Abstract
Colombia is the hinge between North and South America situated on the northwestern end of South America and stretching over an area roughly equal to that of Portugal, Spain, and France put together. Colombia is not only country of origin of world known artists (e.g. Gabriel Garcia Marquez), sportsmen (e.g. Juan Pablo Montoya) and scientists (e.g. Manuel Elkin Patarroyo, who discovered a vaccine against malaria and donated it to WHO). The country with the second biggest population in South America (42 millions) is also economically an important player. It's the world’s largest producer of emeralds and orchids, the second largest exporter of flowers in general, the third largest producer of coffee, women’s lingerie, reptiles and bananas and it's the fourth largest producer in coal and nickel. Colombia possesses the largest coal reserves, the second largest hydroelectric potential and the fourth largest oil and gas reserves in Latin America.
Although Colombia had and still has some problems with political and social stability, violence and drug trafficking, it offers interesting business opportunities to international companies, especially regarding its minerals and energy resources. Colombia underwent a major economic reform in the past decade, which enabled its economy to participate in international trade and investment. This guide, who doesn't claim to be comprehensive, will provide a collection of primary and secondary information about Colombian culture and customs, which are helpful to do business in Colombia and to avoid capital blunders.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction.
- Important Factors and Cultural Dimensions
- Important Factors and Values
- Religion....
- Business Network in Colombia
- Face and Hierarchy..\li>
- Long-Term Orientation / Future orientation..\li>
- Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions
- Power Distance.
- Uncertainty Avoidance..
- Collectivism.....
- Masculinity – Femininity.
- PEST Analysis.
- Political factors
- Economical factors
- Social Factors
- Technological Factors.
- Important Factors and Values
- Communicating Cross Culturally..
- Language.
- Communication.
- Verbal communication
- Non-verbal communication.
- Speaking Colombian.
- Hand gestures.
- Personal interspace..
- Eye contact.
- Written communication .....
- Problems, tips and hints when communicating
- Translation.
- Speed.
- Slang and proverbs...
- Teams to Work in Colombia
- Leaders and Managers.
- Motivational Approaches in Colombia.
- Provide Status...
- Feedback /Positive Reinforcement.
- Negotiating Cross Culturally.
- Protocol in Colombia.....
- Scheduling a meeting..
- Relationship before business.
- Greetings...
- The use of titles, names and business cards.
- Business Dress.
- Conversation...
- Gift Giving.......
- Negotiation………….
- Negotiating Tips
- Protocol in Colombia.....
- Managing Expatriates In Colombia...
- Determining the need of an expatriate in Colombia.
- Selection of expatriates in Colombia.
- Repatriation
- Managing Social and Ethical issues in Colombia.
- Civil War
- Drugs.
- Corruption
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This guide provides an overview of Colombian culture and customs, offering insights into business-related behavior and decision-making processes in Colombia. It aims to help international companies avoid common pitfalls when conducting business in this country.
- Understanding the importance of religion and family businesses in Colombian culture
- Exploring the role of power distance and other cultural dimensions as identified by Hofstede
- Analyzing key factors influencing cross-cultural communication and negotiation
- Addressing the challenges of managing expatriates and navigating social and ethical issues in Colombia
- Providing practical tips and hints for successful business interactions in Colombia
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The guide delves into the significance of cultural values and beliefs in Colombian society, focusing on the influence of Catholicism, family businesses, and power dynamics within the business environment. It explores Hofstede's cultural dimensions in the Colombian context and examines the impact of political, economic, social, and technological factors on business operations. The text then addresses communication in a cross-cultural setting, highlighting the importance of language, non-verbal cues, and the use of slang and proverbs. It provides guidance on working with Colombian teams, emphasizing the importance of motivational approaches, leadership styles, and cultural nuances in team dynamics. Lastly, it delves into the complexities of negotiating cross-culturally in Colombia, offering advice on protocol, negotiation tactics, and managing expatriates within the Colombian business landscape.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This guide explores key aspects of Colombian culture and business practices, focusing on cultural dimensions, cross-cultural communication, negotiation, and expatriate management. It delves into the significance of religion, family businesses, power distance, and other factors that influence business interactions in Colombia.
- Quote paper
- MBA Hakime Isik-Vanelli (Author), 2003, How to do business in Colombia - a guide, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/26491
