Spanish Business Communication Taboos: Identifying Barriers and Proposing Solutions for Chinese Professionals
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper investigates the cultural taboos commonly encountered in Spanish business communication and explores strategies to avoid them. Using a mixed-methods approach combining literature analysis and in-depth interviews with 20 Chinese and Spanish business professionals, the study identifies five core categories of cultural taboos (language, nonverbal communication, time perception, hierarchy, and religion) and proposes a phased cultural adaptation model. The findings reveal significant challenges for Chinese professionals in adapting to Spanish business norms, particularly in nonverbal communication and negotiation pacing. This research offers a strategic framework for cross-cultural training programs, which has been successfully applied in three Chinese companies’ overseas teams. The study aims to enhance cross-cultural business relations by providing a thorough understanding of cultural subtleties in Spanish business settings.
Source: Contemporary Education Frontiers
Authors: Jiarui Jia, Yi Wang
Institution: Jilin International Studies University
Language: English
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4411438044