Introduction
Argentina has a population of approximately 46 million, making it South America’s third-largest country. Its ethnic composition reflects waves of European immigration—primarily Spanish and Italian—that reshaped the country in the 19th and early 20th centuries. An estimated 97 percent of the population is of European or mixed European-Indigenous descent; Indigenous peoples and Afro-Argentines constitute the remainder.
The Republic of Argentina is a federal presidential republic with a bicameral National Congress comprising the 72-seat Senate and the 257-seat Chamber of Deputies. The president serves as both chief of state and head of government.
Spanish is the official language, although English is widely studied and Italian influence is pervasive in daily speech. Argentine Spanish is distinctive across Latin America, shaped heavily by Italian immigration. Approximately 63 percent of the population identifies as Roman Catholic, with Evangelical Protestantism the fastest-growing religious movement. Jews and Muslims each constitute roughly 1–2 percent of the population. Buenos Aires has the largest Jewish community in Latin America.
Argentina is the homeland of Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio), the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church and the first from the Americas. The longtime Archbishop of Buenos Aires and a member of the Jesuit Order, he was known for humility, doctrinal conservatism, and a commitment to social justice before his 2013 election. Argentina is also a country of wide-open pampas, ancient Patagonian forests, and the sophisticated capital of Buenos Aires.
Hofstede Analysis
The Geert Hofstede analysis for Argentina is broadly similar to its Latin American neighbors but with several notable differences. Uncertainty Avoidance ranks highest at 86, indicating a high concern for rules, regulations, controls and issues with career security — typically, a society that does not readily accept change and is risk averse.
Argentina’s Individualism score of 46 is notably higher than the Latin American average of 21, reflecting the strong European immigrant influence and a somewhat more individually oriented culture than most of its neighbors, while still maintaining deep family and group loyalties.
The high Uncertainty Avoidance, combined with the predominantly Catholic heritage, reinforces what Hofstede describes as a philosophy predicated on the belief that there is an absolute “Truth.” As Geert Hofstede explains about peoples with a high Uncertainty Avoidance Index, their attitude is, “There can only be one Truth and we have it.”
The relatively high Indulgence score (62) reflects a society that values enjoying life, socializing, and the pleasures of food, wine, and conversation — all of which play directly into business entertaining.
Religion. Approximately 63 percent of Argentines identify as Roman Catholic, though weekly Mass attendance has declined substantially in recent decades. Evangelical Protestant denominations have grown rapidly, now representing roughly 15 percent of the population. Roughly 18 percent report no religious affiliation, reflecting a significant secular trend in Argentine society. In our study of predominantly Catholic countries, we found the primary correlating Hofstede Dimension to be Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI). Only 2 countries out of 23 did not follow this correlation: Ireland and the Philippines.
Appearance
body language
& gestures
- Dress is very important for making a good impression in Argentina; your entire wardrobe will be scrutinized. Business dress is conservative: dark suits and ties for men; white blouses and dark suits or skirts for women. Argentines are fashion-conscious and will notice quality clothing and accessories.
- Maintaining eye contact is very important and conveys sincerity and engagement.
- A pat on the shoulder is a sign of friendship.
- A sweeping gesture beginning under the chin and continuing up over the top of the head is used to mean “I don’t know” or “I don’t care.”
- With thumb and finger touching (as if holding a pinch of salt), one taps them with the index finger to indicate “hurry up” or “a lot.”
- Make sure to cover your mouth when yawning or coughing.
- Don’t put your feet up on any furniture.
- Eating in the street or on public transportation is considered rude.
Behavior
meetings &
general conduct
- Prior appointments are necessary.
- Argentine executives may put in a very long day, often lasting until 10:00 p.m. An 8:00 p.m. business meeting is not unusual.
- Business dinners are popular and are usually held in restaurants; business lunches are uncommon outside of Buenos Aires, since most people go home to eat lunch.
- Tender beef and red wine are virtual national symbols. American beef and red wine compare poorly to theirs — avoid unfavorable comparisons.
- Long meals and conversation are the norm. Crossing the knife and fork signals “I am finished.” Never pour wine back-handed; it’s considered impolite. When dining, keep your hands on the table, not in your lap.
- Gifts to be avoided include personal items such as ties and shirts, leather, and knives. High taxes on imported liquor make this a highly appreciated gift; the most popular are scotch and French champagne.
- If the visitor is entertained in the Argentine home, he or she should arrange to send flowers or candy to the hostess. Bird-of-paradise flowers are highly prized.
- A guest should always wait for the host to sit down before sitting, and to open the door for him before leaving.
Communication
introductions &
conversation
- Handshaking is common when meeting for the first time. Close friends often greet with a kiss on the cheek, even between men.
- Titles, especially among the elderly, are very important. Address a person directly by using his or her title only. A Ph.D or a physician is called Doctor. Teachers prefer the title Profesor, engineers go by Ingeniero, architects are Arquitecto, and lawyers are Abogado. Persons who do not have professional titles should be addressed as Señor, Señora, or Señorita plus their surname.
- Most Hispanics have two surnames: one from their father, which is listed first, followed by one from their mother. Only the father’s surname is used when addressing someone.
- Italian and German are common second and third languages.
- Good conversation topics: soccer (fútbol), history, culture, home and children, opera, Argentine wine and cuisine.
- Topics to avoid: the Perón years, religion, and the Falkland Islands/Malvinas conflict.
Doing Business
negotiations &
decision-making
- Argentines are tough negotiators. Concessions will not come quickly or easily. Good relationships with counterparts will shorten negotiations.
- Contracts are lengthy and detailed. A contract is not final until all of its elements are signed. Any portion can be renegotiated. Get everything in writing.
- An Argentine contact is essential to wading through government bureaucracy.
- Be punctual for business appointments, but prepare to wait thirty minutes for your counterpart, especially if you are meeting an important person.
- The pace of business in Argentina is slower than in the United States. A meeting that is going well could last much longer than intended, even if it means postponing the next engagement.
- Personal relationships are important and must be developed before business is done.
- Argentines often need several meetings and extensive discussion to make deals.
- Decisions are made at the top. Try to arrange meetings with high-level personnel.
- Guests at a meeting are greeted and escorted to their chairs. The visiting senior executive is seated opposite the Argentine senior executive.
- During business meetings, sustain a relaxed manner, maintain eye contact and restrict the use of gestures. Don’t take a hard sell approach.
- Be prepared for a certain amount of small talk before getting down to business.
- Make appointments through a high-level person. Your Argentine contact can help with this. Confirm meetings one week in advance.
Resources
Government & Data
- CIA World Factbook — ArgentinaDemographics, economy, government
- Argentina.gob.arOfficial Argentine government portal
- ITA — Argentina Market OverviewU.S. International Trade Administration
News & Culture
- Buenos Aires TimesEnglish-language Argentine news
- Visit ArgentinaOfficial tourism portal
Cultural Framework
- Cyborlink Hofstede ExplainerThe six-dimension model explained
- Hofstede Insights — Country ComparisonCompare Argentina scores with any nation
- Cyborlink Resource PageBooks, world press, language tools