Social Structure- Mexican social stratification shows clear advantages and disadvantages. There is evidence of great disparity of social and economic class based on different factors such as location, education and even past level of foreign influences. The country has been heavy influenced by the Spanish conquest and in recent years by settlements of people from regions in the Middle East like Lebanon and Israel. The class system is particularly rigid and moving up or down in social class is challenging. In general Mexico is not very diverse in race, finding indigenous Mexicans in the highest level of poverty and with the least access to education. Mexicans upper class is notoriously mixed in race with foreign influences; it makes up the smaller part of the population, but their purchasing power is very strong and should not be ignored when evaluating a brand’s market …show more content…
Be prepared to give constant praise and celebrate their accomplishments in business as well as in their personal life.
Business Relations- Mexican business etiquette is different from American etiquette. Introductions are very important and normally follow an order of introduction that is very specific. Holding hands is acceptable and hugs are acceptable although the country’s business is gradually leaning towards the traditional hand shake.
Negotiations take time and several business meetings that are usually followed by dinner and drinks. Business hours differ from the USA therefore be prepared to meet in the evenings as well as the mornings. Most business deals are closed in person and the paperwork can be extensive and followed by proper notarizations.
Time Sensitivity- Mexicans are not very sensitive to time. Punctuality is not clearly understood and 15 minutes late is not considered late in Mexico. They do not consider time as seriously as Americans. Meetings can last longer than expected and will not be considered