Business Practices in Costa Rica vs. the US – Wyatt Logan

The differences between business practices in Costa Rica and the United States mirror their cultural differences. For example, Costa Ricans live by something called ?Tico Time,? meaning they aren’t recognized for being the most punctual of individuals. They won’t be offended if an appointment doesn’t start on time since they have a more relaxed approach to time management. Latin Americans are more flexible with their schedule and prioritize taking a lunch break and keeping a general work/life balance. Decisions in Costa Rica are projected to take longer than in the United States. This is due to the fact that business decisions are made by all parties involved inside the company, which means there is a lot of bureaucracy to negotiate. Furthermore, because of the close-knit community of networkers, commercial decisions and negotiations are frequently made over dinner, in a more relaxed setting, which might lengthen the process. While Costa Rica is not on the other side of the planet, its corporate culture differs significantly from that of the United States. Costa Ricans work at a slower pace because they take a more relaxed approach to time management and decision-making. Because of the close-knit community throughout the country, business has a personal touch, whereas in the United States, the line between work and personal life is often clearly defined.