Business in Costa Rica

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Business Contexts

Business protocols and practices in Costa Rica are friendly and relaxed. Humility and patience are also highly valued. Building strong relationships and personal connections are critical to engaging in business dealings. Some common business greetings include handshakes and kisses on the cheek. 

 Common/expected business greeting behaviors: 

It is customary in business settings to offer a handshake when greeting someone. A kiss on the cheek may be exchanged in a more formal situation. Maintaining eye contact and using formal titles are also expected.

 Appropriate initial conversation topics

When meeting someone in a business setting for the first time, the conversation will generally be a time to get to know one another and build trust. Topics of conversation may include current affairs and discussion about the landscape of Costa Rica, the people, soccer, and politics. 

 Rules for personal/professional appearance:

Costa Ricans dress well in professional or casual settings. Showing up in jeans and a t-shirt would be frowned upon.

Gift giving in Costa Rican business

Gift-giving is common in Costa Rica and can help strengthen business relationships. Paying attention to cultural norms and avoiding gifts that may be considered extravagant or inappropriate. (Understanding Business Etiquette in Costa Rica: A Guide, 2023)

Communication challenges an American business person could face if they found employment in an international organization in Costa Rica:

The relaxed atmosphere may be a challenge if you are someone who is always on time. Starting meetings on time may be frustrating to someone coming from a business background in America. We like our meetings and work day to start on time. Speaking the language will also be challenging if you don't know Spanish. Being fluent in the language is critical to doing business in another country. A kiss on the cheek in a business setting may also be off-putting to someone from America. Kissing on the cheek is not something we do here in America, and if you were not expecting it, you might be shocked to get a kiss on the cheek from your boss.

A U.S.-based manager assigned a new employee from Costa Rica will need to help the new and existing employees navigate their cultural differences. One strategy could be to provide training that can help all employees in the organization understand the differences in attitudes toward work, decision-making, and conflict management. Another strategy could be to pair the new employee with an existing employee who can serve as a guide and provide support as needed. Open communication and creating a culture of inclusivity can help everyone feel valued and accepted. Remaining open-minded to cultural differences can benefit the whole team.

Bibliography

Understanding Business Etiquette in Costa Rica : A Guide. (2023, September 25). Retrieved from Costa Rica immigration experts: https://crie.cr/business-etiquette-in-costa-rica/

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