Hello everybody,
As you know, professional habits may differ from one country to another. In order to help newly arrived expats better understand their new professional environment in Ecuador, we warmly encourage you to share information and insights about the do's and don'ts in the workplace.
For instance, are there office manners? How do you greet your co-workers? Do you greet your management differently? Is there a dress code? Particular rules to observe? Maybe a professional body language?
On another level, what is key for a successful professional meeting? Are there any steps to follow? How do you a start a negotiation?
In other words, what are the most important things to know for a successful professional integration in Ecuador?
Thank you in advance for sharing your experience!
Julien
Business etiquette in Ecuador
Julien wrote:What is key for a successful professional meeting? Are there any steps to follow? How do you a start a negotiation?
Expats can get away with a simple “hola” (hello), but the norm among Ecuadorians is to greet one another with time of day....
Good morning .. “Buenos días” (literally, good days).
Good afternoon .. “Buenas tardes” (literally, good afternoons).
If the parties already know each other, a little chit-chat (weather, family, etc.) is normally expected before plunging into business matters.
Casual Fridays have not made it to most businesses in Quito. A conservative suit and tie for men are the norm for business in the capital on weekdays.
Some businesses close from 1-3 p.m. so employees can go home for lunch with family.
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You should normally shake hands with people you greet, with a friendly smile. no bowing. This goes for both genders. If you speak Spanish, use the 'udsted' version of Spanish on first meeting. After the first one or two meetings, it is customary to brush cheeks (one side only) when greeting between a man and a woman.
russelleaton wrote:it is customary to brush cheeks (one side only) when greeting between a man and a woman.
And always, right cheek to right cheek.
I was in Mexico a few weeks ago. There I was right cheek to cheek, and got kissed by the women. I was also expected to kiss "cheek" back.
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