Venezuela By Tu Vu Overview Venezuela is a

Venezuela By Tu Vu

Overview • Venezuela is a country in South America • Its capital city is Caracas

Language • About 40 languages are spoken in Venezuela • However, Spanish is its official language • Some popular languages are: – English – Italian – Chinese • The most common religion is Christian: – 80% are Roman Catholic – 19% are members of Protestants – 1% are Jews and Muslims.

Angel Falls • The largest waterfall in the world • Located in Canaima National Park • Fifteen times taller than Niagra Fall.

La Isla Margarita • Located North of Venezuela coastline • Best known for its white sandy beaches. • Windsurfing, snorkeling, diving is available.

National Cuisine • Arepas • Corn cake serve with various stew or grilled meat • Hallacas • Serve during Christmas

Stereotypes • Venezuelans are always late for meeting. • Venezuela is a banana country. • Venezuela is still in the process of achieving stability.

Superstitions • The myth of La Sayona (The White Lady) – A woman who will always hunt and kill unfaithful husband. • The legend of Silbon (The Vagabond Spirit) – A man who carried a bag of bone hunting for musicians and drunkards.

Hand Gestures • Venezuelan greet each other by handshake, or pat on the right shoulder. • The normal A-ok hand gesture is considered rude in Venezuela. • It is impolite to point single finger at other person.

Etiquette and Body Language • For a business meeting, Venezuelans prefer European suits and ties. • High quality brands of watches, shoes will be noticed. • Manicure is encouraged, since nail will be noticed during a meeting. • Eye contact is important, as it expresses interest

Relationship Building • Networking is very important – Need to know the people they do business with • Small talk is unnecessary • Prefer going straight to the point. • Interpersonal relationship is more important than experience and knowledge. .

Communication Style • Will be vague at first • However, when they know you, the conversation will be frank • Should approach sensitive matter gently • Silence will convey a negative message. • Face to face meeting is important

Power Structure • Senior executives and Administrator will make decisions. • Proposal must be approved in many stages before reaching top decision makers. • For small, private-owned business, decision will be made after discussion within family members.

Body Language Venezuela The United States • Firm handshake, direct eye contact and smile. • Should touch the counterpart while talking. • Keep a close distance when talking. • Use the whole palm of hand when point to someone. • Handshake is sufficient. • Refrain from touching other during talking • Keep a comfortable distance. • Can use one finger or the whole hand to pinpoint people.

Communication Styles Venezuela The United States • Vague dialogue during first meeting. After knowing you the conversation will be frank. • Face-to-face meeting is important. • Approach sensitive matter indirectly. • Tend to be overtly friendly when introduced. • Face-to-face meeting is not essential. • Not shy to ask personal matter.

Power Structure Venezuela The United States • Decisions are made by Senior Executives and Administrators. • In private-owned business, decisions are made after discussions between family members. • Decisions are made by top level Executives. • In family owned business, decisions are made by the top person, without discussion.

Internet Pernetration • In 2013, 54. 9% of Venezuela’s population has access to Internet. • Facebook is the most popular social networking site in Venezuela. • More than 8 million Venezuelans using Facebook.

Collectivism • Collectivism country have groups that take care of its people in exchange for their loyalty. • Venezuela is one of the most collectivist country in the world. • As a result, it is important for Venezuelans to be belonged in a group and agree with the group’s opinions. • In exchange, Venezuelans will obtain benefits and privileges from the group they are in.

Large Power Distance • Power distance refers to the inequalities between individuals in a society. • Venezuelans believe that inequalities between people are part of their life. • As a result, the people in charge will have more power. • Venezuela’s leader will stay in power for a long period.

High Uncertainty Avoidance • Refers to the way different cultures deal with future uncertainty. • Venezuelans have high Uncertainty Avoidance, they tend to seek mechanism to avoid ambiguous situation. • There are lots of rules, however, it is not necessary to follow all of them.

Masculine • A Masculine society is driven by competition, achievement and success. • Thus, Venezuelans are highly success oriented. • Being collectivist and masculine society, Venezuelans are competitive towards people who are in different group. • They often sacrifice leisure against. work.

Individualism Vs. Collectivism Venezuela The United States • Collectivist society. • Prefer to be in a group • Loyal to the group they belong • Usually have privileges and benefits from the group they are in. • Individualistic society. • Managers depend on teams and employees expertise. • Information is shared equally between managers and employees. • People tend to look after themselves and their families.

Large or Small Power Distance Venezuela The United States • Large Power Distance. • Power is concentrated on business leaders and highest government’s positions. • Small Power Distance. • Equal rights for all classes. • Allow people to work with other people who they do not know well • Jobs, salaries, promotions are based on Merit.

Strong or Weak Uncertainty Avoidance Venezuela The United States • Strong Uncertainty Avoidance. • Dislike ambiguity. • Conservative. • Detailed planning may not be followed closely during practice. • Low Uncertainty Avoidance. • High degree of accepting new ideas, products. • Willing to try new and different things. • More tolerant of ideas and opinions.

Masculinity Vs. Femininity Venezuela The United States • Masculine society. • Performance oriented. • Competitice and statusoriented. • Masculine society. • Idolize values such as “Winner take all” and “Strive to the best they can be”. • “Can-do” mentality, which drives them to solve difficult problems.

Current Events • Carnivals – Parades in Western part of Venezuela. – In the East, masks and costumes are more popular. • Epiphany

Works Cited • Giess, P. (n. d. ). Venezuela. Retrieved from http: //www. globalroadwarrior. com. ccbcmd. idm. oclc. org/contentin fo. asp? cid=159&nid=65&next_nid=66 • Lead generation and internet marketing in venezuela. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http: //www. mvfglobal. com/venezuela • Best tourist attractions in venezuela. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http: //www. republica-de-venezuela. com/leisure-activities/besttourist-attractions-venezuela. php • Venezuela - language, culture, customs and etiquette. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http: //www. kwintessential. co. uk/resources/globaletiquette/venezuela-country-profile. html • United states - geert hofstede. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http: //geerthofstede. com/united-states. html • Venezuela - geert hofstede. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http: //geerthofstede. com/venezuela. html