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| Home > City Guide - Santiago de Compostela - Business | ||
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Business Business Profile As a provincial capital in a predominantly rural region of Spain, Santiago de Compostela serves mainly as a marketing centre for its agricultural hinterland, as well as a nucleus for government and administration. Traditionally an agricultural and fishing economy, Galicia developed neither a strong industrial base nor a great maritime trading tradition and its modern economy has moved straight into the service sector, which now employs over 60% of its population. Unemployment in the region is slightly lower than the national average of 13%, at 12.1%. The chief employers in Santiago de Compostela are Financiera Maderera SA and Grupo Finsa (both timber and boarding), Grupo Televes (electronics), Ferrovial SA and Proincasa SA (both construction), CRTVG (Compañía de Radio – Televisión de Galicia) and Televisión de Galicia SA (both broadcasting). The last two reflect the city’s importance as the capital of Galicia. Most businesses are based in the modern centre of the city, while the broadcasting companies are located approximately five kilometres (three miles) outside the city, near Vilamaior. Galician media and cultural organisations have a significant presence. The regional government and administrative apparatus also is a significant employer, while tourism accounts for 12% of the workforce. Finally, the university provides plenty of service and ancillary work for locals, by virtue of the fact that it has over 40,000 students. Business Etiquette Business hours are generally 0900-1800, with a break for lunch between 1300 and 1400. These hours may vary depending on the size and type of organisation. Punctuality is important. Both men and women should wear a suit for business meetings – men should also wear a tie. Business cards should be exchanged after introduction. All Spaniards have two family names – only the first is used in conversation but any academic or professional titles should be acknowledged. Galego (Galician) may be used in a business setting among local speakers, otherwise Castilian Spanish is used. Many international business people will also speak English or French. Business is sometimes combined with meals, although this is not widely practised, as many Spaniards go home for ‘siesta’ over lunch (from approximately 1330-1630). Evening entertainment often focuses on excursions for tapas, which is largely a social event. Invitations to private homes are rare. On these occasions, however, a gift of chocolates, pastries or flowers is appreciated – chrysanthemums and dahlias should be avoided, as they are associated with death. It is very important for business visitors to appreciate the fierce sense of regional pride among the Spanish people, particularly in Galicia. Ignorant comments, jokes and criticisms concerning the region will be considered serious insults. Santiago de Compostella is also a highly religious city and any profanities will not be appreciated. |
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