Motivation is Key! 


                             

  What can I do as a global leader to motivate my team in the Dominican Republic? This is important question to ask yourself, especially because your ultimate goal when doing business is to succeed and gain a good relationship with your team. People place a lot of importance on professional satisfaction and money. Motivating factors are not the same for all people; for some, personal satisfaction will motivate them to perform well on the job.  I believe in the phrase “There is no I in Team” and as a leader we need to always show appreciation to those that consistently work hard.

                        

http://www.puntacanatravel.org/money-exchange-and-currency-used-in-punta-cana/

  
  Now the question is what gets Dominicans motivated to do their job. Well since the Dominican Republic is a poor country, monetary incentives are the best motivation for employees. Of course, recognizing a job well done and rewarding the individual with an award, public praise and recognition is always appreciated and makes the person feel good. However, money speaks louder than anything!

                                      http://gurkamaldeepmalhi.blogspot.com/

  
  Clearly and repeatedly, through both words and actions, send the message that effective communication is essential for business success and career advancement: It’s important for everyone to know that you as a global leader take communication very seriously. This is a powerful, indispensable message. This requires though consistent follow-through, including compensation incentives that promote good communication practices. A Team that plays together Wins together!!

 

                      Hierarchical Society

http://telenoticias.com.do/funcionarios-del-gobierno-dicen-tener-buenas-expectativas-con-relacion-la-rendicion-de-cuentas-de-danilo-medina

Family, religion, and small talk are central to the Dominican life and it extends to the workplace. Though coming into a new country we have to be aware of the way Dominicans manage their teams and businesses. As a leader I am curious to know if they will come to me if they have a problem or will stay quiet. I also want to know how they will respect my authority or even be open minded to new ideas.

On the Hofstede website it scored the Dominican Republic with a high of 65 for Power Distance.This means that the Dominican Republic is a hierarchical society. The people that live in this country live and respect their higher authority. They also accept and expect that power is distributed unequally. Subordinates expect to be told what to do. There is a huge distinction between upper and lower class in the Dominican Republic as well. It is so sad but true.

Generally, the whiter your skin, the higher the class you are, and vice versa for being darker. Being white is considered a mark of beauty. There are even discos or clubs that don’t let darker skinned people in, but if they are with the upper class whites it is ok. The upper class when dealing with different classes is kind and helpful, but will not attempt to develop friendships with people who do not live a similar lifestyle.

http://www.donquijote.org/culture/dominican-republic/society/

     Unfortunately there is a separation between classes but as a foreigner don’t be discouraged when doing business in the Dominican Republic. Dominicans do work very hard and always try to their best to succeed. This can positively affect the workplace because they are good at listening and getting their tasks done on time. 


    If you’re a manager that is a non-local, they are generally given much respect as foreigners are respected greatly in the Dominican. As a global leader with strong character and confidence it is commonly looked upon with much respect, and definitely will help the person get ahead in their company.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/12/world/dominican-republic-haiti-immigration/

  It’s also important to know as a leader that Dominicans in the workplace usually act friendly and respectful. Generally, though a boss or superior should not interact with their employees in their homes or outside of work unless it is work related. This is frowned upon here as it breaks the professionalism in the relationship. Decisions are usually made by superiors. It is always best to consult your superior before taking actions that will impact the company.

 Most employees are "doers" and carry out their tasks without asking a lot of questions. There are also people who will take on tasks that they are not able to do. When this happens, they will ask their colleagues to help them. If there are problems in the workplace, it is not uncommon for an employee to confide in their supervisor to help resolve the problem. 

  

Dominicans like to do things are their own even if they don’t know how to do it. They pride themselves in their work, so they may not always tell you that there is problem. The main reason why they really do this isn’t because they can’t trust you , its more that they want you to see they can do it all by themselves without help. I think that this very important to know as a global leader , so you can better understand your team if an issue were to occur.

In conclusion, as a global leader though is best to confront people in private to avoid bruising their ego. It is often difficult to know when colleagues are having problems with you because there can a bit of hypocrisy in the workplace. Alternatively, you may hear rumors about some "unhappy" or disappointed employees, in which in this case you make take it to your own hands to resolve the situation.

https://www.international.gc.ca/cil-cai/country_insights-apercus_pays/ci-ic_do.aspx?lang=eng

                  Religion and Traditions

http://caribya.com/dominican.republic/religion/roman.catholicism/

  
   Although Dominicans are very happy people there is another topic that is not to joke around with and that is religion. This is a topic not to discuss with Dominicans especially when doing business with them. The reason is because they are very religious and if you don’t believe in God, or Jesus, its better just to keep it to yourself and if they wish to discuss topics of religion, its best try to keep it neutral.

 Both the official and most popular religion in the Dominican Republic is Roman Catholicism and it has been a part of the region's history since the earliest European settlers made their way to the island. "Current census data indicates that 95 percent of the population follows this religion."http://caribya.com/dominican.republic/religion/roman.catholicism/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_Dominican_Republic

   Although 95 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, many Dominicans do not attend church regularly. Religious customs among Catholics include rosarios, which are processions organized to pray for help from a patron saint or the Virgin Mary. Evangelical Protestantism has also become popular in recent years. Its emphasis on family values and condemnation of alcohol, prostitution, and wife-beating, it has made this religion attractive to low-income Dominicans, who traditionally have had unstable family structures." Followers of spirit worship and voodoo, which was introduced into the country by Haitian immigrants, are thought to still number about 60,000."

                        

http://travelservice.do/en/excursions/voodoo.htm

   When doing business with them it’s also important to respect any holidays that they may celebrate with their families, such as the Dominican Carnival. In February the Dominican Carnival is one of the most colorful and lively traditions of the Dominican Republic. The Carnival is celebrated in all regions of the country, where costumes and masks with different meanings are used. On February 27, coinciding with National Independence, a Carnival parades takes place in main cities. The most famous are in Santo Domingo, La Vega and Santiago.

   There is also another important holiday called Day of the Lady of Altagracia, the La Virgen de la Altagracia is considered by Catholics as the Protector and Spiritual Mother of the Dominican Republic. Her feast day is January 21, a holiday on which many faithful followers flock to the temple in Higuey to worship the Virgin.  

                                               

                                     http://blog.bluebayresorts.com/?p=5416&lang=en
   
  In conclusion, as a leader we need to have the ability to demonstrate respect for political and spiritual beliefs of people in other cultures. Even if we may not agree with what they believe it’s important to be still be open minded, to hearing about their traditions and practices. Dominicans appreciate when we are curious to know about their religion and history. This shows that you are interested and care about what they believe as a person.
  
                             

                      

                      Personality Type

                          

http://lifehacker.com/lets-quit-it-with-the-introvert-extrovert-nonsense-1713772952

                         

 

     As a global leader I am curious to know not just the history of the country but the personality type of most Dominicans. I think that it’s wise to know because I want to make sure if my personality type is similar to theirs, if not how can I adapt. This will also help me have better communication and relationship when doing business with them.


   Well after doing some research I was not surprised to have learned how Dominicans who have never met each other can strike up a conversation like they have been best friends forever. Strangers greet each other as amigo or amiga. Mi amor (“my love”) is used commonly among men and women – even if they don’t know each other – and no one takes it as sexual harassment. Dominicans also typically say joven (“young one”) or amigo (a) (“friend”) to get someone’s attention, such as a waiter in a restaurant.

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g3559/dominican-republic-fashion/

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   There personality type would be considered ESFP’s  -The Entertainer. This stands for Extrovert, Spontaneous, Optimistic, Feeling, and a People’s Person. ESFP’s are spontaneous, optimistic and enjoy being the center of attention. They are also out-going, social and crave excitement. An ESFP is a true ’people-person’ and dislikes being alone.

  Although ESFP’s prefer to avoid activities that require analytical or theoretical thinking, they have a practical side that makes them skilled problem-solvers. Extroverts get anxious when left alone and get energy from social interaction. I can say that as a leader I can definitely relate to this personality type and I would be able to adapt well. Me and Dominicans would get along just fine!


                                 

  In conclusion, as a global leader it is important to know what kind of personality type you have ,as well as your business partner’s. I think that by knowing this it will help you, your partner, and team to work better with each other. "One of the biggest differences between introverts and extroverts is how they process circumstances." Introverts can be described as internal processors their thoughts are always going, circulating, evaluating, and concluding. They may appear to be silent but their minds are loud and active. Extroverts are outside thinkers they think outside of themselves, make decisions with others, verbalized a situation, and manage conflict through verbal communication. Sometimes opposites attract but in this case my personality and Dominicans are very similar.

http://rubbercityreview.com/2010/06/the-dominican-republic-music-and-image/

   
                 


                            

                       What Not to Say!!

   As a global leader we have talked about different topics that will help us adapt well to the culture in the Dominican Republic. We have learned how to act professional, know the official languages, and different business etiquettes. It is also important though to have some knowledge of the country’s history and what topics to avoid when speaking there as a foreigner.

  The topic that I would avoid the most speaking as a foreigner in this country is about discussing the Dominican-Haitian relationship. This conservation will most likely go nowhere because many Dominicans have strong negative feelings towards Haitians. I wouldn’t bother arguing with them either about this topic, because they won’t listen much or change their point of view.

 Now you’re probably wondering as to why they dislike speaking about this topic. The reason is because the Dominican Republic and Haiti have become two nations that been divided by their history. To have a better understanding Dominicans have historically understood themselves as "not Haitian" and therefore "not black." T

  http://www.indiewire.com/2015/06/haiti-and-the-dominican-republic-a-conflict-captured-on-film-153584/

  They have had issues of race and identity in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, they are two countries that share the same island of Hispaniola, yet share little in terms of language, economic opportunities, and identification with African ancestry and heritage. The Dominican Republic was the port of entry for the first African slaves; only nine years after Columbus arrived. Blacks and mulattoes make up almost 90 percent of the population.

  There has been a longstanding tension with Haiti, particularly over the Haitian desire to migrate there. In the early fall of 1937 Trujillo's soldiers used machetes, knives, picks, and shovels to slaughter somewhere between ten thousand and thirty-five thousand Haitian civilians, claiming it was a Dominican peasant uprising. Today there is still great disdain for Haitian and other blacks.

    In conclusion, as a global leader is important to be aware of certain topics or discussions when speaking to someone in a different country. You want to start off with a good impression because remember we are here to build and keep good relationships. So in the workplace it is best to keep things neutral, and not let issues regarding gender, class or culture get in the way of your work. This is a touchy subject and you don’t want to offend anyone.

http://www.economist.com/news/americas/21654661-haitians-dominican-republic

 

 

        

                                                  

                               Culture

 

      Dominicans Value Family, Hospitality, and Appearance

 

  Family first!        

  Dominicans believe that their loyalty to their family comes before any other social relationship or even business. That’s why it’s important that you take the time to ask your colleagues once and while how the family is doing. The family forms the basis of stability.

 

 

 

 

Dominican Hospitality

Its amazing how Dominicans make you feel like part of there home and family. Dominicans pride themselves on their hospitality. When someone visits, Dominicans go out of their way to make their guests feel welcome and comfortable. House guests are treated royally and Dominicans attempt to cater to their every desire. As a global leader you can defiantly appreciate that experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appearance Matters

Fashion is an important in business and to Dominicans. In Dominican society appearance is very important. People are extremely fashion conscious and believe that clothes indicate social standing and success. They take great pride in wearing good fabrics and clothes of the best standard they can afford. Designer labels, particularly those from the USA, are looked upon favorably.

 

 

 

 

 

 So dress for success global leader!!

 

 

 

                                                                                      

 

                                        Time &Small Talk

 

 

As global leader I want make sure that I am on time to all meetings and events. Dominicans strive for punctuality, but they do not always achieve their goal. So it is good to arrive on time but just know you might be waiting awhile. Meetings can also be often interrupted and several people may speak at the same time. Don’t take it to offense Dominicans just like to get their point across and be heard. Its important to know as well as a leader that you must also carry a business card with you written in both English and Spanish. This will definitely help you!

 

Dominicans enjoy small talk! Don’t feel that you are offending them by asking them about their personal lives. Trust comes first, business comes later! It’s important that they you gain there trust first before anything. They might want to talk to you about family, friends, or their hobbies. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        So patience is key here to adapt well to this kind of environment as a global leader.

 

 

 

http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/dominican-republic-guide