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Bolivia
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Called The Tibet of the Americas, landlocked Bolivia is Latin Americas highest and
most isolated country. Its dense mountains and jungles and compact valleys are
home to a sparse population.
More than half the population is Amerindian; where traditional religion, language,
clothing, and music remain part of their daily lives. This is in sharp contrast to
culture of the Spanish-descended elite class. Although Spanish influences are seen
in urban colonial architecture, the country remains culturally tied to its native roots.
Bolivia has limited arable land. Its vast rainforests have been subject to significant
deforestation and it remains among the poorest and most undeveloped countries in
the world, relying heavily on foreign aid. The government opposes free-trade
policies and has tightened control over the economy, nationalizing the energy
sector and key utilities.
The country has the second-largest reserves of natural gas in South America;
however, disagreements continue as to the exploration and exportation of the
resource. Indigenous groups see these reserves as the country's last natural
resources and they do not want control relinquished to foreign companies. In 2006,
the energy industry was put under government control.
Culture Overview
Cultural Essentials
The elderly are revered for their age and experience. It would bring shame
upon a family to send elderly relatives to a nursing home.
Machismo
Machismo literally means "masculinity" or "toughness". It survives in this
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Class Structure
Bolivia is comprised of a small number of whites, a larger group of
mestizos (intermarriage of whites with indigenous Indians), and a majority
of Quechua or Aymara Indians. There are also a small number of blacks
who are descended from the slaves imported during the Spanish colonial
period. Until recently, whites (called "blancos") and mestizos controlled the
Indians.
Indians focus their loyalties on their local community rather than on some
abstract sense of a common ethnic identity. These loyalties extend outward
in a circular fashion from family to neighborhood to village. Upwardly
mobile mestizos are called "cholos". By moving to an urban area, an Indian
might assimilate and become mestizo. Assuming mestizo identity requires
a change in clothing as well as becoming proficient in Spanish. Complete
assimilation seldom occurs in one generation. Mestizo socioeconomic
status changed after the 1952 revolution.
Whites are at the top of the ethnic pyramid, although they account for only
about 10% of the population. Socioeconomic boundaries, rather than skin
color, give whites their status. In general, the white elite is culturally
homogeneous and true to its Spanish heritage.
Bolivian Cuisine
Bolivian food can be quite spicy. The most popular local dished] are
"chairo" (lamb, potatoes, and vegetables), "sajta" (chicken in hot pepper
sauce), "saltena empanada" (meat and chicken pies with potatoes, olives
and raisins), "lomo montado" (fried steak with fried eggs, rice and fried
bananas), and "picante de pollo" (fried chicken, fried potatoes and rice).
Bolivian beer is very good.
Religion
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The vast majority of the indigenous population follow their own brand of
folk-Catholicism, which is quite removed from the pure religion. Indigenous
rituals and fragments of Roman Catholic worship are interwoven in the
elaborate fiestas that are the focus of rural social life.
Role of Women
For generations, a womans role in Bolivia was based on race, social status
and geography. Women living in rural areas worked outside the home out
of economic necessity, but continued to derive their sense of identity from
their role as wife, mother, and homemaker. In more urban areas, some
women maintained their traditional role while others pursued a career.
Major changes occurred for women with the adoption of the 2009
constitution which ended 500 years of colonialism by favoring the
indigenous majority. The constitution contains 33 articles relating to
womens rights, including the protection of women against all forms of
violence, a veto on discrimination against women on the basis of sexual
orientation and recognition of womens contribution to economic growth.
Per the Constitution, women must occupy at least 50% of all elected
government positions. To ensure that this percentage is attained,
candidate lists must alternate between women and men's names.
Currently, 43% of the mayors and council persons in the 327 local
governments are women, and 96% of them are holding public office for the
first time. As of 2010, half of President Evo Morales cabinet were women.
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activities.
Bolivians can take offense easily if they believe you have questioned their
integrity.
Establishing Credibility
When doing business with a company for the first time, try to be introduced
by someone who knows a high-ranking person in the organization.
Although this may not be the person you will conduct business with, your
status will be enhanced by being introduced at a higher level.
"Who you know" is often more important than "what you know". It is a good
idea to join local professional organizations to expand your professional
network.
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Many Bolivians continue to defer to the men when working with a foreign
team. To avoid this, you may want to arrange with your team in advance to
have certain questions deferred to you. Whenever possible, lead the
business discussion when you are part of a team. This visible taking
charge enhances your credibility.
View of Foreigners
Please keep in mind that not all people from any given culture act the
same, but in order to describe cultural traits, we had to make
generalizations, which may not apply in some cases. Perhaps the most
important tip we can provide is that when interacting across cultures, you
need to approach every situation with an understanding of the basic tenets
of a given culture and yet remain alert to the specific cultural signals you
receive in each situation and adjust your behavior and expectations
accordingly.
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Bolivia is an indirect communication culture. The following tips will give you
clues about how you might handle communication with people from Bolivia:
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Bolivia is a formal society. When you interact with people from Bolivia:
Bolivia is group-oriented culture. The following will help you when you
interact with people from Bolivia:
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The degree to which people feel that they can control time
The relative importance of relationships vs. schedules
Attitudes towards timekeeping and punctuality
Comfort level with short range vs. longer term planning
The feasibility / appropriateness of assigning set times for social
functions or business meetings to start and finish
Bolivia is a Fluid Time culture. The following tips will give you clues about
how you may best interact with people from Bolivia around time issues:
The degree to which people feel they control their environment and
destiny-or the degree to which they feel their environment and
destiny control them
Openness to change and innovation
The preference for rules and structure
Willingness to take risks
The degree to which organizational practices encourage and reward
initiative and risk taking, and allow failure
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Country Overview
The People
The great majority of Bolivians are Roman Catholic (the official religion),
although Protestant denominations are increasing. Many indigenous
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Nationality:
Noun: Bolivian(s)
Adjective: Bolivian
Population:
10,969,649 (July 2016 est.)
Ethnic groups:
Mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry) 68%, indigenous 20%,
white 5%, cholo/chola 2%, black 1%, other 1%, unspecified 3% ; 44% of
respondents indicated feeling part of some indigenous group,
predominantly Quechua or Aymara (2009 est.)
Note: results among surveys vary based on the wording of the ethnicity
question and the available response choices; the 2001 national census did
not provide "mestizo" as a response choice, resulting in a much higher
proportion of respondents identifying themselves as belonging to one of the
available indigenous ethnicity choices; the use of "mestizo" and "cholo"
varies among response choices in surveys, with surveys using the terms
interchanageably, providing one or the other as a response choice, or
providing the two as separate response choices
Religions:
Roman Catholic 76.8%, Evangelical and Pentecostal 8.1%, Protestant
7.9%, other 1.7%, none 5.5% (2012 est.)
Languages:
Spanish (official) 60.7%, Quechua (official) 21.2%, Aymara (official) 14.6%,
foreign languages 2.4%, other 1.2% (2001 census)
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La Paz
La Paz is at the highest elevation of the world's capital cities 11,800 feet
(3,600 meters). The city harmonizes its cultural and architectural heritage.
The markets offer a variety of goods for day-to-day needs as well as a
section known as the Witches Market, which sells unusual ingredients
necessary for traditional remedies. The cathedrals and churches are
historically and culturally diverse. Jaen Street is reminiscent of colonial
Spain, with the winding narrow cobbled street and the courtyards to former
grand residences.
Cochabamba
Called "The Garden City", Cochabama is referred to as the breadbasket of
Bolivia. It is surrounded by vestiges of the pre-Incan world. It conserves its
colonial semblance and the customs inherited from its Quechua and
Aymara ancestors. San Pedro hill offers stupendous views of the valley.
Plaza 14 de Setiembre displays the essence of the city, surrounded as it is
by colonial arcades and diverse architecture. The city is known for its open-
air markets ("canchas") where you can find almost anything.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the economic heart of the country and the gateway to the
Chaco plains. The Metropolitan Cathedral is known for its wooden vaults
covered by beautiful pictorial decorations. It has a montage of diverse
cultures and subcultures.
Government
Country name:
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Government type:
Presidential republic
Capital:
La Paz (administrative capital)
Sucre (constitutional [legislative and judicial] capital)
Independence:
6 August 1825 (from Spain)
Legal system:
Civil law system with influences from Roman, Spanish, canon (religious),
French, and indigenous law
Economy
Currency:
Boliviano (BOB)
Economy - overview:
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Industries:
Mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts,
clothing, jewelry
Exports - partners:
Brazil 28.1%, Argentina 16.9%, US 12.1%, Colombia 6.3%, China 5.3%,
Japan 4.7%, South Korea 4.3% (2015)
Location:
Central South America, southwest of Brazil
Area:
Total: 1,098,581 sq km
Land: 1,083,301 sq km
Water: 15,280 sq km
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Land boundaries:
Total: 7,252 km
Border countries: Argentina 942 km, Brazil 3,403 km, Chile 942 km,
Paraguay 753 km, Peru 1,212 km
Coastline:
0 km (landlocked)
Climate:
Varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid
Terrain:
Rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland
plains of the Amazon Basin
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m
Highest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m
Natural hazards:
Flooding in the northeast (March-April)
Volcanism: Volcanic activity in Andes Mountains on the border with Chile;
historically active volcanoes in this region are Irruputuncu (elev. 5,163 m),
which last erupted in 1995 and Olca-Paruma
Geography - note:
Landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake
(elevation 3,805 m), with Peru
History Overview
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Peru in 1836; however, the federation fell apart when Peru lost its
war with Chile. The country was then run by a series of military
dictators who tried to integrate the three disparate regions into one
national identity.
Bolivia became land-locked in 1884 after losing the mineral-rich
coastal territory to Chile. Bolivia lost the rubber-rich province of Acre
to Brazil in 1903. Bolivia lost more territory, this time to Paraguay in
1935 when it lost the Chaco War.
The indigenous Indian populated revolted against the government in
1920. In 1923, the government violently suppressed a revolt by the
miners.
Peasants and miners overthrew the military regime in 1952. Victor
Paz Estenssoro returned from exile to become president and
introduced social and economic reforms, including universal suffrage,
nationalization of the tin mines, and land redistribution.
In 1964, Vice President Rene Barrientos staged a military coup. In
1967, the USA helped suppress an uprising led by Ernesto ("Che")
Guevara. Vice President Siles Salinas replaced Barrientos in 1969
after he was killed in a plane crash. Salinas was soon deposed by the
army when Colonel Hugo Banzer came into power.
In 1974 Banzer postponed elections and banned political parties and
trade union activities after an attempted coup. In 1980, General Luis
Garcia staged a coup after what he claimed to be meaningless
elections. The following year General Celso Torrelio Villa replaced
Garcia who was forced to resign. Torrielo resigned two years later
when the economy worsened. A military junta gave power to a civilian
administration led by Siles Zuazo.
Siles resigned in 1985 after a general strike and an attempted coup.
Paz Estenssoro became president. He was replaced by Gonzalo
Sanchez de Lozada in 1993. In 1997 Banzer was elected president.
Encouraged by attempts to prosecute former Chilean dictator
Augusto Pinochet, opposition forced demanded an inquiry into
Banzers role during the repression of the 1970s. Vice President
Jorge Quiroga replaced Banzer in 2001 as he was dying of cancer
and could no longer hold office.
The government attempted to exterminate the coca crop (used to
make cocaine) in 2001.
A referendum on gas exports was held in July 2004. The following
month, Bolivia agreed to ship gas from a Peruvian port.
In May 2006, the president put the energy industry under state
control. The following month, an assembly began to re-write the
constitution to give more power to the indigenous majority.
In November 2006, a land reform bill to redistribute up to 20% of land
to the poor was approved by the Senate. The following month, the
gas nationalization program was finalized. This led to arrangements
being signed with Venezuela and Argentina in 2007.
The draft constitution was approved in December 2007. It was
approved in a referendum in January 2009.
Anti-government protests became violent and leaders agreed to talks
to end the continuing crises in September 2008.
In May 2010, the president nationalized four electric companies.
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Country Information
Embassies
Public Holidays
Social Etiquette
Meeting People
The most common greeting is the handshake with direct eye contact and a
welcoming smile. While shaking hands, use the appropriate greeting for the
time of day: "buenos dias", "buenas tardes", or "buenas noches", which
means good morning, good afternoon, and good evening, respectively.
Address Bolivians with the appropriate honorific title (Seor or Seora) and
their surname. Wait until invited to move to a first-name basis. Only family
and close friends are afforded this level of intimacy.
Bolivia is a formal culture and this is demonstrated in the use of the formal
word for you ("usted"). When someone wants to move to the informal, they
say "podemos tutearnos" ("we can speak to each other with the t "). Wait
for the Bolivian to make this request.
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Naming Conventions
Gift Giving
Gifts need not be expensive, but they should be good quality. This is a
culture that prizes the act of giving more than what is received.
Here are some general gift giving guidelines (but also check to be sure
they are permitted under company policy):
Entertaining
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frequently invite them for a meal. However, if they have spent time abroad,
they may enjoy inviting others to share a meal.
Do not arrive on time. Your hosts will not be prepared and you may
embarrass them and yourself.
Arrive between 15 and 30 minutes late when invited for dinner or
cocktails.
Arrive up to one hour late when invited to a party.
Dress well, in clothes you would wear to the office, as this
demonstrates respect for your hosts.
Do not discuss business at social gatherings.
Send a handwritten thank you note to the hosts the following day.
It is considered good manners to reciprocate any social invitation.
Table Manners
Table manners are relatively formal. Bolivians pride themselves on their
courteous demeanor and using the appropriate etiquette for each situation
and judge others on their manners. The more formal the occasion, the
stricter the protocol. When in doubt, watch what others are doing and
emulate their behavior.
Toasting
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Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink.
The host makes the first toast.
The most common toast is "Salud!".
When you lift your glass, look at the person being toasted.
If you want to let everyone know you are about to make a toast, tap
your spoon against your glass and say "Brindis!".
Dining Out
Although most restaurants include a service charge, tipping an additional 5
to 10% is appreciated. If there is no service charge, it is common to tip
between 10 and 15% depending upon the quality of the service. Hand the
tip to the wait person, do not leave it on the table.
You may have to ask the wait person for the bill in more expensive
establishments. To get the wait person's attention, raise your hand and use
your index finger and thumb to make a pinching motion. This indicates that
you want a minute of the person's time.
The person who extends the invitation intends to pay; however, you may
offer to leave the tip. Guests are expected to reciprocate at a later date to
demonstrate their hospitality.
Tipping
The following tipping hints are guidelines. You can find more explicit
information on restaurant tipping in the Dining Out section above.
Restaurants: 5-10%
Porters: 75 cents per bag
Taxis: 5-10%
Approach to Time
Most Bolivians see people and relationships as more important than strict
adherence to a timetable. Although many businesspeople attempt to arrive
at meetings promptly, if they are involved in a discussion with someone
else, they will not rush through the discussion in order to arrive promptly.
Bolivians do not expect punctuality for social situations. In fact, they expect
people to be late.
Social events seldom start on time. Even television programs are known to
veer off schedule. If you want to confirm whether you should arrive at the
stipulated time, ask your host "en punto?" ("on the dot?").
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Conversation Topics
Bolivians are impressed when visitors learn about their history and culture.
Family, travel, sports (particularly soccer), and food are good topics of
conversation. It is best to avoid contentious issues such as the class
structure, religion, drugs, and politics. Regardless of the subject, being
diplomatic and courteous marks you as a person of good breeding.
For the most part Bolivians are tactile communicators. They frequently
touch the person with whom they are speaking on the arm, shoulder or
back.
Other Situations
If you stop a Bolivian to ask directions, greet them with the time of day
before making your request.
Faux Pas
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Bolivians are sensitive to using the word "America" when referring to the
USA. They view "America" as referring to North, Central and South
America.
Communication
Communication Essentials
For those who come from direct cultures, where context is not as highly
valued and brevity is important, its important to realize that your messages
might be thought of as rude. Even though you think the information you
provide is adequate, Bolivians may find that you havent given enough
background. People from direct communications cultures should take care
to patiently listen for the information needed.
Key Words/Phrases
Bolivia has three official languages: Spanish, Quechua and Aymara. Most
business is done in Spanish. However, it is a good idea to research the
specific language background of the people you will be working with.
Spanish phrases
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Quechua
http://www.omniglot.com
The Quechua alphabet, pronunciation guide, and links to more information.
Aymara
http://www.omniglot.com
The Aymara alphabet, pronunciation guide, and links to more information.
Aymara
http://www.youtube.com
A short video featuring key Aymara phrases.
Using Translators
When you select a translator, be sure to develop an early understanding of
what you expectspecifically. Be clear that the translation must be exact,
rather than what the translator thinks each party wants to hear.
Non-Verbal Language
As most Bolivians show affection easily and are comfortable with touch,
friends may embrace ("abrazo") when meeting. Men often accompany this
with a pat on the back.
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Bolivians are accustomed to standing and sitting close to one another even
if they do not know them well.
Letters/Email
As Bolivians are expressive and tactile in their communication style, they
feel less constrained and consider themselves to be more effective in face-
to-face situations. There will, however, be occasions when you need to
communicate by letter or email.
Telephone
Third-party introductions are helpful before your first phone call to a
Bolivian. Your first approach to a prospective client should be extremely
courteous and emphasize your personal and company history. It is
important to identify who the key decision makers are, and how to reach
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Presentations
Handouts
Presentation Slides/PowerPoint
Audience
Presenter
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Do not begin the presentation until the most senior person arrives.
Begin with a bit about yourself and your company. It is important that
you show yourself to be an expert.
Then give a big picture overview.
Start with the general concept and then work into the specific details.
Technical aspects of the proposal may be discussed, although as
roles tend to be well-defined and information tightly held, this only
happens if a technical expert is present.
Both substance and style are important.
Give a concise but well-structured presentation that incorporates the
conceptual framework of your proposal and addresses the local
context.
Use case studies or anecdotal evidence as proof of past results
particularly with the Bolivian clients company, or in the country or
region.
Repeat important points by rephrasing them to ensure understanding.
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Date/Time
Date
In Bolivia, dates are generally written in the day, month and year format
with either periods or slashes between each number. Leading zeroes are
used if the day or month is less than 10. Years are written in four digits.
Example: July 9, 2011 could be written 09.07.2011 or 09/07/2011.
To ensure there is no confusion, you may want to spell out the name of the
month. This leaves no ambiguity as to what is the day and what is the
month.
Time
The 24-hour clock is a timekeeping convention where the time of a day is
the number of hours since midnight. The 12-hour clock divides the day into
two periods (midnight to noon and noon to midnight), each with 12 hours.
Thus, 2 o'clock in the afternoon would be 14:00 in the 24-hour clock.
Business Protocol
Business Cards
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Present your business card with the Spanish side facing the recipient.
Include any advanced university degrees on your card.
Treat business cards with respect. The way you handle someones
card is considered indicative of the way you will treat them.
Business Attire
Gifts
Here are some general gift giving guidelines (but also check to be sure
they comply with company policy):
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Business Entertaining
Business Hours
Business Meetings
Meeting Essentials
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Meetings are conducted by a strong leader who sets the pace for the
activities. The purpose of meetings is to communicate information and
decisions that have already been made by more senior management.
Employees may be called on to corroborate or clarify facts but they are
unlikely to collaborate.
Scheduling Meetings
It is important that you arrive on time and are prepared to wait. Bolivians
who are accustomed to dealing with international businesspeople often
strive to arrive on time, but that may still mean about 30 minutes later than
the appointed time.
Agendas
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Conducting Meetings
The communication style in business is formal. Use the formal word for you
("usted") rather than the informal "t". The general demeanor conforms to
European rules of courtesy. Therefore, when you first meet, it is best to err
on the side of formality. It is imperative to show deference and respect to
those in positions of authority.
Bolivians stand very close when conversing. A man may touch the arm,
shoulder, or back of another man while speaking. Do not back away or you
will be seen as rejecting the person. Maintaining direct eye contact while
speaking demonstrates trustworthiness.
Management Styles
Relationships
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Appearances matter to Bolivians. They will judge you on where you stay,
so choose a first class international hotel.
Management Essentials
If you were to think about the most important cultural attributes that you will
see operating in business in Bolivia they would be:
Hierarchical structure
Formal style
Interpersonal relationships
Indirect communication
Spend time cultivating relationships and maintaining them once they are
formed. This is a country where "who you know" is often more important
than "what you know". Interpersonal relationships ("personalismo"),
including loyalty to family and friends, are the linchpin of successful
business.
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Risk Tolerance
Bolivia has a medium tolerance for change and risk. Although most
Bolivian businesspeople understand the need to adapt their business
practices, since most businesses are small and family-owned, it is only
appropriate for the owner to take risks.
In 2008, Bolivia was named the most entrepreneurial country in the world
due to the number of fledgling small businesses.
Changes can be made, but must be approached slowly and with sufficient
background information so that the most senior Bolivian can thoroughly
evaluate the situation and develop an implementation plan. Since tradition
is valued, the fact that something is new is not sufficient reason to
implement a change.
Setting milestones is also a tactic that might help, but it cannot mitigate the
red tape inherent in business.
Decision Making
Company Structure
Many companies are small and family owned. Hierarchy is important,
although this, too, is changing.
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Managing Employees
As you would expect in a hierarchical culture, managers are clearly in
charge and are expected to delegate tasks without asking for subordinates'
preferences. They tell subordinates what they want done and how they
expect them to perform the task. Subordinates follow a managers
instructions without comment, since it would be rude to challenge someone
of a higher status.
Some Bolivians prefer to work for expat managers since they are not as
likely to discriminate among subordinates based on race or social class.
Since expats seldom have the same intricate web of contacts to protect
their position, they must rely on demonstrating excellent leadership
qualities.
Decision Making
Decisions are reached at the top of the company or at the board level when
the decision is especially important. Sometimes, decisions are reached
after seeking input from key the stakeholders. Since Bolivians believe
business should be win-win, they attempt to find solutions that are in the
best interest of all concerned.
Team Focus
Since Bolivians are accustomed to collective work, they can work well
together on teams, although there is a tendency to prefer working with
others with whom they have a personal relationship.
Team leaders are treated with the same deference and respect as a
manager would receive. Team members will defer to the team leader and
expect this person to define the scope of the project and delegate tasks
according to skills or personal relationships. There can often be a great
deal of team member rivalry and jockeying for position. It is the role of the
team leader to manage the situation and not let it get out of hand.
Praise should be given to the entire group, not to individuals. This helps
maintain the group cohesiveness.
Negotiations
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Decisions are not made quickly and personal visits are extremely
important. It may take several visits to accomplish a simple task.
Bolivians strive for win-win solutions, which can greatly increase the time it
takes to come to an agreement.
Decisions are often based upon the personal preference of the decision
maker, which is why spending time to develop trust and personal
relationships is crucial.
Bolivians are skilled negotiators and drive hard bargains. You will be
expected to make concessions.
Bolivians negotiate with people, not companies. Do not change your team
during negotiations, or you may have to start the process over.
Moving There
Customs Regulations
Entry Requirements
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Getting Around
Getting There
Emergency Numbers
Emergency Numbers
Safety Precautions
Before You Go
Take time to get all of your financial and personal records in order,
including preparing a will.
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In-Country
So many variables go into being safe, and many of them revolve around
understanding the specifics of where you are. Be sure to learn details of
your location -- how to dress, where you can go and where to avoid, how to
act in public, how to carry yourself, and who to be watchful of.
Seek information from cultural experts and local nationals whom you have
confidence in. When in comes to your safety, dont be afraid to ask.
Hotel Safety
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arrange for you to have help, if you wish walking you to your
room very late at night or escorting you from a parking lot to the
hotel lobby).
Travel Tips
Crowded Situations
Learn about your host country and culture. This is not only wise for
business and social purposes, but is extremely important so you can
understand what may be offensive or negligent behavior.
The more you know about your location, the safer youll be; certainly
understand written and unwritten laws and codes of conduct.
Use your Embassy. These people are here to help you.
Embassies Around the World
Even if you are living in a relatively safe country, always be sure that
close family or friends have accurate contact information so they can
find you quickly.
For helpful information: Helpful Tips
If you are living in a high-risk location, your company should have
guidelines for your safety. Be sure you have 24-hour hotline numbers
and appropriate contacts who can assist you.
No matter where you livehigh risk or low risk countriestodays
world is volatile, and you never know when a potentially dangerous
situation can develop. Keep informednot only with your countrys
published data and warnings, but by identifying sources of local
news, reading local papers and telling your local friends to keep you
informed.
Emergencies
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Make sure you know the name of the firm your company has selected
for medical emergencies and evacuation services. International SOS
provides emergency medical and evacuation services for individuals
and companies. You might want to contact: International SOS to see
if you qualify for some of their services.
Security Issues
Clearly the length of time you spend and the geographic and political
profile of the countries youre living in--or traveling to--will make a
difference in your level of preparedness. Nonetheless, practicing common
sense based upon knowledge of your location will help you. Dont
underplay the importance of understanding what is culturally
appropriateit may help you avoid some difficult situations. With the
exception of the emergency telephone numbers, this information is
compiled for travelers in general and will apply in varying degrees to your
destination and personal situation. Always check to see what services your
company may offer to you.
Emergencies
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Be sure you know how to contact (and get to) your countrys
Embassy and Consulate wherever you are travelingyou need the
location details, phone and hours of operation. Embassies Around
the World
See if there are any health-related issues in the countries to which
youre traveling. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has in-
depth information regarding all regions of the world.
Be sure you know how to call for help in an emergency. You may need to
reach the police, fire and other emergency personnel. Be sure you know
the words to use in the local language.
En Route
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Settling In
Accommodation
Arrival Procedures
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Conversions
Family Corner
Media
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