Working in Bolivia 241WORKING IN BOLIVIA REQUIRES an awareness of both the social
and economic dynamics of business. This chapter opens with
experiences on social business customs and then follows up
with some insights on economics, including a response to the
oft-repeated question, “Why are countries that are so rich in
natural resources so poor in development?”
Business As Not Usual
Festival Entradas may begin long after their scheduled
starting time, but once they get going, there is no end in sight.
Patience is rewarded in Bolivia, whether you’re anticipating
a party or a business event.
In business, practice the art of waiting, especially between
12:30 pm and 2:30 pm, when everything except restaurants
and some government-run bodies shut down for an extended
lunch break. It seems inevitable, though, that commerce
will be gradually switching to the North American model,
whereby shops remain open during the lunch period.
The telephone rarely accelerates a business process, and
it may be an impediment. A phone conversation is not a
worthy substitute for a face to face meeting. Expect offi ce
phones to ring busy anyway, with few extra connections
or message machines. The technology is available, but
anything that interferes with human contact is suspect.
E-mail is a useful tool, for sure, but it will never replace
direct contact.