Panama

Panama is located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica. As a result, Panamanian culture is a hybrid of African, Native Panamanian and European culture (especially Spanish). Based on the Hofstede`s Cultural Value Chart, above, Panama has a score of 95 in relation to the concept of power distance, which portrays the community as a slightly hierarchical society. Within the community, people more accept the hierarchical system; Panamas are expected to be taught or led through the command of their bosses or managers. On the other hand, the lower individualism score shows that Panama is an relationship-orientated society. People more like work collectively, which is different from the United States. Panamanians emphasize collectivity, and they more believe that “Group honor” is the most important part to considered when they make any decisions. As a result, a loyalty for a group is importance, because it can build trust within …show more content…
In Panama`s business culture, men expected to wear conservative suits and women expected to wear a skirt and blouse or a dress, although trouser suits are becoming more fashionable for women. It is not expected that women should wearing revealing clothing. Business card always use Spanish and English. Shaking hands is the basic business etiquette, and you can have a hugged if you know somebody very well. Remember, never address their first name when you doing business in Panama, you should use the title of the person you are talking to until you get to know them better. And also if you first meet people in the business place, you should prepare a lot of small talk before the business meeting. Furthermore, the dinner in Panama should become a social conversation. As a result, avoiding politics, local issues, race-related issues or any discussions of Canal Zon will be help you have a wonderful dinner with