Top Tips on Portugal

Top Tips on Portugal

Tip 1
Portugal has made very significant economic and commercial strides since the Revolution of 1974 opened to the rest of the world. It is no longer a predominantly agrarian society and boasts an increasingly high standard of living.

Tip 2
However, change comes slowly in what is still a conservative and traditional country – hierarchy and paternalistic management style still persist and many would say are still the norm.

Tip 3
Government-run corporations dominate the economic landscape despite a number of high-profile privatisations.

Tip 4
As companies (both state-owned and private) tend towards the hierarchical, decision-making powers lie in the hands of a few senior managers at the top of the organisation.

Tip 5
Make sure you are dealing with the right people. Don’t waste time trying to get people to make decisions who do not have the real authority anyway.

Tip 6
Management style is paternalistic and managers are expected to manage through giving clear instructions.

Tip 7
Subordinates will rarely disagree openly with senior people – they will however raise any concerns in private.

Tip 8
Managers are expected to be authoritarian but also to be caring. They should take an interest in the well-being of colleagues who will, in turn, be expected to show loyalty.

Tip 9
Managers are expected to be authoritarian but also to be caring. They should take an interest in the well-being of colleagues who will, in turn, be expected to show loyalty.

Tip 10
Decisions are often taken in small lobbying sessions prior to the meeting. Try to become part of this pre-meeting lobbying process.

Tip 11
Punctuality is less rigid than in some other countries. People may arrive late for meetings; deadlines may be seen as guidelines.

Tip 12
Agendas are not always produced at meetings and, if produced, may not be adhered to – or even referred to.

Tip 13
Co-operative, open teams in which people share responsibility for well defined goals are a rarity. Team members expect to work on specific allocated tasks as determined by a strong leader.

Tip 14
Family names are often used in business circles – try not to use first names unless specifically asked to do so.

Tip 15
Academic titles are highly respected so, if you have one, use it on your business card.

Tip 16
The Portuguese are, on the whole, non-confrontational in business dealings and will often say things in meetings which they think will please – this can often mask their true opinions.

Tip 17
Although women are making rapid progress in the business world, it is fairly unusual to meet a senior female executive in a local Portuguese business.

Tip 18
Appearance is important and smart clothes (although not necessarily suit and tie) should be worn.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Portugal only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.