Mexicans & Americans: Cracking the Cultural Code

Ned Crouch

Jul 2004 · Sold by Nicholas Brealey

About this ebook

Understand why good neighbors are separated by the meaning of yesWhether negotiating a delivery date, launching a local franchise or renting a car in Mexico City, speaking the language and knowing the rules of business are not enough. In any culture where yes can mean no - or sometimes maybe - even giants like Wal-Mart and IBM can make costly mistakes. Mexicans and Americans gets to the heart of our differences and lays the groundwork for cultural fluency. Here is a humorous and insightful firthand look at how to succeed in working with Mexicans - on either side of the border. Steeped in the richness of Mexican culture and history, Ned Crouch helps us understand the most critical elements that determine what works and what doesn't when Mexicans and Americans come together in business: our different views of time and space, and our construction and use of language. He debunks the manana stereotype and offers specific advice on how to cross the cultural divide that separates us.

About the author

Ned Crouch has lived and worked in Mexico for much of the past twenty years developing business opportunities for major corporations including Steelcase, Cooper Industries, Attwood, Philips (Netherlands), Yazaki North America, Holland Group, and Graco. At the height of his consulting business he managed the placement of more than USD400 million in Mexico, setting up factories, negotiating licenses, strategic alliances and supplier agreements. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of the Americas in Mexico City, has completed the summer business management program at Harvard Business School and has studied at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, where he was certified in French and Spanish.