Spain - Catalonia
COUNTRY BRIEF!
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Fast Facts!
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Cultural Essentials!
2
Etiquette and Customs in Spain!
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Meeting People!
3
Gift Giving!
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Dining!
3
Dining Etiquette!
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Toasting Etiquette!
4
Dining Out!
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Faux pas!
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Doing Business!
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Hours of business!
5
Entertaining!
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Giving business gifts!
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Business meetings!
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Negotiating!
6
Communication styles!
7
Presentations!
7
Key Words and Phrases in Catalan!
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Economy Overview!
NEWS!
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10
Current events!
10
Weather!
11
JCI Catalonia!
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COUNTRY BRIEF
Fast Facts
Population: 46,754,784 (2011 est.)
Capital city: Madrid
Government type: Parliamentary monarchy
Predominant religion: Catholicism
Languages: Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, and
Basque 2%. Note: Catalan is official in Catalonia.
Cultural Essentials
The Family
Although in transition, the family is the basis of the social structure and
includes both the nuclear and the extended family, which sometimes provides
a social as well as a financial support network to individuals. Today, it is less
common than previously for family members to work in a family business, as
personal preferences are important and university education is general.
Grandparents often watch young children if the mother works outside the
home. Family members who have moved away often still spend a portion of
their vacation visiting their extended family.
The structure and the size of the family vary, but generally, people live longer,
have fewer children than before, and fewer people live in their homes with
extended family. Familial networks have become less tight. The greatest
changes have occurred inside families, between men and women, as well as
between parents and children, because the values that inspire these relations
have changed. While some young adults still live at home until they marry, the
traditional values of authority and obedience have been replaced by the
"democratic" family, where freedom and equality exist. The position of women
has been elevated because of this new-found equality with men, and young
people expect Spanish families to be more similar to other European
standards.
Friendships Are Forever
The friends a Spaniard has as a child may remain close throughout a lifetime.
Spaniards place a high value on relationships. They maintain friendships and
go to great lengths not to offend another person. Their custom is to keep a
large network of interpersonal relationships. As a relationship-driven culture,
cordial relations happen often, and in formal relations with governmental
officers rules of respect are of the highest regard and must be maintained.
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Regional Loyalty
During Franco's dictatorship (1939–1975), a policy that repressed regional
differences was in force. The net effect of this repression was to reinforce
regional identity and loyalty. This is why in 1978 the Spanish Constitution set
out to establish separate governments for certain regions with autonomous
financial structures. Regional governments attempt to maintain regional
nationalism through cultural policies that foster the language, traditions,
literature, and arts of the region. You can see that today as many Spaniards
have a strong allegiance to their region. You would be well-served to learn
about the locales in which you are doing business.
The Basque national separatist movement, ETA, which periodically engages in
terrorist activities in its fight to win complete autonomy from Spain, is still
present.
Etiquette and Customs in Spain
Meeting People
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Spanish greetings can be formal and rather effusive at the same time.
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The most common greeting is a handshake with the appropriate greeting
for time of day ("Buenos dias", "Buenas tardes", or "Buenas noches").
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Female friends kiss each other on both cheeks, starting with the left.
•
Young people and family members also kiss each other on both cheeks—
men and women.
•
With those over the age of 40, first names are generally only used with
close family and friends. Younger people may move to first names more
quickly. It is a good idea to wait until your Spanish counterpart suggests
moving to this level of intimacy.
•
Traditionally, older people were referred to as “Don” or “Dona” and their
first name as a sign of respect, although this habit is dying out.
Gift Giving
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Gifts need not be expensive, although they should be tasteful and
elegantly wrapped.
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When invited to a Spaniard’s home, it is a good idea to bring pastries,
cakes, good quality chocolates, or a good bottle of wine.
•
A small gift for the children is usually appreciated.
•
Gifts are usually opened when received.
Dining
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The home is considered private and only family and close friends are
invited into a Spaniard's home. If you receive such an invitation,
consider it a great honor. If you cannot accept the invitation, it is
important to provide a reason so that the invitee does not feel insulted.
•
Sometimes Spaniards will extend an invitation out of courtesy.
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•
•
If you watch their non-verbal communication, you may notice some
hesitancy. If so, decline the invitation. If they repeat it, then you know
that the invitation is sincere.
Despite their reliance on formality and protocol, invitations to dine out or
go to a cultural event may be extended at the spur of the moment.
If invited to a dinner party at a Spaniard’s home:
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Social occasions seldom start at the invited time. If you are uncertain
when to arrive, as your hosts when you are expected. It will generally be
between 15 (north) and 30 (south) minutes later than the stipulated
time.
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Spaniards pride themselves on dressing well and believe that this
indicates status and breeding. Be guided accordingly.
•
It is a good idea to bring chocolates, pastries, or cakes, wine, liqueur, or
brandy, or flowers to the hostess.
•
The home is private, so do not ask for a tour. You will be shown the
public areas.
•
Send a handwritten thank you note to your host and hostess the
following day.
Dining Etiquette
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Table manners are Continental.
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Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a
particular seat.
•
Keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your wrists resting on the
edge of the table.
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Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.
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Spain is a culture where you are expected to finish everything you take.
If you are not certain that you will like a particular dish, it is best to take
a small helping. You may generally get more if you like it.
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There is no bread plate. Put your bread on your dinner plate.
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It is acceptable to say you are not hungry. Spaniards will not urge you to
eat more.
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Do not get up to leave the meal until the guest of honor or host does.
Toasting Etiquette
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The host gives the first toast.
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An honored guest should return the toast later in the meal.
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If at all possible, give your toast in Spanish.
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The most common toast is “salud”.
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Glasses are generally raised; there is no need to clink glasses.
Dining Out
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You may need to ask you waitperson for the bill. Customer service is not
considered important in Spain, especially in the south. Moreover, the
waitperson may think that you are enjoying a leisurely meal and would
not want you to think that you were being asked to leave.
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•
Legislation has been passed banning smoking in public places, although
like most rules, the level of compliance varies tremendously. There are
some restaurants that are smoke-free. Spaniards continue to be heavy
smokers. If this bothers you, you may wish to look for restaurants that
advertise that they do not allow smoking.
Faux pas
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Do not point with your finger. Use your hand instead.
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Do not throw items to one another. For example, do not toss a pencil or
key.
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Yawning in public is considered rude.
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Avoid using the “okay” signal of joining the thumb and index finger to
form a circle. This is considered vulgar.
Doing Business
Hours of business
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Offices: 09:00–14.00 and 16:00–20:00 Monday to Friday. This schedule
is beginning to change to 09:00–18:00.
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Shops: 09:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:00/21:00 Monday to Saturday
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Government offices: 09:00–12:00 Monday to Friday
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Banks: 10:00–14:00 Monday to Friday. They then open one afternoon or
Saturday morning.
Entertaining
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As you would expect in a relationship-driven culture, sharing business
meals is an integral part of the business culture.
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Use this time to develop a personal relationship and demonstrate that
you are trustworthy.
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If you want to discuss business over a meal, it is a good idea to make
your intentions known in advance.
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Business discussions usually take place when coffee is served at the end
of the meal. Spaniards enjoy their meals.
•
Business may be discussed over lunch, but typically not until after coffee
has been served.
•
Restaurants typically open for dinner at 9 p.m., although they the actual
meal is rarely eaten before 10 p.m. and may last until midnight or later.
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The person extending the invitation usually pays for the meal.
•
Business dinners will be served after 9 p.m. They are somewhat formal
and very social events.
Giving business gifts
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Business gifts are not part of the business culture.
•
If you choose to give a gift, do not do so at the first meeting.
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It is more common to give something at the end of successful
negotiations.
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Gifts should be elegantly wrapped.
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•
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Avoid giving something with your company logo unless it is a fine pen or
tasteful desk accessory.
Gifts are opened when received. It is considered an insult to open the
gift in private.
Business meetings
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Meetings are seldom used for brainstorming.
•
The first meeting is generally formal and is used to get to know each
other. Do not be surprised if no business is actually conducted during the
first meeting.
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Time may be devoted to non-business discussions. Spend time letting
your business colleagues get to know you.
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Trust and personal relationships are the cornerstone of business.
Spaniards are concerned that they look good in the eyes of others and
try to avoid looking foolish at all times.
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There may be an agenda and a starting time, but they serve as
guidelines only and may act as a springboard to other related business
ideas and further discussion.
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Spaniards are typically very thorough. They will review every minute
detail to make certain it is understood.
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Several people may speak at once. You may be interrupted while you are
speaking.
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In some situations, Spaniards may not give voice to their true opinion.
On the other hand, they can become very animated and assertive when
discussing topics they feel passionately about.
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Avoid confrontation if at all possible. Spaniards do not like to publicly
admit that they are incorrect.
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Time is not considered more important than completing a meeting
satisfactorily; therefore, meetings will continue until the discussion is
completed and may extend well past a scheduled end time.
Negotiating
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Strive to remain warm and open during negotiations while maintaining
dignity, courtesy, and diplomacy.
•
At the outset, your Spanish counterparts may appear restrained, indirect,
and overly formal. This demeanor will dissipate once a relationship of
trust has developed.
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The most successful negotiations occur when the Spanish negotiating
team thinks positively about the other team.
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Spaniards expect the people with whom they negotiate to have final
decision making authority.
•
As a sign of deference and respect, it is a good idea to address
comments and questions to the most senior Spaniard.
•
Spaniards perceive a lack of understanding as losing dignity and respect,
so they will not necessarily say that they do not understand, particularly
if you are not speaking Spanish.
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It is imperative that you not rush or show impatience at the time
negotiations take. For the most part, Spaniards are risk averse and will
want to take their time before making a commitment.
Communication styles
When dealing with someone with whom they do not have a long-standing
personal relationship, Spaniards may put a more positive spin on the facts
than is warranted, This is done to save face since it makes them appear
competent and in control.
The way you present yourself is of critical importance when dealing with
Spaniards. Personal qualities are valued over technical ability, professionalism
or competence, so it is best to display modesty when describing your
achievements and accomplishments. Modesty is valued above assertiveness
but there is no place for self-deprecation in a culture that emphasizes personal
pride and honour (“orgullo”).
The following tips will assist you in communicating with the Spanish:
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They tend to need less “body space” and stand closer when they’re
communicating with you than other Europeans or North Americans.
•
It is quite common for a Spaniard to touch the arm of someone while
conversing.
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Making and maintaining eye contact is expected and demonstrates
sincerity.
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Personal honor, dignity, and pride are of utmost importance to Spaniards.
It is important that communication prevents either party from losing
face.
•
Spaniards will feel that they have lost face if they are criticized publicly
or if they lose control of their emotions.
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The Spanish are a vivacious and gregarious people who can also be
proud and individualistic.
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Interrupting someone who is speaking is common in some parts of the
country.
Presentations
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Presentations should be polished and elegant. Graphics may be used if
they are aesthetically pleasing.
•
The appearance of the presentation is often as important as the material
because it denotes attention to detail and respect for the audience.
•
If you plan to make a presentation in English and are presenting to
businesspeople who are not fluent in English, keep both your
presentation materials and your words clear and simple.
•
Avoid using idioms. Spaniards learn BBC English, so idiomatic phrases
may not be understood.
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Having visual aids and hand-outs in Spanish can facilitate understanding.
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It is the presenter’s responsibility to make certain that the audience
understands what is being said.
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It is best not to make exaggerated claims or embellish information.
Spaniards prefer short presentations, generally no more than 30
minutes.
Spaniards tend to focus on tangibles.
You may find it beneficial to include private Q&A sessions for key
stakeholders rather than a general Q&A session.
Key Words and Phrases in Catalan
Hello (informal). Hola. (OH-lah). For the formal equivalent of "hola" see good morning, good afternoon,
good evening, below.
How are you? Com estàs? (kohm uhs-TAHS?) (informal); Com està? (kohm uhs-TAH?) (formal)
Fine, thank you. Molt bé, gràcies. (mohl behh, GRAH-syuhs)
What is your name? Com et dius? (informal) (kohm uht THEE-oos?) / Com es diu? (formal) (kohm uhs THEEoo?)
My name is ______ . Em dic ______ . (uhm theek...)
Nice to meet you. Molt de gust. (mohl thuh goos)
Please. Sisplau./Si us plau. (sees-PLOW/see oos PLOW)
Thank you. Gràcies. (GRAH-syuhs) OR Mercès. (muhr-SEHS)
You're welcome. De res. (duh rrehs)
Yes. Sí. (see)
No. No. (noh)
Excuse me. (getting attention) Excuseu-me./Dispensi./Disculpi. (ucks koo-zehw-muh/dees-PEHN-see/dees-KOOL-pee)
Excuse me. (begging pardon) Perdoni. (puhr-THOH-nee)
I'm sorry. Em sap greu. (uhm sahp greh-oo)
Goodbye 8
Adéu (to one person or informally). (uh-THEH-oo) OR Adéu-siau (to many or formal). (uhTHEH-oo-syah-oo)
I can't speak Catalan [well]. No parlo [bé] el català. (noh PAHR-loo [BEH] uhl kuh-tuH-LAH)
Do you speak English? Parles anglès? (PAHR-luhs uhn-GLEHS?) (informal); Que parleu anglès? (kuh PAHR-luw
uhn-GLEHS?)
Is there someone here who speaks English? Que hi ha algú que parli anglès? (kuh yah uhl-GOO kuh PAHR-lee uhn-GLEHS?)
Good morning. Bon dia. (BOHN DEE-uh)
Good afternoon. Bona tarda. (BOH-nuh TAHR-thuh)
Good evening (when it's dark) Bon vespre. (BOHM BEHS-pruh)
Good night. Bona nit. (BOH-nuh neet)
I don't understand. No ho entenc. (NOH oo UHN-tehng)
Economy Overview
Spain's mixed capitalist economy is the 13th largest in the world, and its per
capita income roughly matches that of Germany and France. However, after
almost 15 years of above average GDP growth, the Spanish economy began to
slow in late 2007 and entered into a recession in the second quarter of 2008.
GDP contracted by 3.7% in 2009, ending a 16-year growth trend, and by
another 0.2% in 2010, making Spain the last major economy to emerge from
the global recession.
The reversal in Spain's economic growth reflected a significant decline in
construction amid an oversupply of housing and falling consumer spending,
while exports actually have begun to grow. Government efforts to boost the
economy through stimulus spending, extended unemployment benefits, and
loan guarantees did not prevent a sharp rise in the unemployment rate, which
rose from a low of about 8% in 2007 to 20% in 2010. The government budget
deficit worsened from 3.8% of GDP in 2008 to 9.2% of GDP in 2010, more
than three times the euro-zone limit.
Spain's large budget deficit and poor economic growth prospects have made it
vulnerable to financial contagion from other highly-indebted euro zone
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members despite the government's efforts to cut spending, privatize
industries, and boost competitiveness through labor market reforms.
Spanish banks' high exposure to the collapsed domestic construction and real
estate market also poses a continued risk for the sector. The government
oversaw a restructuring of the savings bank sector in 2010, and provided some
$15 billion in capital to various institutions. Investors remain concerned that
Madrid may need to bail out more troubled banks. The Bank of Spain, however,
is seeking to boost confidence in the financial sector by pressuring banks to
come clean about their losses and consolidate into stronger groups.
Unemployment rate:
20.1% (2010 est.)
Population below poverty line:
19.8% (2005)
NEWS
Current events
Workers at Spain's Iberia begin 15 days of strikes
Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/business/
20130218_ap_workersatspainsiberiabegin15daysofstrikes.html#ixzz2LGX5eswg
Watch sports videos you won't find anywhere else
* Shouldnʼt affect your flight; strikes between Feb. 18-22, March 4-8 and March 18-22.
Unemployed find treasure in others’ trash
Palma/Barcelona.—For unemployed immigrants to Spain, there’s one
last-resort “job” that sometimes pays more than minimum wage. It’s
dumpster diving, and it’s particularly lucrative for former construction
workers.
On a Barcelona street, a well-dressed, middle-aged Spanish man averts
his eyes from onlookers as he reaches his arm deep into a dumpster.
It is a scene that’s become more common since the economic crisis hit
Spain, plunging the country into Europe’s deepest recession. According
to Spain’s National Institute of Statistics, unemployment currently
stands at 26 percent.
But for those who have immigrated to Spain the number is closer
to 35 percent, and of the thousands of Spaniards now searching
through dumpsters by night, many are immigrants. “Here, take a look at
this!” one says in broken Spanish. “This is junk metal, but it’s worth a bit
of money.” The Pakistani immigrant arrived in Spain four years ago to
work in construction. Shortly after he arrived the industry collapsed...
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Last year, the Red Cross debuted a TV commercial across Spain. The ad
shows a worried father rationing a single egg omelette into three
portions to feed himself and his two children. “More people than you
imagine need help in our country,” a voice says.
The Red Cross says 300,000 people in Spain are vulnerable to
hunger because of the economic crisis. Yet the vast majority of
Spaniards do have access to unemployment benefits and food banks. If
things get really desperate, it’s also customary for relatives to take one
another in. And the Catholic Church is still a big provider of charity.
But many of the men searching dumpsters are immigrants, without
family ties in Spain. Some may be in Spain illegally and therefore have
no access to welfare benefits which, despite government austerity
measures, are still relatively generous.
Economist Fernando Fernandez, at Madrid’s IE Business School, says
Spain had a poor underclass even in the boom years. “In any rich,
developed economy there are pockets of need. And there are certainly
(those pockets) in Spain and in Madrid these days. It is probably true too
that to some extent, this has increased. If anything, because the
organizations caring for people in need, are squeezed for resources,” he
said.
Source: http://www.majorcadailybulletin.es/
Weather
February
JCI Catalonia
Creation: 1986
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Two different websites. News portion of www.jciluxembourg.com last
updated in 2010. www.jci.lu looks more current.
Membership: 390, slow decline since peak in 1988; 11 LOMs
Average age of members: 33, 65% male, 35% female
No trainers registered.
87 senators.
Past projects:
Save the Forest (from forest fires)
Raised €4,800 last year for charity to local poor people
From FB page “About” section:
Need to update.
Observations/comments:
JCI Catalonia needs to align description about JCI on website and FB
page. Focus is now on collaborating with partners to find solutions to
community problems related to health/well-being, economic
empowerment, and sustainable development.
Should also add JCI Vision and Mission.
Says JCI has 40,000 members around the world!
From website, appears that there is a need to realign training with new
JCI training policy.
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Sources for this document:
http://www.jci.cat
http://premier.rw3cg.com/content/approved/spain/premier_frame.htm
http://www.majorcadailybulletin.es/
http://wikitravel.org/en/Catalan_phrasebook
http://www.jci.cc/
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