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Nicaragua: Protocol and Business Etiquette
2012-06-01
by Going Global
For initial greetings, when introducing a manager or officer, older people will always introduce younger people, and senior employees will introduce junior employees. Once introductions are made, the rule is for seniors to take precedence in shaking hands. They will decide whether or not to shake hands with junior officers or employees. Respond with a firm handshake and eye contact.
Business greetings do not include kissing the cheek (of women) or informal address forms such as vos or tú. It is widely accepted that the latter practice is strictly reserved for friendly, everyday treatment. Formal address forms are the acceptable way to talk to a senior officer.
Generally speaking, it is better to abstain from using informal address forms (like vos or tú) upon a first meeting or introduction. It is highly recommended to use those forms only when requested by the other party, which is common in Nicaragua. Even in that case, if one feels it is too soon to do so, a more formal approach (e.g., usted, also common in Nicaragua) is recommended.
When starting a meeting, hosts will be wise to make sure everyone is introduced to everyone else. If there are a large number of people, such as at a reception, it is usual to greet the host and introduce a smaller group. Self-introduction is acceptable, although not so much with honored guests. In this case, it is better to be introduced by the host.
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