It is difficult to establish if Venezuelan society is strongly direct or indirect, but one thing is true, they always tend to be clear in negotiations, they try to express what they think at every moment, becoming emotional many times. They don't establish symbolic or sign communications when doing business, so it is clear that they try to be as much transparent as possible. As we will see in detail in the following Hofstede's analysis; Venezuela has got a high power distance impact due to the high level of inequality of power and wealth within the society. However society seems to accept this situation as normal which derives in the power of corruption, poverty, etc. They feel impotent in front of Government laws and policies, and when there are demonstrations, the response of order forces is often repressive.
[...] Their Colours are the colours of their flag (yellow, red and blue), the horse appearing in their shield is one of the most loved symbols of Venezuela as well as the turpial, the national bird; la flor de mayo (or orchid), the national flower; or the araguaney, the national tree. Women are very important in Venezuelan advertising because they are a sensual icon. The beauty of Venezuelan women is well known all around the world and advertising in Venezuela takes profit from it usually showing the typical Venezuelan woman as a white, suntanned and black haired housewife, product of a society which tends to chauvinism. [...]
[...] - Business cards are important in establishing working relationships in this culture. Consequently, ensure that you bring a plentiful supply and have them ready when first meeting others. - It's recommended that you have one side of your business card printed in Spanish, and the reverse in English. Also, ensure that your title and position are clearly stated on the card, since Venezuelan businesspeople tend to be highly status-conscious. - Immediately following an introduction, present your business card. - Business cards should be treated with care and respect. [...]
[...] - A business deal made in Venezuela should focus mainly on long-term goals, rather than immediate aims. - In Venezuela, new ideas and concepts are usually accepted on most issues- -at least for purposes of discussion. But, generally speaking, Venezuelans will not be easily persuaded to change their minds. - Generally, the Venezuelan educational system emphasizes processing information subjectively and associatively. In problem solving, becoming personally involved in a situation is often considered far more important than seeking guidance from a specific set or laws or rules. [...]
[...] As it has been showed in the analysis below, Venezuela is a country were men have a different status than women, they can reach more easily important positions in business, politics and other aspects of culture. It's maybe curious but the woman is often placed as a beauty icon, and whatever we try to do a woman in Venezuela will be treated extremely gently. Moreover in Venezuela the money of the family, and it's social and historic category are very important to be well placed in Venezuelan society, aspect which provide these persons with more opportunities in studies, politics, business, etc. [...]
[...] We should also explain that in Venezuela exists a particular sense of loyalty to the corrupt figure of the often a powerful person who promises some kind of “protection” or in change of doing his will; but that's only a kind of coercion which forces loyalty derived from terror. Maybe another aspect of Venezuelan individualism could be the sensation of insecurity of its population, fact which could determine their need of group protection and their collectivist position Cultural values according to Trompenaars model Universalism vs. [...]
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