Working in Venezuela: A Multi-Cultural Perspective
By
Egberto Fernandez
The secrets to success in any
international business are based on respect for cultural differences and
addressing diversity with patience and intelligence. The manager or
professional who wants to work in Venezuela needs some guidelines for
successfully dealing with Venezuelan colleagues and staff.
Venezuela is a country with many contrasts:
educational, social and economic. Quality-of-life gaps within social groups
and individuals are notorious, and have been growing during the last decade.
For example, the income difference between an hourly worker and a company
president is among the widest in the world.
Venezuelans are very friendly and rather
informal in handling organizational matters. Despite this, to gain respect
you have to show that you know your business and have technical knowledge.
Authority and status are not enough. The Venezuelan worker shows
appreciation if you ask him or her for advice. Nevertheless, he or she is
obedient and reserved, not venturing to give any opinion without your
requesting it.
Newly-hired bosses and professionals are
viewed with distrust. You will gain respect only after showing a willingness
to learn.
Venezuelans are extremely sociable. They do
not establish differences between work and friendship. They are
people-oriented: sociological studies show that they are also touch- and
feeling- oriented. Social affairs are mixed with employment affairs, and
some managers and supervisors have problems handling discipline.
Venezuelans like to work in groups and are
very helpful with each other. However that doesn’t necessarily mean that
they are good at working in teams. The Venezuelan worker demands high
attention to his or her personal issues.
Venezuelans favor family and friendship
over established rules and are focused on collectivism over individualism.
Overall, showing respect and appreciation
for the country, its people and culture will help you to gain acceptance and
enjoy a successful stay in the country.
About Author
Egberto Fernandez is a human development specialist who has more than 20 years of experience with organizations and individuals. He combines his private career-coaching practice with other areas of human development, including facilitating group workshops in management, leadership, team building, and change management. For more information, e-mail Egberto.
|
