The way business is conducted in Spain is different from the way business is conducted in the United States. What I read was true. The pace of work and life is slower in Europe; on average people work less hours, take more vacation time, have longer lunches, and have flexible meeting times. In the United States, the saying ?Time is money,? is more evident overseas than ever before.?
Spanish business norms reflect its country?s deep value for group affiliation by prioritizing social relationships and activity. This is different from taking part in the endless race of business efficiency and competitiveness in the pursuit of success that is prioritized in the United States. In a simple example, it is not abnormal for lunch to take two or three hours in Spain. Conversations are followed through their entirety, with no pressure of getting cut short from having to get back to work or a meeting, as those can start and end later as well. The idea of this would be absurd in the United States where an employee is thought to be costing company time, money, and productivity. Business, like life, in Spain is energetic and unhurried. These nuances have to be kept in mind if I ever want to work or conduct business in Spain.