How To Better Connect with Portugal’s Low Indulgence Culture

I recently traveled to Portugal and, even though I took my Duolingo Portuguese classes before traveling, I’ll confess that it was still very difficult to keep up with the language. In the end, I mostly used portuñol (a mix of Portuguese and Spanish) to communicate which worked out for the best. One moment that stood out was when a shopkeeper asked my son and me a question that really surprised me: “Why are Mexicans so happy?”

We were taken aback by this question. Besides the nature of the question, it didn’t seem like we’d done anything special in the shop that would make us look notably happy. As an Intercultural Executive Coach that simple yet intriguing question just stuck in my mind. After returning from my trip, I just had to jump in and start writing this new article to better understand what had happened and the reasoning behind that question.

After a bit of research, I was inspired to share this piece on Indulgence, comparing Portuguese and Mexican cultures, and its effect in the global workplace. It’s essential for Global Leaders to understand how different countries on opposite sides of the scale relate to Indulgence or Restriction, and how that affects their team’s performance and work styles.

Opposites in the Indulgence / Restrictive Scale: Portugal and Mexico

In a past article, I shared a more in-depth look into the subject on a global scale. However, allow me to first refresh your memory with a short overview. The Indulgence Cultural Dimension was added to the Hofstede Cultural Dimensions in 2010. This was partially based on the research conducted by Michael Minkov, Bulgarian sociologist creator of the extensive World Values Survey.

Note: It’s important to remember that Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions theory is only a framework used to Build Strong Intercultural Skills. This allows us to analyze and compare cultural differences between countries. 
It is important to point out that this framework does not consider the nuances and complexity of any culture. The scores and characteristics that I mention are generalizations and may not apply to every individual in each country. The Global Leader should utilize this knowledge cautiously. And always be mindful of cultural nuances to avoid offending anyone!

• Indulgent cultures prioritize individual happiness, leisure, and personal freedom, while restrained societies value curbing desires and aligning with societal norms
• On the other side of the scale, we find restrained cultures that value conformity over indulgence, prioritizing societal norms over personal desires – in this case, positive emotions and leisure hold less importance

Other Relevant Cultural Dimensions for Portugal

Other dimensions that show significant differences when we compare Portuguese with Mexican and USA workplace cultures include:

1. Power distance:
   • Portugal (63) lies between Mexico (81) and the USA (40)
   • Hierarchies are accepted in Portugal and Mexico, with privileges for those in power, while the USA emphasizes egalitarianism
2. Individualism vs. Collectivism:
   • Mexico values collectivism, prioritizing family and group obligations
   • Portugal (59) and the USA (60) lean toward individualism, valuing privacy and personal goals
3. Masculinity vs. Femininity or Motivation towards Achievement and Success:
   • Mexico and the USA (60s) focus on achievement and standing out
   • Portugal (31) values balance, avoiding excessive competitiveness
4. Uncertainty avoidance:
   • Mexico and Portugal score high, favoring rules and structure
   • The USA is more open to new ideas and innovation
5. Long-term vs. short-term orientation:
   • Mexico (23) prioritizes living in the present and quick results
   • Portugal (42) and the USA (50) balance short and long-term planning

Tips to Communicate Effectively with Both Cultures

Communication is key when it comes to interacting with a Boss, Colleague, or Supplier from a High Indulgence Culture. Here’s some tips on how to approach them:

• Use a Warm Tone: Smiles and friendly remarks set the tone for positive interactions
• Build Personal Connections: Start with small talk about family, holidays, or shared interests
• Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge achievements and special occasions to strengthen bonds
• Use Humor Mindfully: A light joke can ease tension but be culturally sensitive
• Stay Positive: Focus on solutions and maintain an optimistic attitude
• Be Flexible with Time: Expect a conversational pace in meetings and adapt to less rigid schedules
• Share Experiences: Participate in meals or team activities to build trust and deepen relationships

On the other side, here are some best practices to better connect with a Boss, Colleague, or Supplier from a Low Indulgence Culture:

• Acknowledge Rules and Structure: Align ideas with organizational priorities, and avoid casual or dismissive attitudes toward rules
• Balance Optimism with Realism: Stay professional and respectful, avoiding excessive enthusiasm or insincerity
• Respect Work/Life Boundaries: Honor clear work-life boundaries and avoid encouraging after-hours commitments
• Provide Practical Feedback: Offer constructive feedback focused on solutions and results, not open debates
• Support Structured Growth: Emphasize mentoring and career development within clear, defined pathways
• Respect Hierarchy: Maintain formality and deference with senior colleagues, seeking permission before challenging ideas
• Focus on Results: Prioritize measurable outcomes over emotional appeals in communication
• Encourage Practical Solutions: Ensure debates lead to actionable, solution-driven takeaways

In the end, being a Global Leader means being able to understand these cultural differences and using these to strengthen your team. Make sure to always respect your collaborators’ preferences when it comes to communication and work style, ensuring everyone can perform their best.