From which place (village, city, region) and which country are you? - Willemstad, Curaçao.
What is your current job title or position? - Director of the National Library / Business owner / Entrepreneur
How many years of work experience do you have in your own country? - 17 years
What language(s) are foreign business people expected to know when doing business with and in your country? - English / Spanish
What foreign languages do business people in your country typically know? - English, Spanish and Dutch
What are foreign languages people in your country typically struggle with? - Dutch
If the language is English, how difficult is it for foreigners and locals to settle issues of dialects or regional accents, so that they can understand each other? - Not that difficult. Most professionals are proficient in English.
Do some foreign business people learn the local language Papiamento, and if so, how do people react? - Some foreigners do their best to learn the local language. Papiamento is considered as a very easy language to learn since it has many influences of European languages such as Portuguese, Spanish and English. It is appreciated and often creates more sympathy for doing business.
What would be considered an acceptable gift to bring if a foreign business contact visits your country? - A souvenir, pen or any type of gadget useful for daily tasks.
Have you observed instances of inacceptable gifts brought by foreigners that are considered awkward in your country? What gifts should be avoided? - Not that I can think of any.
What
nationalities have it especially easy to do business in and with people from
your country? Why? –
People from Caribbean nations and South Americans. It is much easier to relate to them as a people or culture when compared to Europeans or North Americans. But also Asians are very successful in business. Despite the cultural differences, Asians tend to be very adaptable to the local culture and are very service-oriented and understand the local economy.
What nationalities have it especially difficult to do business in and with people from your country? Why? - I think Europeans and North Americans. They tend to be very direct and outspoken which is often misunderstood in the local culture.
You mentioned the problem of directness. Now, in most international culture rankings, the Dutch are the most direct in business. How does work in Curacao? Have they adapted to the local style? or do people know how Dutch people are and they anticipate their behavior? - With regards to Dutch business people, they would hire locals to be the point of contact for locals. They also have the tendency to keep the management level European and their network often consists mainly of compatriots. As "minorities" they stay united, support each other's business and invest together.
What
are typical mistakes foreign business people make with people from your
country?
- Not taking the time to understand and participate or appreciate the local culture.
Name one aspect of politeness/etiquette that you consider specific for your country? – None that I can think of.
What is an acceptable time frame in your country within which you are expected to answer an e-mail? - It depends, but from a business perspective I would say no later than two business days. Nevertheless, the urgency of the matter will of course play an important role.
How is
criticism expressed at the workplace? Is it typical that people acknowledge
their mistakes publicly? Is it OK to contradict your superior, privately and
publicly? - As emotional
people, criticism is often considered as a personal attack. It takes
experience, people skills and also timing to give criticism in a constructive
way. Admission of fault is often avoided or justified through excuses or by
blaming others. There is still a culture of fear within many organizations
towards the people in high positions considering repercussions towards anyone
who goes against them.
What happens if you are late to a business meeting? Is it acceptable and if, yes, what are typical, accepted limits? - Coming in late for a business meeting is often accepted but it also depends on the reason behind it. We have the tendency to be very understanding. Accepted limits I would say between 10 and 15 minutes which is often the travel time to get to a meeting in Curacao.
What other advice would you give a foreigner when communicating in and with people from your country? - Always stay respectful and show a genuine interest in the people and the culture.
How can readers find out more about you? (Please share all links you want: Linkedin, Youtube, etc.) https://www.linkedin.com/in/lysandro-inacio/
Thank you very much for the interview!
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This interview will be part of my next book “The Global Map of International Business Communication”. For more information about previous books, as well as for listening to my weekly podcast “International Business Communication without fear”, go to my website: www.thegomethod.org .
If you want to be featured in this interview series, please contact me on LinkedIn or via e-mail.
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