Dominican Republic Culture Tips
The following tips on culture will be very useful when traveling to the Dominican Republic or when interacting with Dominicans.
+ Loyalty to the family comes before any other social relationship, even in business.
+ Nepotism is considered a good thing, since it implies employing people one knows and trusts.
+ When guests are invited to make themselves at home, the offer is quite sincere. Houseguests are treated royally and Dominicans attempt to cater to them, so try not to resist such invitations.
+ In Dominican society, appearance is very important. People are extremely fashion-conscious and believe that clothes indicate social standing and success. You will be judged on your clothes, shoes, accessories and the way you carry yourself.
+ The influences of the Roman Catholic religion and the social stratification in the country produce a rather fatalistic approach towards life. Many sentences end with the phrase “Si Dios quiere” (meaning “if god wills it”). This explains the Dominican approach to time management, accountability and initiative.
+ Dominicans do not generally plan far in the future because they don’t feel they have control over time. This is often difficult for people who believe that they control their own destiny to understand and appreciate.
+ In terms of business, it is important to mind your manners and not appear overly friendly or emotional (especially in the early stages of a relationship), which can be mistaken for aggression.
+ Since relationships are extremely important, time is devoted to non-business discussions that develop or maintian the personal relationship. This is especially true if this is your first meeting with a Dominican company.
- provided by RW3′s CultureWizard™ Country Profiles