Country name Flag

Mexico

U.S.A.

Italy

The people

Mexico is a very class-conscious society where social stratifications are welldefined. Upper class Mexicans will not dirty their hands with tasks they find beneath them.

Throughout most of its history, the United States has had influxes of immigration. The ethnic mix is 83% white (generally of European descent, but also from the Middle East and Latin America), 12% African-American, 3% Asian and about 1% Native American. Today the biggest immigrant groups are from Latin countries. American greetings are generally quite informal. This is not intended to show lack of respect, but rather a manifestation of the American belief that everyone is equal. Keep your distance when conversing. If an American feels you are standing too close, he or she may step back without even thinking about it.

Cultural achievement is Italy's greatest source of pride. Inventiveness, imagination, intelligence and education are prized. Personal relations are scrupulously maintained with loyalty highly valued, especially in families. The family is the most important affiliation in Italy.

Meeting and greeting

Spanish Shake hands or give a slight bow

when introduced. Bow when greeting a Mexican woman. Shake hands only if she extends her hand first.

Mexicans generally stand close together Body Language when conversing. Don't show signs of discomfort, which would be considered rude by your Mexican counterpart.

When being introduced during a business or social meeting, shake hands with everyone present -- men, women and children. Shake hands again when leaving Maintain eye contact while talking. Otherwise Italians might think you are hiding something.

Corporat e culture

Punctuality is expected of foreign businesspeople. Your Mexican counterpart may be late or keep you waiting. Thirty minutes past the scheduled meeting time is considered punctual by Mexicans

Helpful hints

Any attempt to speak Spanish is appreciated by your Mexican counterparts and is seen as a gesture of goodwill. Demonstrating knowledge and appreciation of Mexican culture wins friends.

In a country that prides itself on its individualism, companies are organized and structured with many different styles depending on the industry, the company's history and its current leaders. It is considered rude to stare, ask questions or otherwise bring attention to someone's disability

Italians take punctuality for business meetings very seriously and expect that you will do likewise; call with an explanation if you are delayed. Deliberate lateness in business is viewed as sloppy. Italians are open, curious and tolerant of others uniqueness and manners. They will tolerate lateness, inefficiency and sincere mistakes, but dislike arrogance and rudeness.