AIBS MBAIB 2 nd Sem Cross Cultural Management By KP Kanchana

1. AIBSMBAIB2nd SemCross Cultural ManagementBy KP Kanchana

2. Spanish Style of Management

3. The style of a manager is of great importance. Much greater weight is placed on personal attributes than on mere technical excellence. Key personal attributes which would be admired might be a potent mixture of such issues as honour, courage, seriousness, trustworthiness and the acceptance of the gravitas of the leadership function. Spanish managers have been described as 'benevolent autocrats' and this can be difficult to accept for outsiders who are more used to a consensual approach from superiors. The boss is expected to be courageous and consultation could be perceived as weakness - 'doesn't he know the answer?' Spanish Management Style

4. Instructions tend to be specific and task-oriented with detailed explanations of how to achieve the end result. Mistakes will be commented on by the boss at the time they occur and then not mentioned. Formal appraisal systems of the type in common usage in many other countries are a recent innovation and not necessarily welcomed.

5. Spain does not really have a meetings culture. Meetings are for the purpose of communicating direct instructions from boss to subordinates. In more consultative style meetings, Spaniards, who are highly individualistic, will express their views freely and forcefully which can lead to the impression that meetings are almost anarchic. If agendas are used at all they will not, necessarily, be followed. It requires a very strong and skilful chairperson to keep a meeting in Spain moving along linear lines. Spanish Meetings

6. Lunch is the main meal of the day and business discussions and deals are often conducted during working lunches — although business is likely to be discussed during the later stages of any meal. The meals are often quite large with a number of courses and wine being served. Try not to see this as ‘wasted’ time — it is an essential part of the relationship building process. Do not be surprised to be taken outside the office to a coffee house during the day. These ‘informal’ chats over a coffee are one of the best places to build relationships and many of these ‘offline’ conversations are the most useful for information gathering.

7. Individualistic, hierarchical and multi-active, Spaniards often find the team role a difficult one. They frequently express 'jealousy' of colleagues and that is not a healthy emotion in a team environment Teams, where they do exist, are more likely to consist of a group of individuals reporting to a strong leader and acting on his instructions. Communication between team members might even be through the boss to avoid confusion or duplication of activities Spanish Teams

8. Communication within Spanish organization is very often on a 'need to know' basis. A manager will inform those that he feels he should inform and this is very probably determined by strength of personal relationships. Departments do not, necessarily, freely communicate across departmental lines, as any such communication is more likely to be at a more senior level - peer to peer. communication tends to be predominantly oral rather than through the medium of the written word. Spanish Communication Styles

9. In Spain, if you feel something strongly, you show it. Overt signs of emotion do not imply lack of conviction or bluster and should be taken as the deeply felt belief of the speaker. The ability to use a large volume of language and a sincere manner are key management tools. Humour is not used in very serious situations, where it can be seen as lacking the necessary decorum.

10. Spain is, traditionally, a male dominated business society Although it is still unusual to meet women in very senior positions, they are making rapid strides in middle-management areas. Foreign women working in Spain are unlikely to encounter any form of gender discrimination. Women in Business in Spain

11. The way you look is important in Spain and this fact is borne out by the way in which people dress for work. Managers will invariably be very well-groomed wearing good quality, well-cut clothes. The importance of appearance should not be taken underestimated - if you want to be respected look the part! This applies both in formal business settings and in more informal social situations Spanish Dress Code