sacrifice family time for work Work is intrinsically satisfying Don’t mix business with pleasure Leisure is reward for work completed Mexico-US Differences: Work & Leisure