Business Communication

Topic: International Culture Variable

Asad MAZHAR
asadmazhr@gmail.com

Date Of Submission
 7th Dec, 2010

International Culture Variables

Holland / Netherland
 Mexico

Table Of Contents

 Acknowledgement
 Introduction To Holland / Netherland
 Culture Variables
 Summary of Holland Culture Variables
  Introduction to Mexico
 Culture Variables
 Summary of Mexico Culture variables

Acknowledgement
We, Muhammad Farhan Saleem, Muhammad Shahbaz & Muhammad Imran, would like
to give appreciation to our Madam Rubina Safdar for giving us an opportunity to compile
and present a assignment on international culture variables. This opportunity has give us
exposure to culture of the countries. Which would be very help full to adjust in there
environment in case of going to those countries.

Introduction To Holland

 Surface: The total land area covered by Netherlands is 33,883 sq km.

 Population: The approximate population of Netherlands is 16,570,620 (July

2007 est.) with Dutch being the most dominant ethnic group.

 System of government: The government of Netherlands is constitutional

monarchy.

 Capital: Amsterdam is the capital of Netherlands and has approximately 743,030

inhabitants.

 Religion: Thirty-one percent of the people are Roman Catholics, while thirteen
percent are Dutch Reformed Protestants.

 Official Language: Dutch and Frisian are the two official languages.

 Government: The government of Netherlands is constitutional monarchy.

 Climate: Netherlands has a temperate climate, with cool summers and mild
winters.

 Units of measure and electricity: Netherlands follows the metric system and
uses 230V, 50Hz as the basic electricity unit.

 Time Zone: Netherlands follows CET, which is GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 in summers)

 Currency: Euro and Dutch Guilder (1 € = 1.35 USD & 1 € = 2.20 NLG)
 Culture Variables:

1. Dress:
Holland doesn't have one single national costume. It does, however, have a rich variety of
traditional regional costumes. But usually wooden shoes, white hats with crazy little
golden things on the side, white shirt and black skirt are preferred by the people. Wooden
shoes are the most famous part of the Dutch costumes.

2. Food:

Food is seen as a necessary part of life, with no need for luxury. Traditional foods include
pea soup, kale stew, hotchpotch (a thick stew), and white asparagus, French fries with
mayonnaise, meat croquets, and raw herring. In the morning, the Dutch consume several
sandwiches with cheese, peanut butter, or chocolate sprinkles. Lunch consists of
sandwiches, often with cold cuts and perhaps a small salad on the side. Dinner, which
generally is served between five and seven P.M., is a two or three-course meal that often
begins with soup. The main dish usually contains a mixture of potatoes with vegetables
and meat, fish, or poultry and is followed by dessert. Chinese–Indonesian, Surinamese,
and Italian food have become part of the Dutch diet. The Dutch hardly ever invite people
with whom they are not closely acquainted for dinner. Instead, coffee has a strong social
significance. Neighbors often invite each other over for a cup of coffee with the
invariable one cookie, and the morning coffee break at work is a sacred institution.

Washing hands before eating, being on time to the table, and starting to eat at the same
moment is important. It is impolite to begin eating before others. A parent or host often
 indicates when to eat, usually by saying 'eet smakelijk' (pronounces ATE smahk-A-lick),
which literally means 'Eat deliciously' but is used in the same as Bon Appétit (enjoy the
meal.) It is proper to keep hands above the table (rather than in the lap) but not to rest
elbows on the table. The Dutch use the continental style of eating, with the fork on the
left and the knife remaining on the right. Forks are not used to eat dessert; small spoons
are provided. One does not leave the table until all have finished eating. The Dutch
traditionally don't use very sharp spices and are very fond of pouring gravy onto
everything. The Dutch have however always been internationally orientated and
nowadays you can expect to find meals varying from Italy to the Orient and from China
to Africa on Dutch dinner tables, especially amongst younger people

3. Manners:
When visiting the Netherlands for the first time, you will probably be struck by the fact
that everyone here is quite absorbed with his or her own piece of social space.
Appearances are important to the Dutch. They are disciplined, conservative, and pay
attention to the smallest details. They see them as thrifty, hardworking, practical and well
organized. They place high value on cleanliness and neatness. At the same time; the
Dutch are very private people. They do not draw attention to themselves and do not value
the accoutrements of success highly prized by other western societies. The Dutch are
egalitarian and highly tolerant of individual differences. Their children are raised without
gender biases. There is practically no abject poverty in the country because of the social
programs, which, however, also increase the tax burden on workers. The Dutch are
reserved and formal when dealing with outsiders. They are private people and do not put
their possessions or emotions on display. Self-control is seen to be a virtue. The Dutch do
not ask personal questions and will refuse to answer should you be foolish enough to
intrude on their privacy. Personal life is kept separate from business. If a friendship
develops at work and is carried into the personal arena; this camaraderie will not be
brought into the office. Personal matters are not discussed with friends, no matter how
close. The handshake is the common form of greeting. It is firm and swift, accompanied
by a smile, and repetition of your name. Shake hands with everyone individually
including children. Very close friends may greet each other by air kissing near the cheek
three times, starting with the left cheek. Most Dutch only use first names with family and
close friends. Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. If invited to a Dutch
home bring a box of good quality chocolates, a potted plant, a book, or flowers to the
hostess. Flowers should be given in odd numbers, but not 13, which is unlucky. Avoid
giving white lilies or chrysanthemums, as these are associated with funerals. Gifts should
 be wrapped nicely. Wine is not a good gift if invited for dinner, as the host may already
have selected the wines for dinner. Do not give pointed items such as knives or scissors
as they are considered unlucky. Communication is direct and to the point, and may seem
blunt. Make sure your arguments are rational as opposed to emotional. Use facts and
figures to confirm your statements.

4. Time:
In Dutch culture Punctuality is taken extremely seriously. Being late may mark you as
untrustworthy and someone who may not meet other deadlines. If you expect to be
delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation. If we talk about getting late in
business meetings Cancelling a meeting at the last minute could jeopardize your business
relationship. Keep in the mind some important point that Do not try to schedule meetings
during the summer (June through August), as this is a common vacation period.

5. Space
The Dutch have a desire for spatial organization that is informed by Calvinist
assumptions about order as a synonym for cleanliness and sinlessness. The Calvinist
sense of space can be seen clearly from the air. The land is carefully divided in
Mondrian-like squares and rectangles. In part, this is related to surface water management
with its need for canals and dikes, but it also reflects the Dutch desire for order and
uniformity. This can be seen most clearly in the undistinguished suburban housing
development projects. Dutch houses are relatively small and have prominent front doors
and large windows. Homes are stacked with formidable amounts of furniture, indoor
plants, and flowers. Dutch interiors are a reflection of the outside world, congested but
orderly and clean.

6. Education:
Schooling is free and compulsory between the ages of five and sixteen. Children may be
enrolled for an optional year at age four. Primary education ends at age twelve. Students
may go to a Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, or “non-religious” school, but the basic
curriculum is the same. Secondary school begins with two years of “basic education”; all
students study the same 15 subjects that emphasize practical applications of knowledge.
After that, they can choose between different types of high school, ranging from pre-
vocational to pre-university. The number of years varies with the program. Vocational
schools train students in such professions as accounting, nursing, or teaching. Graduates
of vocational and general high schools often enter apprenticeships. Higher education is
subsidized by the government. There are 13 universities. According to stats
 approximately 70 percent of the adult population receives formal education after high
school, and 20 percent of the adult population has received higher vocational training
(HBO) or attended a university.

7. Religion:
The largest religious congregation in the Netherlands is Catholic (30 percent of the
population), followed by Reformed Protestant (14 percent), Dutch Reformed (7 percent)
and Muslim (4 percent). More striking, however, is the fact that 40 percent of the
population is not religious or connected to a denomination. There are religious
practitioners like (priests, ministers, and imams) belong to the major religions in the
Netherlands. The Roman Catholic ecclesiastical authority is represented by bishops who
try to influence national debates about the family, social welfare, abortion, and
euthanasia.

8. Economics:
The Netherlands has an advanced free market economy. The Dutch pride themselves on
having an economy that performs smoothly, known as the polder model, which hinges on
periodic negotiations among labor unions, employers' associations, and the government
to control wage scales and taxes. Dutch exports can be divided into five main categories:
agricultural products, 15 percent; natural or enriched fuels, 6 percent; chemical products,
17 percent; industrial products, 12 percent; and machinery, 24 percent. Germany is the
principal trading partner. Two-thirds of Dutch exports go to five nations: Germany,
Belgium, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Those five trading partners
account for 61 percent of Dutch imports.

9. Laws & Regulations:

Traffic violations are the most common legal infraction. Violent crimes are low
compared to other European countries and the United States; 273 murders were
committed in 1996, amounting to 1.8 murders per 100,000 inhabitants. Dutch citizens
worry mostly about muggings and burglaries. People hardly ever take the law into their
own hands. There are very few neighborhood watches and no armed citizens' militias.
The Netherlands has very strict gun control. Possession of small quantities of soft drugs
(marijuana and hashish) is not prosecuted. The sale of soft drugs in so-called coffee shops
is not legal but is tolerated. The Netherlands has become a magnet for drug tourists
because of its liberal stance toward drugs and its position as a major transport hub within
Europe. The Netherlands has a great tolerance of prostitution. Randstad cities have red
light districts in which women display themselves behind windows to potential
customers.
10. Language:
Dutch is the official language of Holland, is spoken by around 90% of the population.
Around 350,000 people, or 2.2% of the population, speak Frisian as their first language,
mainly in the northern province of Friesland, where it is recognized as an official
language. Turkish and Arabic are also spoken in the Netherlands, each by over 0.6% of
the population. Netherlands as regional languages according to the European Charter for
Regional or Minority Languages, as well as the Meuse-Rhenish Franconian varieties in
the southeastern province of Limburg, here called Limburg’s language.

11. Social Norms:

The Role of the Family

 The Dutch see the family as the foundation of the social structure.
 Families tend to be small, often with only one or two children.
 Relatively few women work outside the house full-time as compared to many
other cultures.
 This allows mothers to be more available to their children throughout the entire
day.

Dutch Demeanour

 Appearances are important to the Dutch.

 They are disciplined, conservative, and pay attention to the smallest details.
 They see themselves as thrifty, hardworking, practical and well organized.
 They place high value on cleanliness and neatness.
 At the same time, the Dutch are very private people.
 They do not draw attention to themselves and do not value the accoutrements of
success highly prized by other western societies.
 They dislike displays of wealth, as they run counter to their egalitarian beliefs.
 They do not boast about their accomplishments or their material possessions.

Egalitarianism

 The Dutch are egalitarian and highly tolerant of individual differences.

 Their children are raised without gender biases.
 There is practically no abject poverty in the country because of the social
programs, which, however, also increase the tax burden on workers.
 This egalitarian outlook is carried over into the workplace.
 Even in hierarchical organizations, every person has a right to their opinion and to
have it heard.
 The boss may be the final decision maker, but he/she will typically want input
from the workers and will strive for consensus.
 Everyone is valued and shown respect

Dutch Privacy

 The Dutch are reserved and formal when dealing with outsiders.
 They are private people and do not put their possessions or emotions on display.
 Self-control is seen to be a virtue.
 The Dutch do not ask personal questions and will refuse to answer should you be
foolish enough to intrude on their privacy.
 Personal life is kept separate from business.
 If a friendship develops at work and is carried into the personal arena, this
camaraderie will not be brought into the office.
.Personal matters are not discussed with friends, no matter how close.
 The handshake is the common form of greeting.
 It is firm and swift, accompanied by a smile, and repetition of your name.
 Shake hands with everyone individually including children.
 Very close friends may greet each other by air kissing near the cheek three times,
starting with the left cheek.
 Most Dutch only use first names with family and close friends.
 Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis.

Gift Giving Etiquette

 If invited to a Dutch home bring a box of good quality chocolates, a potted plant,
a book, or flowers to the hostess.
 Flowers should be given in odd numbers, but not 13, which is unlucky.
 Avoid giving white lilies or chrysanthemums, as these are associated with
funerals.
 Gifts should be wrapped nicely.
 Wine is not a good gift if invited for dinner, as the host may already have selected
the wines for dinner.
 Do not give pointed items such as knives or scissors as they are considered
unlucky.
 Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette
 Dining is fairly formal in the Netherlands.
 Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in
the right while eating.
 Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
 Men generally remain standing until all the women have taken their seats.
 If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork in the middle of the
plate with the fork over the knife.
 Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.
 Most food is eaten with utensils, including sandwiches.
 The host gives the first toast. An honoured guest should return the toast later in
the meal.
 Salad is not cut; fold the lettuce on your fork.
 Always start with small amounts so you may accept second helpings.
 Finish everything on your plate. It is offensive to waste food in the Netherlands.
 Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the
right side of your plate.

Business Meeting Etiquette

 Do not try to schedule meetings during the summer (June through August), as this
is a common vacation period.
 Punctuality for meetings is taken extremely seriously.
 Being late may mark you as untrustworthy and someone who may not meet other
deadlines.
 If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation.
 Cancelling a meeting at the last minute could jeopardize your business
relationship.
 Meetings are rather formal in nature. Little time is spent on pleasantries.
 Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting and ending times. Do not
attempt to deviate from the agenda.
 Maintain direct eye contact while speaking.

Negotiations

 The Dutch prefer to get down to business quickly and engage in relatively little
small talk.
 Communication is direct and to the point, and may seem blunt.
 Make sure your arguments are rational as opposed to emotional.
 Use facts and figures to confirm your statements.
 Business is conducted slowly. The Dutch are detail-oriented and want to
understand every innuendo before coming to an agreement.
  Decision-making is consensus driven. Anyone who might be affected by the
decision is consulted, which greatly increases the time involved in reaching a final
decision.
 Avoid confrontational behaviour or high- pressure tactics.
 Once a decision is made, it will not be changed.
 Contracts are enforced strictly.

12. Non-Verbal Communication:

Eye contact and facial expressions are important, though one should not stand too close to
another person when speaking. One covers their mouth when yawning. When someone sneezes,
a person nearby will say proost or gezondheid, the equivalent of saying, “bless you.” It is
impolite to pass between conversing individuals or to chew gum while speaking. Pointing the
index finger to the forehead to imply someone is crazy is an insult. Wagging the index finger
emphasizes a point.

Despite being basically reserved, the Dutch have a manner of speaking that may startle you by its
directness. They look you right in the eye and can sound very abrupt, especially when they are
speaking English or another foreign language and cannot express all the shades of meaning they
would be able to express in their own language. But even when they speak Dutch, they tend to
come to the point quickly without first going through a series of conversational rituals. This
directness and lack of subtlety is in fact seen by the Dutch as a positive personality trait.

13. Decision Making:

The decision making in Holland culture is equal for all .women and men are equal before
the law and the trend toward gender equality has been noticeable, women and men still
occupy distinct functions in Dutch society. The differences between men and women are
especially noticeable within the nuclear family, where the woman continues to perform
the role of homemaker, while the man is seen as the breadwinner or provider. This is
especially true among working-class families. Women are underrepresented in leadership
positions in politics and the economy.

Division of Labor by Gender. Women constitute only 38 percent of the labor force and
often work part-time. This low rate of participation has ideological and historical reasons.
There is a prevailing belief that maternity care has great developmental benefits for
children.
MARRIAGE,FAMILY, AND KINSHIP

Marriage. Dutch people are free to choose their spouses. The common basis for marriage
is most often love. This does not mean that people marry independently of the constraints
of class, ethnicity, and religion. The choice of a partner is often class-based. Monogamy
is the only marriage form allowed. Many Dutch couples live in a consensual
arrangement. Same-sex couples can marry and have the same rights as heterosexual
couples.

The marriage ceremony may consist of two separate formal events: the municipal
registration and a religious ceremony, with the latter being optional. The couple holds a
wedding reception where friends and relatives gather to celebrate the nuptial engagement.
Almost 45 percent of the Dutch population is married; about eighty thousand marriages
are registered each year, while on average thirty thousand couples file for divorce.

Domestic Unit. The nuclear family is the most common household unit, although it is
increasingly losing ground to single-parent families, couples without children, and single-
person households. The principal authority in the household is generally the man,
although there is a trend toward more equality of marriage partners. Extended family
households are rare. Dutch couples have a neolocal postmarital residence pattern, as
couples are free to choose where they live.

Kin Groups. The Dutch make a distinction between relatives by marriage and relatives
by blood. Consanguineal relatives are considered more important than are affinal
relatives. Solidarity and support (financial and emotional) are usually directed at the
closest kin (parents, children, and siblings). This is also illustrated by prevailing
inheritance patterns. Disinheritance is not permitted by law. Every child receives an equal
share.
 Summary

Dress:
There will be no problems in the case of any male are going Holland because they doesn't
have one single national costume. It does, however, have a rich variety of traditional
regional costumes. But usually wooden shoes, white hats with crazy little golden things
on the side, white shirt and black skirt are preferred by the people. But there will be some
problems for the women’s.

Food:
Food is one of the most important factor which we have to face in case of going aboard in
Holland people usually like mayonnaise , pasta etc lunch consist usually consist of
sandwiches etc which we cant do in Pakistan because of traditional lunches . People
usually in Holland eat dinner at night 5 to 7 P.m which is not possible in the culture
context in Pakistan. Due to offices usually closed late in evening.

Manners:
In dutch culture Appearances are important . They are disciplined, conservative, and pay
attention to the smallest details.un like in Pakistan we are indiscipline nation. They see
them as thrifty, hardworking, practical and well organized. They place high value on
cleanliness and neatness. The Dutch are egalitarian and highly tolerant of individual
differences. Unlike in Pakistan we are highly in tolerant people.

Time:
This is the one of the most important problem which we have to have usually Pakistani
are not to be consider on be on time.In Dutch culture Punctuality is taken extremely
seriously. Being late may mark you as untrustworthy and someone who may not meet
other deadlines. If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an
explanation.

Education:
Schooling is free and compulsory between the ages of five and sixteen. Unlike Pakistan
we have to pay.Children may be enrolled for an optional year at age four. Primary
education ends at age twelve. Students may go to a Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, or “non-
religious” school, but the basic curriculum is the same. In education we will not found
any major problems. Except that no Islamic lessons will thought in schools.

Religion:
The largest religious congregation in the Netherlands is Catholic (30 percent of the
population), followed by Reformed Protestant (14 percent), Dutch Reformed (7 percent)
and Muslim (4 percent). More striking, as we know that the population of muslims in
holland are less soo we have to face some problems in performing our prayers.

Economics:
Economic position of Pakistan is not much good. Huge weight of loans of IMF and less
exports more imports are one of the basis of Pakistan’s economic rescissions

Laws & Regulations:

If we talk about laws and regulation Holland rules are far better than us .Traffic violations
are the most common legal infraction. Violent crimes are low compared to other
European countries. Dutch citizens worry mostly about muggings and burglaries. People
hardly ever take the law into their own hands. There are very few neighborhood watches
and no armed citizens' militias. The Netherlands has very strict gun control. Possession of
small quantities of soft drugs (marijuana and hashish) is not prosecuted. The sale of soft
drugs in so-called coffee shops is not legal but is tolerated. And we all know that the rules
and regulations in Pakistan. As an alee in war against terror Pakistan have many security
problems.

Language:
Dutch is the official language of Holland, is spoken by around 90% of the population.
Around 350,000 people, or 2.2% of the population, speak Frisian as their first language,
mainly in the northern province of Friesland, in case of going Holland you should have to
know Dutch language or English to communicate.

Social Norms:
The Role of the Family

The Dutch see the family as the foundation of the social structure. Families tend to be
small, often with only one or two children. Relatively few women work outside the house
full-time as compared to many other cultures. This allows mothers to be more available
to their children throughout the entire day. The role of the family is quite similar to
Pakistani families.

Privacy

The Dutch are reserved and formal when dealing with outsiders. Personal life is kept
separate from business. If a friendship develops at work and is carried into the personal
arena, this camaraderie will not be brought into the office.
.Personal matters are not discussed with friends, no matter how close. The handshake is
the common form of greeting. Shake hands with everyone individually including
children. These are the point which is used for privacy in Pakistan and Holland culture as
same.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Flowers should be given in odd numbers, Gifts should be wrapped nicely. Do not give
pointed items such as knives or scissors as they are considered unlucky. Gifts are usually
opened when received. In Pakistan it varies according to families.
Verbal communication:
Verbal communication in Pakistan and Holland are the same. People usually like the long
letters and proper business writing are used.

Non-Verbal Communication:
Eye contact and facial expressions are important, though one should not stand too close
to another person when speaking. In Pakistan eyes, facial expressions gestures voice,
pitch, sound and personality speaks it self.

Decision Making:
In Pakistan decisions making is mostly consider with the male. Most of the cases male
the decisions in the family. The decision making in Holland culture is equal for all
.women and men are equal before the law and the trend toward gender equality has been
noticeable, women and men still occupy distinct functions in Dutch society. The
differences between men and women are especially noticeable within the family, where
the woman continues to perform the role of homemaker; Women are underrepresented in
leadership positions in politics and the economy.
 Introduction to Mexico
 Surface: The total land area of Mexico is around 1,923,040 sq km.

 Population: The population of Mexico is around 108,700,890. Mestizos comprise

around 60% of the population; Amerindians, 30%; Europeans, 9%; others 1%.

 System of government: Mexico has a federal republic government that is representative

and democratic.

 Capital: Mexico City, with a population of around 9,000,000, is the capital.

 Religion: A majority of the Mexican population is Roman Catholic.

 Official Language: Spanish is the official language.

 Government: Mexico has a federal republic government that is representative and

democratic.

Culture Variables:
1. Dress:
 In Mexico usually men’s wears a conservative dark suit and tie. Your wardrobe should
include suits that have classic lines and tailoring in gray or navy, and white or light blue
shirts. A white shirt is more formal and should be worn when the formality of the
meeting dictates. Men may wear pants and a light shirt for casual. Plan a casual wardrobe
using the classic colors, plus camel, and you will be casual, yet polished. Should you
have the opportunity to wear a guayabera, the wonderful traditional lightweight shirt, you
wear is out over your pants. This design is very comfortable in warmer weather. if we
talk about women’s. Women’s wear’s a dress or skirt and blouse. A classic suit may also
be worn. Build a wardrobe using classic lines, classic skirt lengths, and basic classic
colors - gray, navy, white, and ivory. Women may wear a blouse with pants or a skirt for
casual. To present yourself as professional and polished, even in an informal setting,
build your casual wardrobe using classic shades of gray, blue, camel, white and ivory.
Jeans are generally not appropriate, and tight or low cut clothing is never appropriate.

2. Food:
Mexico possesses an extensive and sophisticated culinary culture, with a great variety of
regional dishes. Three products constitute the heart of most Mexican dishes: corn, hot
peppers (chiles), and beans, products that stem from pre-Columbian times. Corn is
consumed in all possible forms: as a cooked or roasted corncob (elote), cooked grain of
corn, porridge (atole), as wrapped and steamed dough with filling (tamal), but most
importantly as a tortilla, a thin, round "pancake." Tortillas are made from corn dough and
come in many sizes, although the traditional tortilla that accompanies most meals has a
diameter of approximately six inches (15 centimeters). When tortillas are filled with meat
or other ingredients they are called tacos or quesadillas, which are especially popular in
central Mexico. Much of the sophistication of Mexican cuisine comes from the use of
more than one hundred different types of chiles, which range from the large and "sweet"
chile ancho to the small and extremely hot chile habanero.
Mexicans generally have a light breakfast of coffee and/or fruit before they leave for
work or school. Halfway through the morning, people may eat a warm tortilla-based
snack or a bread roll. The most important meal of the day is served between two and four
in the afternoon (the comida) and consists of three or four courses: soup; rice or pasta;
meat or chicken—if affordable—accompanied by tortillas and refried beans; and dessert.
Dinner is served between eight and ten at night and consists mainly of sweet rolls, coffee,
and milk. Mexicans frequently eat outdoors. Homely restaurants serve inexpensive fixed
menus known as comida corrida. Mexicans drink huge quantities of soft drinks and beer.
Although the national liquor is tequila, which is produced from the maguey cactus,
Mexicans prefer rum with cola during weddings and other celebrations, or fiestas.
There are numerous religious and secular occasions in Mexico that are accompanied by
special food. A popular religious fiesta is the Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas) on 2
February, which celebrates the purification of Mary and the presentation and blessing of
Jesus. After the church ceremony family and close friends join for tamales. During the
Day of the Dead, 2 November, people consume pan de muerto (bread of the dead), a long
 and flat sweet bread prepared with many eggs and sugar. At Christmas people eat
romeritos, a plant similar to rosemary served with sauce and potatoes; bacalao, dried
codfish cooked and served in a sauce of tomatoes, olives, and onions; and all sorts of
stuffed turkey. In September people commemorate independence and, in central Mexico,
eat a sophisticated dish called chile en nogada, a stuffed chile poblano dressed with a
white walnut sauce, red pomegranate, and green parsley, in a representation of the
Mexican flag.

3. Manners:
Mexican etiquette is strongly informed by the culture of social hierarchies and distance.
These can exist along the lines of race and gender, but class distinctions regulate social
interaction most decisively. It goes without saying that the different social hierarchies
frequently run parallel.Generally speaking, Mexicans shake hands when they meet or in
the case of two women meeting or a man and a woman meeting, kiss each other on the
cheek once. In the case of close friends and on special occasions, such as New Year's
Eve, Mexican men and women embrace each other, pat each other gently on the back,
and then shake hands. This abrazo expresses confidentiality and the crucial value of trust.
Because strangers cannot be placed within the different circles of intimacy and
confidentiality they are generally treated with suspicion.When people of different
socioeconomic status meet, the individual with the socially ascribed inferior status will
wait for the person with superior status to define the terms of the encounter. Mexicans are
very keen on being addressed with their academic or professional title. The most
commonly used academic title is that of licenciado. The form of address of licenciado is
more linked to the position someone holds than to that person's precise academic
credentials. People of lower standing will also invariably address a socially superior with
the formal you (usted), while the latter will most likely use the informal you (tu). These
forms of address draw boundaries, create distance, and confirm the social hierarchies so
characteristic of the national culture. Mexicans value the art of eloquence. Conversations
will mostly begin with polite and informal exchanges and slowly move toward the
subject matter.

4. Time:
If you are invited to a Mexican's home Arrive 30 minutes late in most places (check with
colleagues to see if you should arrive later than that).Arriving on time or early is
considered inappropriate. At a large party you may introduce yourself. At a smaller
gathering the host usually handles the introductions. In the case of business. Business
appointments are required and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance. Reconfirm
the appointment one week before the meeting. Reconfirm the meeting again once you
arrive in Mexico and make sure that the secretary of the person you will be meeting
knows how to contact you. It is important that you arrive on time for meetings, although
your Mexican business associates may be up to 30 minutes late. Do not appear irritated if
this occurs as people often run behind schedule. Meetings may be postponed with little
advance warning. Initial meetings are formal.
5. Space:
Mexican cities have been built from the central square (zócalo) outwards. The main
church and the municipal or state palace are invariably to be found on the zócalo, which
is the center of a colonial checkerboard pattern of streets. The zócalo with its benches,
bandstand, and fountain is a crucial place for citizens to meet for leisure activities,
political rallies, civic rituals, and demonstrations. The huge zócalo in Mexico City has
become synonymous with a public space appropriated by ordinary people. In recent
decades, Mexican cities have grown at a pace surpassing the capacities of urban planning.
Urban growth has been accompanied by squatter settlements and uncontrolled
commercial and industrial expansion. This growth has also consumed extreme amounts
of space, because low-rise buildings prevail and because priority is given to new and
prestigious projects in the outskirts as opposed to urban renewal. Mexican architecture
was heavily influenced by Spanish and French traditions. Nevertheless, local traditions
and indigenous crafts always mediated European influences. In the twentieth century,
Mexican architecture developed a proper style. Public buildings constructed in the latter
half of the century breathe a monumental atmosphere, reminiscent of the great pre-
Columbian pyramids. The houses of well-to-do Mexicans have been inward looking,
towards a patio, since colonial times. Their front sides mainly consist of plastered walls
and barred windows. This reflects the desire to protect the family from the outside world
and underscores the key role of family life in the national culture.

6. Education:
In Mexico children are required to go to primary school for six years. Nevertheless, in
1995 almost 32 percent of the population over the age of fifteen had not finished primary
school. In public and private schools pupils have to wear uniforms. Whereas public
schools stress civic values and lay education, the majority of private schools tend to place
more emphasis on religious values. There are also more liberal private schools. Relations
between teacher and pupils tend to be strict. Role and rule differentiation between girls
and boys begins at an early age and forms key aspects of child rearing until adolescence.
Male babies are dressed in blue and female babies in soft pink. There is a tendency to
raise boys as "little men" and girls as "little women," thereby preparing them for their
future gender roles. Sexual education within the family is still taboo for many Mexicans.
Methods of child rearing also show differences according to class. In lower-class
households it can be strict and traditional. During the 1990s, the government launched
campaigns against the use of corporal punishment.The most important initiation
ceremony for girls is held when they turn fifteen. This fiesta de quince años marks the
transition from girl to señorita, that is, a young virgin. The event also indicates that the
young woman is now available for marriage. The ritual includes a holy mass during
which the need to maintain purity until marriage is stressed. Afterward, the family holds a
large party. There is no comparable ritual for boys.
 In Mexico higher education is considered a road to socioeconomic progress and well-
being. During several decades, public universities were recruitment sites for the political
and administrative elite. This function has increasingly been taken over by the most
prestigious private universities. In 2005, nearly 12 percent of the population over the age
of twenty-five enjoyed some degree of higher education. At the beginning of university
courses in 2008, there were just over 1.5 million students in the universities (excluding
preparatory schools), of which 811,000 were men and 704,000 were women. Half the
students studied social and administrative sciences and a third were in engineering and
technology.

7. Religion:
Unlike some other Latin American countries, Mexico has no official religion, and the
Constitution of 1917 and the anti-clerical laws imposed limitations on the church and
sometimes codified state intrusion into church matters. The government does not provide
any financial contributions to the church, and the church does not participate in public
education. The last census reported, by self-ascription, that 95% of the population is
Christian. Roman Catholics are 89% of the total population, 47% percent of whom attend
church services weekly. In absolute terms, Mexico has the world's second largest number
of Catholics after Brazil. About 6% of the population (more than 4.4 million people) is
Protestant, of whom Pentecostals and Charismatic’s (called Neo-Pentecostals in the
census), are the largest group (1.37 million people). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints claims one million registered members as of 2006, about 250,000 of whom are
active, though this is disputed. Islam is practiced by a small Muslim population in the city
of Torreon, Coahuila, and there are an estimated 300 Muslims in the San Cristobal de lass
Casas area in Chiapas. The presence of Jews in Mexico dates back to 1521, when Henan
Cortés conquered the Aztecs, accompanied by several Converses. According to the last
national census by the INEGI, there are now more than 45,000 Mexican Jews. Almost
three million people in the 2000 National Census reported having no religion. Mexico’s
Buddhist population currently makes up a tiny minority, some 108,000 according to latest
accounts. Some of its members are of Asian descent, others people of various other walks
of life that have turned toward Buddhism in the recent past.

8. Economics:
Mexico has a free-market economy with a mixture of modern and traditional industry and
agriculture, increasingly dominated by the private sector. Until the mid-1980s, state
regulation of the economy and protectionist policies were influential, but since then the
Mexican economy has experienced deregulation, internationalization, and privatization.
The number of state-owned companies fell from more than one thousand in 1982 to fewer
than two hundred in 1998. Economic restructuring was promoted by national and
international interest groups in response to several late twentieth century economic and
financial crises.The gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to $415 billion (U.S.) in
2008. The composition of GDP by sector was as follows: agriculture, a little more than 5
percent; industry, 29 percent; and services, almost 66 percent, of which commerce,
 restaurants, and hotels accounted for a third. Mexico's external debt amounted to $154
billion (U.S.) in 2007. The unequal distribution of land was a key cause of the Mexican
Revolution. The struggle for land led to the adoption of a policy of land reform that
reached its height in the 1930s but slowed steadily after In 1998, Mexico's exports totaled
more than $117 billion (U.S.) and its imports amounted to more than $125 billion (U.S.).
Although Mexico produces and exports large quantities of oil, the overwhelming majority
of exports came from the manufacturing industry. The most important sectors were, in
diminishing order, machinery, automobiles, textiles, and clothing. The United States is by
far the most important trading partner, accounting for more than three-quarters of
Mexico's imports and exports. Trade with the United States and Canada increased
substantially following the implementation in 1994 of the North American Free Trade
Agreement. Mexico is pursuing additional trade agreements with countries in Latin
America, as well as with Israel and the European Union to lessen its dependence on the
United States.

9. Laws & Regulations:

In Mexico both petty and organized crime increased in the 1990s. Muggings and
burglaries, increasingly violent, became widespread. Drug-related violence constituted
another serious cause of concern. Public security has thus become a key issue for
ordinary citizens and the authorities. At the same time, the police and the judiciary
system are widely believed to be ineffective and lack public credibility, partially due to
unresolved high-profile political assassinations and corruption. This has led to incidents
of people taking the law into their own hands. Paid neighborhood watches are common
wherever people can afford them. Private security guards no longer patrol only at banks
and government buildings but also at medium-sized offices and shops. In response, the
government founded an additional police force in 1999, the National Preventive Police.

10. Language:
Spanish control of Mexico led to the dominance of Spanish, the official language. As
many as 100 Native American languages are still spoken in Mexico, but no single
alternative language prevails. Eighty percent of those Mexicans who speak an indigenous
language also speak Spanish. The most important of the Native American languages is
Nahuatl. It is the primary language of more than a million Mexicans and is spoken by
nearly one-fourth of all Native Americans in the country. This is followed by Maya, used
by 14 percent of Native Americans, and Mixteco and Zapoteco, each spoken by about
seven percent of Native Americans. No other indigenous language is spoken by more
than five percent of Mexico's Native Americans.
 11. Social Norms:
Respect for elders :

The treatment of adults and superiors, including parents and teachers, differs with
Mexican students socialized in a tradition of respect for those older. The most common
misunderstanding prompted by this cultural difference is the lowering of eyes in the
presence of an adult or a person of authority. Learned as a mandatory behavior to show
respect in Mexico, in the United States, it may be perceived as disrespectful and
indicative of guilt.

Gender roles :

Differences in male-female roles are noted, especially for children from rural Mexico,
where boys and men traditionally do manual labor while girls and women take care of the
home.

Mexican Family Values

 The family is at the centre of the social structure.

 Outside of the major cosmopolitan cities, families are still generally large.
 The extended family is as important as the nuclear family since it provides a sense of
stability.
 Mexicans consider it their duty and responsibility to help family members. For example,
the will help find employment or finance a house or other large purchase.
 Most Mexican families are extremely traditional, with the father as the head, the
authority figure and the decision-maker.
 Mothers are greatly revered, but their role may be seen as secondary to that of their
husband.

Families of Mexico

 Mexican culture is known for the unified nature of the family.

 The country’s divorce rate is among the lowest in the world.
 Children regularly live with their parents until they marry.
 Mexican family units stay connected. Often, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and
children live in the same area or even in the same house.
Hierarchical Society

 Mexican society and business are highly stratified and vertically structured.
 Mexicans emphasize hierarchical relationships.
 People respect authority and look to those above them for guidance and decision-making
 Rank is important, and those above you in rank must always be treated with respect.
 This makes it important to know which person is in charge, and leads to an authoritarian
approach to decision-making and problem- solving.
 Mexicans are very aware of how each individual fits into each hierarchy--be it family,
friends or business.
 It would be disrespectful to break the chain of hierarchy.

Meeting Etiquette

 When greeting in social situations, women pat each other on the right forearm or
shoulder, rather than shake hands
 Men shake hands until they know someone well, at which time they progress to the more
traditional hug and back slapping.
 Wait until invited before using a Mexican's first name

Gift Giving Etiquette

 If invited to a Mexican's house, bring a gift such as flowers or sweets.

 Gift wrapping does not follow any particular protocol.
 Do not give marigolds as they symbolize death.
 Do not give red flowers as they have a negative connotation.
 White flowers are a good gift as they are considered uplifting.
 Gifts are opened immediately.
 If you receive a gift, open it and react enthusiastically.

Dining Etiquette

 If you are invited to a Mexican's home:

 Arrive 30 minutes late in most places (check with colleagues to see if you should
arrive later than that).
 Arriving on time or early is considered inappropriate.
 At a large party you may introduce yourself.
 At a smaller gathering the host usually handles the introductions.

Watch your table manners!

 Always keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the
table.
  When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the
prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.
 Do not sit down until you are invited to and told where to sit.
 Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.
 Only men give toasts.
 It is polite to leave some food on your plate after a meal.

Relationships & Communication

 The right connections facilitate business success.

 You will be judged by the person who introduces you and changing this first impression
is nearly impossible.
 Since the initial meeting is generally with someone of high stature, it is important that
your delegation include an upper-level executive.
 After the initial getting-to-know-you meeting, the senior executive may not attend
meetings or be visible.
 This indicates you are now getting down to business and they are no longer needed to
smooth the introduction.
 Demonstrating trustworthiness, sincerity, and integrity are crucial to building
relationships.
 Expect to answer questions about your personal background, family and life interests.

Business Meeting Etiquette

 Business appointments are required and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance.
Reconfirm the appointment one week before the meeting.
 Reconfirm the meeting again once you arrive in Mexico and make sure that the secretary
of the person you will be meeting knows how to contact you.
 It is important that you arrive on time for meetings, although your Mexican business
associates may be up to 30 minutes late.
 Do not appear irritated if this occurs as people often run behind schedule.
 Meetings may be postponed with little advance warning.
 Initial meetings are formal.
 Have all written material available in both English and Spanish.
 Agendas are not common. If they are given, they are not always followed.

Business Negotiation

 Since Mexicans are status conscious, you should always have someone on your
negotiating team who is an executive.
 If you do not speak Spanish, hire an interpreter.
 It will take several meetings to come to an agreement.
  Face-to-face meetings are preferred over telephone, letters or email.
 Negotiations and decisions take a long time. You must be patient.
 Deadlines are seen as flexible and fluid, much like time itself.
 Negotiations will include a fair amount of haggling. Do not give your best offer first.
 Do not include an attorney on your negotiating team.

Business Dress

 Dress as you would in Europe.

 Men should wear conservative, dark coloured suits.
 Women should wear business suits or conservative dresses.

Business Cards

 Business cards are exchanged during introductions with everyone at a meeting.

 It is advisable to have one side of your business card in Spanish.
 Business cards should contain both your professional and educational qualifications.
 Present your business card with the Spanish side facing the recipient

12. Verbal Communictaion:

Verbal: People in Mexico use longer sentences because the culture values elegance and
expressiveness to a higher degree.

13. Non- Verbal Communication:

Non Verbal: In Mexico, looking on directly in the eye can be considered agressive
between two men and flirtatious between men and women.

A firm handshake, Just as in the U.S., is considered a sign of assertiveness and of being a
go-getter. The Mexican people prefer closeness. They do not have the need for personal
space that many Americans do.
14. Decicion Making:
In the Mexico Culture Decisions on family size and fertility regulation are made within
the household, and yet little research has focused on the effects of power relationships
within families on demographic decisions. To clarify the situation, the paper presents an
original framework, linking bases of power between husbands and wives, resulting
communication processes, and decision-making outcomes. The framework is applied to
decision-making regarding contraceptive use or abortion, which can be a passive
decision, a unilateral decision made openly or surreptitiously by one partner, or a joint
decision between husband and wife, depending upon the particular power relationship
pre-dominating in the family: coercive, reward, legitimate, referent, expert, or
informational power. To illustrate the utility and viability of this framework, available
data from fertility surveys and anthropological studies conducted in Latin America are
reviewed and analyzed, as well as policy implications for the design of family planning
delivery programs.

GENDER ROLES AND STATUSES

Division of Labor by Gender. The degree of economic participation of women was 35
percent in 1995, while that of men was about 75 percent. Nevertheless, female economic
participation is increasing rapidly. In addition, it is generally assumed that many women
are employed in nonregistered and underpaid informal activities. Women also generally
earn less than men and their level of educational is lower. Most women are economically
active when they are young (between twenty and twenty-four years of age).
Although the political arena is strongly dominated by men, the presence of women in
public space has become more common place. In the early twenty-first century, for
example, the leadership of major political parties was in the hands of female politicians,
as was the government of Mexico City and the chair of Mexico's largest union. The
involvement of women in numerous social movements has also been significant.
The Relative Status of Women and Men. Although women and men are equal before
the law, clear differences persist in terms of authority and privileges. Women play crucial
roles in the family, but even here the male is "chief of the family" (jefe de familia).
Women are seen as the caretakers of morality and hence take center stage in the domain
of religion.
In assigning males and females to different economic, political, and social roles,
Mexicans can make use of complex and sometimes contradictory cultural representations
of masculinity and femininity. The two key cultural icons for defining femininity are La
Malinche and the Virgin of Guadalupe. The myth of La Malinche refers to the Indian
woman who was given to conqueror Hernán Cortés in 1519. During the remaining part of
the conquest she was his interpreter and "mistress." La Malinche is the collaborator and
traitor, but also the sexually violated who gave birth to an illegitimate son, the first
mestizo. In contrast to La Malinche, the Virgin of Guadalupe represents suffering and
sacrifice. This has given rise to the image of the submissive, self-sacrificing, but virtuous
woman (la abnegada). Together these myths explain the ambiguity attached to defining
females. The key concept for defining masculinity is machismo, which is associated with
violence, power, aggressiveness, and sexual assertiveness. These general cultural
representations have formed the basis for ideas of "natural" male dominance and power
and female suffering and motherhood. They have been influential in the imagery of
Mexican men and women, but they are increasingly considered simple stereotypes. Under
the influence of profound social and cultural transformations in an increasingly urbanized
Mexico, perceptions of masculinity and femininity are shifting continuously.

MARRIAGE, FAMILY AND KINSHIP

Marriage. Mexicans are free to choose their marriage partners. Informally, however,
there are rules that constrain choices, most importantly those related to class and
ethnicity. People usually marry after a period of formal engagement that can last several
years. In 1995, the average age at marriage for a male was almost twenty-four years; for a
woman it was nearly twenty-two years. Out of all Mexicans aged twelve and above, just
over half were married or otherwise united. Although the basis for marriage is love, many
Mexicans consciously or unconsciously look for a partner who can provide social and
economic security or upward mobility. Monogamy is the only marriage form allowed. A
marriage ceremony consists of a civil registration and a religious wedding. Afterwards,
the couple holds a huge and costly party with family and friends. At the beginning of the
1990s, the divorce rate was a relatively low 6.5 percent. It is legally easy to divorce but
the social pressure against it can be formidable.

Domestic Unit The nuclear family is the common household unit: in 1995, almost three-
quarters of all family households were nuclear. Households consisted of an average of 4.6
members. In the same year, almost 6 percent of the households were single-person. At the
same time, a significant number of households consist of "extended" nuclear families,
which often exist on a temporary basis. Particularly among the urban poor there are
households consisting of parents, children, grandparents and sometimes other relatives.
Recently married couples may live for a few years with the kin of husband or wife in
order to save sufficient money to establish an independent domestic unit. In the
countryside different nuclear families might live close to each other and share common
resources. In 1995, 82 percent of households were male-headed. Although women
generally hold fundamental responsibilities in the household, men are still the principal
authority. Domestic violence constitutes a serious problem in Mexico.
Inheritance. Inheritance laws make no distinction between men and women. Each child
Is legally entitled to an equal share, but in practice male descendants are often privileged.
In the countryside land is often distributed only among sons.
Kin Groups. The extended family is of crucial importance to most Mexicans. Although
family members generally live dispersed, sometimes very far away due to international
migration, they seek opportunities to gather on several occasions. Family members will
occasionally get together for a meal during the weekend, but will more typically gather
on religious occasions. Fictive kinship relations are established through godfathers
(padrinos)and godmothers (madrinas) at Catholic baptismal ceremonies. The family and
larger kin groups are the main locus of trust, solidarity, and support in Mexico. These
networks are mobilized with diverse objectives such as finding work, establishing
political connections, and evading red tape.
 Summary
Dress:
In Mexico dressing will not matter to us because they are more like same culture that we have here in
Pakistan they usually like to wear casual clothes like pent and shirt. In formal gatherings and in
meetings they like to wear coat pent and shirts. But in Mexico people usually like dark colors instead
we like to wear bright colors here

Food:
There is a lot of difference’s in eating habits of Mexicans and our culture Mexican
usually like to have light break fast unlike we have here in Pakistan in the forms of
parahta, halwa puri etc in evening people in Mexico like to eat a snacks. Unlike here
we have a traditional lunch like roti , curry and rice etc people in Pakistan usually
eat roti at night unlike Mexicans dinner sweet rolls etc

Manners:
Mexicans people are very strongly influenced by there culture and social hierarchies
most of the manners which are found in Mexican culture are much more like as in
Pakistan. Unlike some manners that when they meet each others we don’t kiss on
chicks of each other (although this kissing habit u can found in the elide class)
Conversations will mostly begin with polite and informal exchanges and slowly
move toward the subject matter. But here in Pakistan people want to take to the
point

Time:
Time culture in Mexico and Pakistan is quite same the people in Mexico not like to
be not on time as like Pakistan. in parties host handles the introduction like in
Pakistan. Business meetings in México are arranged in advance like in Pakistan in
case of cancellation of meetings we have to inform the front part like in Pakistan

Space:
There is a major change in the spacing and environment in Mexico and in our
country Mexican cities have been built from the central square outwards. But here
in Pakistan our cities are formed in this manner that it creates drastic situation. But
the home environment of the Mexico houses are much like Pakistan’s the house's of
well-to-do Mexicans have been inward looking. Their front sides mainly consist of
plastered walls and barred windows. This reflects the desire to protect the family
from the outside world and underscores the key role of family life in the national
culture

Education:
Education in México is quite different from Pakistan. In Mexico children are required to
go to primary school for six years. , in Pakistan children’s usually start to go school at
the age of 3 or 4 years. In Mexico public and private schools pupils have to wear uniforms.
Same like in Pakistan. In Mexico the majority of private schools tend to place more emphasis
on religious values. There are also more liberal private schools. Relations between teacher and
pupils tend to be strict. Role and rule differentiation between girls and boys begins at an early
age and forms key aspects of child. In Pakistan religious values are thought not in
private schools but also in government schools and institutions. In university
environment in same as universities in Pakistan.

Religion:
As we know that Mexico is highly populated by the Christians. Population of Muslims
is around 300 families in whole Mexico. So there will be some problems in offering
prayers because we don’t found mosque every where in Mexico are near to your
house and celebrating our Islamic days like (eid, mohara and ramzans).

Economic:
Unlike Pakistan Mexico has a free-market economy with a mixture of modern and traditional
industry and agriculture, increasingly dominated by the private sector. Mexican economy has
experienced deregulation, internationalization, and privatization. The number of state-owned
companies fell from more than one thousand companies in 1992. Economic restructuring
was promoted by national and international interest groups in response to several late twentieth
century economic and financial crises. The gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to $415
billion (U.S.) in 2008. The composition of GDP by sector was as follows: agriculture, a little
more than 5 percent; industry, 29 percent; and services, almost 66 percent, of which commerce,
restaurants, and hotels accounted for a third. Mexico produces and exports large quantities of oil,
the overwhelming majority of exports came from the manufacturing industry. The most
important sectors were, in diminishing order, machinery, automobiles, textiles, and clothing and
as we all know that the economy of Pakistan is haven’t in the position to compare
with Mexico our imports and exports are crushed badly. One of the reasons of
Pakistan economic decline is the war against terrorism.
Laws & regulations:
The laws and regulations which we found in Pakistan is cannot be comparable to
any other country in the world except Afghanistan. Organized crime, Muggings,
burglaries, increasingly violent, became widespread. Drug-related violence constituted another
serious cause of concern. Public security has thus become a key issue for ordinary citizens and
the authorities. At the same time, the police and the judiciary system are widely believed to be
ineffective and lack public credibility, partially due to unresolved high-profile political
assassinations and corruption. This has led to incidents of people taking the law into their own
hands. The situation of Mexico is same like in Pakistan.

Language:
Language will be the most important factor in case of going to Mexico Spanish is the
official language of Mexico. As many as 100 Native American languages are still spoken in
Mexico, but no single alternative language prevails. Eighty percent of those Mexicans who speak
an indigenous language also speak Spanish. In case of going to Mexico we have to learn
how to speak Spanish.

Social norms:
Respect for elders:

In Mexico The treatment of adults and superiors, including parents and teachers, differs with
Mexican students socialized in a tradition of respect for those older. But here in Pakistan we
generally give respect to every one even he is adult or superior or younger then us.

Gender roles:
Differences in male-female roles are noted, especially for children from rural Mexico, where
boys and men traditionally do manual labor while girls and women take care of the home. Same
like in Pakistan

Family Values

Like in Pakistan the family is at the centre of the social structure. Mexico has the same
Mexican family values are the same like most Pakistani cultures have. The extended family
is as important as the nuclear family since it provides a sense of stability Same like Pakistan
Mexicans consider it their duty and responsibility to help family members. For example, the
will help find employment or finance a house or other large purchase. Most Mexican
families are extremely traditional, with the father as the head, the authority figure and the
decision-maker. Mothers are greatly revered, but their role may be seen as secondary to that
of their husband.
Families

Children regularly live with their parents until they marry. In Pakistan it varies from family
to family units stay connected. Often, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and children live
in the same area or even in the same house. Same as Pakistan

Hierarchical Society

People respect authority and look to those above them for guidance and decision-making same
like in Pakistan Rank is important, and those above you in rank must always be treated with
respect like in Pakistan

Meeting Etiquette

When greeting in social situations, women’s usually shake hands in Pakistan unlike in
Mexico Men shake hands until they know someone well, at which time they progress to the
more traditional hug and hand shake

Gift Giving Etiquette

If invited to a Mexican's house, bring a gift such as flowers or sweets. Same like in Pakistan
Gift wrapping does not follow any particular protocol. Same followed in Pakistan .Gifts are
opened immediately. In Pakistan it depends upon the gatherings in which you are .If you
receive a gift, open it and react enthusiastically.

Dining Etiquette

Arrive 30 minutes late in most places (check with colleagues to see if you should arrive later
than that). Is much like as Pakistani culture at a smaller gathering the host usually handles the
introductions same in Pakistani culture

Business Meeting Etiquette

Business appointments are required and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance.
Reconfirm the appointment one week before the meeting. No time limits in it in
Pakistan Reconfirm the meeting again once you arrive in Mexico and make sure that the
secretary of the person you will be meeting knows how to contact you. Same in Pakistan It is
important that you arrive on time for meetings, although your Mexican business associates
may be up to 30 minutes late. Strictly followed in Pakistan Meetings may be postponed with
little advance warning. Same like in Pakistan

Business Dress
 Dress as you would in Europe Men should wear conservative, dark colored suits. In
Pakistan pent shirt and tie are preferred Women should wear business suits or
conservative dresses in Mexico. But in Pakistan women’s wear kames shalwar.

Verbal Communication:
Verbal communication People in Mexico use longer sentences because the culture values
elegance and expressiveness to a higher degree. This pattern is same followed in
Pakistan.

Decicion Making:
In the Mexico Culture Decisions on family size and fertility regulation are made within
the household, and yet little research has focused on the effects of power relationships
within families on demographic decisions. To clarify the situation, the paper presents an
original framework, linking bases of power between husbands and wives, resulting
communication processes, and decision-making outcomes. This culture is same followed
in Pakistan but in Pakistan we have male dominate society male are more involved in
decision making purpose instead in Mexico man and women has equal rights to do that.