Business Etiquette
Havana
Business Etiquette
The international business community has realised the potential of the Cuban market and new suitors and old beaux have been courted at increasingly successful trade fairs over the last few years. However, work practices can still be stuck in a paternalistic, top-down rut, where there is rarely anybody to take initiative (i.e. responsibility) or make decisions. While the classic Latin American attitude of leaving everything to mañana (tomorrow) doesn't predominate in Cuba, transportation, communication and other every day problems often translate into inefficiency and absenteeism in the workplace - issues government is working hard to address. Initial approaches from international businesses are usually met with great optimism and indications that anything is possible, but this is followed by total inactivity once the visitors return to their home country.
Another problem is the notoriously lax timekeeping. Cubans can turn up hours late for a meeting without a hint of an apology. Jacket and tie are almost never worn, with most Cuban businessmen favouring the traditional guayabera shirt instead. On the other hand, businesswomen can be very smart. Visitors tend not to be invited to lunch or dinner but rum often flows at meetings. Offices are generally open Monday to Friday 0830-1230 and 1330-1630 with some opening on Saturdays. It's always best to deal with business affairs in the morning, if possible.
Business Etiquette
Another problem is the notoriously lax timekeeping. Cubans can turn up hours late for a meeting without a hint of an apology. Jacket and tie are almost never worn, with most Cuban businessmen favouring the traditional guayabera shirt instead. On the other hand, businesswomen can be very smart. Visitors tend not to be invited to lunch or dinner but rum often flows at meetings. Offices are generally open Monday to Friday 0830-1230 and 1330-1630 with some opening on Saturdays. It's always best to deal with business affairs in the morning, if possible.
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Travel Deals for Havana
-
Finland Activity & adventure holidays Finnish Lapland has enormous areas of untouched wilderness and mile upon mile of wild rolling fells. This vast open countryside, sparkling in the winter sunshine, just begs to be explored by
-
Orlando Adrenaline Whether you’re enjoying the hair-raising delights of the world’s only flying rollercoaster called Manta at SeaWorld or racing through the Everglades on an airboat in search of alligators, one thing’s for
-
Cambodia Luxury holidays Today Cambodia is symbolised by awesome Angkor Wat, the largest man-made religious structure in the world. However, Cambodia is also home to some of the finest boutique hotels in the world
-
Laos Inspire Me When the French colonised Indochina they had a saying: "The Vietnamese grow the rice, the Cambodians watch the rice grow, and the Lao people listen to the rice grow." This is
-
Vietnam Cultural breaks Vietnam is a country with a rich and varied history that is now firmly focused on her bright future. This is why it has become one of the hottest destinations for
-
Dominican Republic Family holidays The Dominican Republic has soared in popularity as a tropical hotspot for families seeking sun, sand and an affordable holiday in the Caribbean. The island's main attraction is magnificent golden sand
Quick links
