Country Information and Background

Geographic location/ Neighboring countries and bodies of water- Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the US and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the US

Population Stats:

Population and population density- 104,907,991 (July 2003 est.)
Population: 100,294,036 (July 1999 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 35% (male 17,987,500; female 17,289,875)
15-64 years: 61% (male 29,610,813; female 31,216,342)
65 years and over: 4% (male 1,873,986; female 2,315,520) (1999 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.73% (1999 est.)

Birth rate: 24.99 births/1,000 population (1999 est.)

Death rate: 4.83 deaths/1,000 population (1999 est.)

Net migration rate: -2.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1999 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (1999 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 24.62 deaths/1,000 live births (1999 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 72 years
male: 68.98 years
female: 75.17 years (1999 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.85 children born/woman (1999 est.)

Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 89.6%
male: 91.8%
female: 87.4% (1995 est.)

Nationality: noun: Mexican(s)
adjective: Mexican

Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6%
Languages: Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous languages
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 89.6%
male: 91.8%
female: 87.4% (1995 est.)

Ethnic groups: mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, white 9%, other 1%

Currency- Guide to mexican currency

Transportation- Automobiles are the main mode of transportation in Mexico City. To address the problems of air pollution and traffic congestion, the authorities have launched car-free day campaigns. In addition, efforts have been made to establish auto-emission inspection and control systems. The main public transportation systems in the city are buses and subway trains. The subway system was constructed with French technology in 1968 when the Mexico Olympic Games were held. Some subway stations exhibit remains of an ancient city, which were discovered during construction work. http://www.nsca.gr.jp/english/mexico/

complete list of gov't bodies

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Form of government- conventional long form: United Mexican States
conventional short form: Mexico
local short form: Mexico
local long form: Estados Unidos Mexicanos
Government type: federal republic operating under a centralized government Administrative divisions: 31 states (estados, singular—estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Colima, Distrito Federal*, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan de Ocampo, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro de Arteaga, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz-Llave, Yucatan, Zacatecas

Independence: 16 September 1810 (from Spain)

National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1810)

Constitution: 5 February 1917

Legal system: mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory (but not enforced)

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Main industries and locations within country- The main industries of Mexico City are manufacturing and commerce. The metal products, textiles, foodstuffs and publishing/printing industries are flourishing. The Mexico metropolitan area is home to 75% of all domestic companies in the textile industry, and more than 47% in the rubber/plastic and publishing/printing industries.

Capital City - Mexico City (Mexico City's climate is temperate year round, though it can get a little nippy at night from November to February. During this period, because of thermal inversion, air pollution is often at its heaviest. You can generally count on April for ubiquitous lilac-colored jacaranda blossoms coupled with nice temperatures. Though the city will sweep you up at any time of the year, the holiday periods of Semana Santa and Christmas to New Year's are particularly jovial, busy times to visit. Many Mexicans do their holidaying in July or August.) http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/north_america/mexico_city/facts.htm Mexico City, the capital of the United Mexican States, is the center of the country's politics, economy and culture. Situated in the middle of the nation at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level, the city possesses a mild climate throughout the year. In the rainy season from May through October, there are sudden showers in the evening.
Mexico City, which was built by the Spaniards on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec empire nation, boasts of a long history and multi-layered culture.
http://www.nsca.gr.jp/english/mexico/

Relevant history- In 1325, the nomadic Aztec tribe established the capital of Tenochtitlan, where Mexico City is currently situated. Over a relatively short period of two hundred years, they conquered surrounding tribes and built an empire.
In 1519, Spanish conquerors led by Hernan Cortes came to the Aztec empire nation and took full control of Tenochtitlan on August 13, 1521. After reducing houses and palaces to ruins, Cortes built a new city on the site. However, having flourished as the political center during the Aztec era, Mexico's unique culture was handed down to the colonial days. It is often said that you can hardly discuss Mexico's important historical matters without taking Mexico City into account. Since its independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico City has seen many changes of political power.
http://www.nsca.gr.jp/english/mexico/
On December 21, 1970, the Basic Law on Federal Districts was promulgated. Under the law, Mexico City was divided into 16 administrative districts and designated as the federal capital where the three powers of legislation, administration and judicature are concentrated.

Design of flag and what symbols represent- Flag description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; the coat of arms (an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak) is centered in the white band

Mexican Holiday Calendar- http://www.mexonline.com/holiday.htm

End section 1,
Country Information and Background

II. Cultural Patterns & Variables- Oona
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Cultural Patterns & Variables
Hofstede
Power distance is the level of acceptance by a society of the unequal distribution of power in institutions. Mexico ranks high on power distance. Mexican business culture value expectations are respect status roles and top-down hierarchical structure.
Uncertainty avoidance refers to the extent to which people in a society feel threatened by ambiguous situations. Mexico ranks high on uncertainty avoidance. Mexican business cultures resist change.
Collectivism is where a culture has tight social frameworks, emotional dependence on belonging and a strong belief in a group. Mexican workers prefer collectivism because it values the good of the group, family or country over individual achievement. Value expectations are shared responsibility, moral obligation, paternalistic management, and harmony.
Masculinity refers to the degree of traditionally "masculine" values like assertiveness, materialism and lack of concern for others. Machismo is the sharp role differentiation based on gender. Machismo and prestige are important characteristics of the Mexican culture.
Trompenaars
Particularism approach puts the first obligation on relationships and is more subjective.
Affective is the focus on the emotional orientation of relationships. Mexicans would openly express emotions even in a business situation.
Diffuse oriented cultures have a spillover from work into personal relationships and vice versa.
Styles of negotiating, decision making, & leadership
Styles of negotiation are as follows:
Emotional sensitivity valued, emotionally passionate, great power plays; use of weakness, loyalty to employer, face-saving crucial in decision making to preserve honor; dignity, execution of special interests of decision expected, condoned, argumentative when right or wrong, passionate impatient with documentation as obstacle to understanding general principles, impulsive, spontaneous decision making, what is good for the group is good for the individual, personalism necessary for good decision making.
Most managers find that the management style that works best there is authoritative and paternal. Paternalism is expected; the manager is regarded as el patron, or father figure, whose role is to take care of the workers as an extended family.
Levels of general trust in people - 35%
Values and Attitudes
Emphasis placed on materialism vs. relationships - Mexican workers place family or country over individual achievement. Family is of central importance; loyalty and commitment to the family frequently determines employment, promotion, or special treatment for contracts.
Hard work vs. leisure - Mexican workers allow time for socializing and appreciating their cultural artifacts, buildings and so forth.
Cultural taboos (alcohol, literature, etc.) For the most part, Mexican workers expect that authority will not be abused but rather that it will follow the family model where everyone works together in a dignified manner according to their designated roles.
Attitudes toward time (Importance of schedules & Importance of efficiency) Mexican people are very warm and have a leisurely attitude toward time. Mexicans have a polychronic time system because they will many times put an important conversation ahead of being on time for a business meeting.
Attitudes toward work - Mexican males value work only in its ability to fulfill their culturally imposed responsibilities as head of household and breadwinner rather than to seek individual achievement.
Strong vs. weak work ethic - Mexicans will strive to work, but the managers are expected to be the authority and all power rest with them. For the most part, if not told to do it, the workers won't do it. Nor will they question the boss or make any decisions for the boss.
Opportunity for success and reward - Given that getting ahead is often associated with outside forces than with one's own actions, the motivation a reward system becomes difficult to structure in the usual ways.
Impact of technology- for those who can afford it, cellular phones aide in the communication between farmers and workers. Local malls offer the use of Internet at a low price.
Attitudes toward cultural change - Mexican border facilities have boomed, and many of those jobs are now high tech, bringing training and a higher standard of living for many Mexicans.
Acceptance of traits from other cultures
Attitudes toward foreign companies Latin Americans have a high-context culture because they expect others to understand unarticulated moods, subtle gestures, and environmental clues resulting in misunderstanding.
Impact of international companies on local culture
Manners and customs
Appropriate behavior, speech, and dress
Suitable circumstances for conducting business Mexican workers need more communication, more relationship building and more reassurance than US employees. Mexican workers are now motivated with higher wages because they highly value the enjoyment of life. Many companies in Mexico provide recreational facilities like a picnic area, a soccer field and so forth.
Important customs (folk and popular) Mexicans are very proud and patriotic; respeto is important to them and slights against personal dignity are regarded as a grave provocation. They like to take time to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. This will increase loyalty and effort.
Gift-giving customs - Bonuses are expected regardless of productivity. In fact, it is the law to give Christmas bonuses of 15 days pay to each worker. Fringe benefits are also important because most Mexicans are poor. Benefits are also important because they help to manage family related issues. They are positive motivators for employees to at lease show up to work.
Business cards
Social structure
Prevalence of nuclear vs. extended family
Importance of gender roles& business opportunities for men vs. women (be specific about the role of women in society and business)
Classes of the society - Companies must understand the local infrastructure problems and can provide a bus to minimize absenteeism and tardiness. The also can provide onsite health care facilities for workers and their families, nurseries, free meals and even small loans in crisis situation.
There is a burgeoning middle class in some areas, and there are other areas where extreme poverty and environmental pollution prevail.
Rigidity of social strata & the potential for mobility (upward and downward) Mexican business culture value expectations are respect status roles and top-down hierarchical structure.
Religion
Dominant faiths and belief systems
Main religion - Christianity
Others-Roman Catholic - 89%, Protestant 6%, other 5%
Influence on cultural values - generally speaking, many Mexican workers doubt their ability to personally influence the outcome of their lives. They are apt to attribute events to the will of God, or to luck, timing or relationships with higher authority figures.
Influence on business practices/product offerings - For many, decisions are made on the basis of ideals, emotions, and intuition rather than objective information.
Personal Communication
Main spoken languages/Official language - Spanish, Mayan, Nahuati
Languages of large ethnic groups - Spanish
Key traits of body language (personal space, gestures, etc.) Face to face interaction is best for any kind of business. Mexicans often speak loudly and rapidly. They speak with their hands and have no problems with close spaces. This makes them a high-contact culture. Mexican employees and managers also use object language. Managers are advised to take time out to show appreciation for surrounding architecture, which is prized by Mexicans.
Education
Literacy of general population
Literacy - age 15 and over can read & write
Reading literacy - 422
Average level of educational attainment
Average level if schooling - 7.2
Influence of brain drain (pro or con)
Selecting an entry mode

III. Political and Legal Analysis- Michael

Why Mexico? 1. Cost 2. Availability of cheap unskilled labor,
Goal: Choose a company that would benefit from NAFTA allowances, in a move/new branch opening in Mexico?

http://www.nationmaster.com/country/mx - Very useful bank of business info, everything from business to cultural, etc.
Lots of numbers we can use. Also it allows for comparison/rankings with all other countries

Some popular mfg industries in Mex include Textiles, Autos, Steel,

Here's some info on NAFTA/imports/exports

CIA MEXICO INFO- official info

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http://www.nationmaster.com/country/mx

http://www.nsca.gr.jp/english/mexico/

Eva suggests http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/mx.html
CIA Factbook

Mexico News, weather, classifieds

Mexico Labor laws

Training packet for emplolyees should include the following materials:

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