The Cultural Report of Spain
Student name: Guolei Li (070145)
Date: 8, August, 2009
Words: 1493
Introduction
In order to deal with businesses in the overseas market it is necessary to be aware of their cultural heritage. The purpose of this report is introducing and addressing the key cultural features of Spain. It is important for businesspersons to avoid some cultural mistakes in their trips to Spain. The report has pointed two main views which are general cultures and business cultures in Spain. For general cultures, it gives information on language and communication, religion, social structure and value and attitude. The
…show more content…
Management styles
Generally, workers provide plans, methods, reports, etc, can be complicated and time-consuming. In order to achieve a particular goal, gathering information required can take a long time. In addition, in a formal and sometimes very rigid hierarchical structure, time, deadlines and efficiency are secondary to compare with detail, rigorous logic and perfection of form. However, Spain is no longer the sleepy country it once was. Although the Spanish tardiness of time perception is not regarded as inexcusable, meetings often start on time especially in Barcelona and Madrid.
Titles in Spain are very important. The highest ones such as vice president are normally reserved for very senior executive-level positions. They should not be used as casually as they are in the America. Rewards and compliments are usually not given publicly in Spain (Going Global Career Guides. Spain, 2006).
Boss and subordinate relations
In Spain, the rank has its privileges. Spaniards always do business with the most important people because of their pride and self-importance. Also there is a rigid chain of command that must be respected. Whatever the field you are in, you must follow a hierarchy which is a proper way for communicating with particular individuals and an expected procedure.
Medieval Spain started with the arrival of the Visigoths in the late 5th century to the end of the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella in the 16th century. However, its roots can be traced back to the medieval countries and kingdoms including Galicia, Leon, Castile, Aragon, Navarre, Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, and Granada. These countries all contributed to what has been known as the Spanish language as well as the country itself.
Throughout history, as we study Spain we can clearly recognize high and low points in their success. In the fifteen hundreds Spain had no influence on European affairs, Spain essentially vanished out of Europe. However, within one complete century Spain had become not only a leading power but they also had a great sense of effectiveness in Europe. Spain experienced a Golden age with many social, economic, political aspects. On the other hand, within
The cultures of Spain are European cultures based on a variety of historical influences, primarily based on pre-Roman Celtic and Iberian culture, and it is also just like American culture in this essay i will explain the differences and the similarities in the two and maybe you will get an understanding and see how they are alike and how they are different.
During the last decades, Madrid has surfaced as the heartbeat of modern business, art, technology, and fashion. Traveling to Spain on a tourist travel will only show me a glimpse of what Spain’s history treasures are, but this program will unveil many aspects of the Spanish culture that are unique and exclusive to the country. In addition, it will be a great opportunity to learn about my own culture a little better. As we already know, Spain conquered a vast majority of what is now the American continent. While in Madrid, and since I will be only a few hours from Seville, Spain; I would love to be able to visit the General Archive of the Indies which holds the records and complete documentation of the historical administration and discoveries made by the Spaniards in the New World during its prominent years in exploration. As a native Guatemalan, it would be fascinating to learn about my own roots from the accounts of the Spaniards who set foot on my country and many of the other American countries that were conquered by Spain. Sometimes, we get a better appreciation of history when it is viewed from both perspectives. It’s not the same to learn history of a country based on the narratives of a textbook, than to be actually experience it from its culture and people. The study abroad program will consist of a total of ninety classroom hours of interaction with native Spanish students and professors. In addition, one of the courses will be taught fully in Spanish, which will benefit me greatly by strengthening my Spanish speaking, reading, and writing skills. While in Spain, I hope to be able to interact with Spaniards and exchange information in order to compare and contrast their culture from my own. I’d also like to explore the city of Madrid,
During the 15th century, many considered Spain insignificant. However, within a century it became a world-dominant power in Europe. Although Spain only took a brief time to rise, it was also short-lived. The rise of Spain was due to its flourishing culture, stable political system and successful voyages to the New World. On the other hand, its decline was due to religious control, resistance from other countries and inflation.
From sandy beaches to rocky mountain ranges, astounding big cities to mosques and gothic cathedrals, vibrant festivals to the theatrical historic bullfights, Spain has about everything. Spain has been the center of culture in Europe for thousands of years. Spain is an astonishing place with rich heritage and lively festivals and art. Spain is not just about the flamenco dancing, bullfights, and the religious festivals, it has so many things to offer. Even Lenny Kravitz the American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer said, “It’s like a dream to come to Spain and stay a for a couple of years and get somebody to teach me Spanish music.” Today I am going to inform you about the well-known features of La Siesta in the Spanish culture, the creative and energetic Flamenco dance, and the historic subculture of Basque.
The culture I choose to explore is the Hispanic culture. I choose this culture because many of the people I work with and many of my friends identify with the Hispanic culture and I feel it would be interesting to know more about a culture that is so relevant to my life. A few of the big things in Hispanic culture that I found interesting are language, traditions and food. Hispanic refers to a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture.
The rise of a powerful government and the enforcement of religious orthodoxy were factors that help established the Spanish Empire.
William of Orange once stated, “Spain committed such horrible excesses that all the barbarities, cruelties, and tyrannies ever perpetrated before are only games in comparison to what happened to the poor Indians.” This statement is an example of an attempt to discredit the Spanish. Attempts such as these are known as the Black Legend. The Black Legend was the name given to the concept of cruelty and brutality spread by the Spanish during the 14th and 15th century. This legend demonizes Spain and specifically the Spanish empire in an effort to harm the reputation of them. It was through this propaganda that made other countries look down upon the Spanish empire. The Black Legend threw discredit upon the rule
I would have least like to have lived in New Spain societies. Indians were the most dominant population when Spanish Monarch established the New Spain. All these Indians were forced to change their religion to Christianity. When Indians were discovered incapable of understanding Christianity, they were the victims of coerced labor, overwork, abuse, and mistreatment. They had to see their friends head chopped off, parts of the body cut away, home destroyed, and their women raped. All of their antiquity were destroyed. There was the drastic change in Indian population when the European diseases in the tribe was introduced as result of conquest. They were highly susceptible to diseases like measles, small pox, and respiratory illness. Establishment
Another important tradition in Spain is Spanish music. The Spanish music is very important to the Spanish people as it’s a part of their culture. The Spanish music was influenced by the Arabic music in the 1600s.
There are a multitude of political systems around the world today. Regardless of similarities, each has its own unique qualities. This paper will discuss the differences and similarities of the political systems and government of both the United States of America and Spain. First, a short analysis of each countries history will be provided. This will give some background to the political, emotional and economical state of each country. This will lead to how the governments and political systems are now. Finally, there will be an analysis on the similarities and differences between both countries.
Making business abroad can be risky, but it can also be profitable for a company as well; thus the necessity to study in deep the country where the company will bring the business to. International companies are faced with many cultural challenges, when doing business across and inside of different borders. Identifying the significant cultural issues involved when evaluating the attractiveness of a particular location as a place for doing business can be crucial for a business. Aspects to consider when studying culture in a new place
Sports and games are a very important and popular pastime of Spain. The Spaniards have traditional and regional games,
The purpose of this research paper is to analyze the cultural viewpoint of doing business in the nation of Barbados according to the major elements and dimensions of culture including: communication, religion, ethics, customs, social structure, organization, and education. It will provide how these dimensions and elements are implemented by local conducting business. Also, explains on how the culture and business of Barbados differs from the United States. Other information researched includes