At El Puente Institute, we’re exploring what happens when Latino cultural scripts meet workplace expectations—and how that collision can either lead to misunderstanding or transformation.
Research on high-honor cultures, like many Latino communities, shows that social rewards—respect, politeness, and benevolence—are foundational to how we collaborate and build trust. Cultural scripts like simpatía and personalismo influence not just how we relate, but why we relate: to build harmony, demonstrate dignity, and ensure belonging.
In workplace settings, this means Latinos often value:
- Emotionally intelligent interactions
- Trust-based collaboration
- Inclusion through warmth and recognition
Organizational implications? Many traditional Western corporate cultures prioritize task-oriented efficiency over relationship-building.
This mismatch can lead to:
- Underutilized Latino talent
- Misinterpretation of culturally rooted behaviors (e.g., humility mistaken for lack of initiative)
- Missed opportunities for authentic team cohesion
To truly unlock Latino leadership, organizations must value connection as much as execution. When emotional and social rewards are integrated into performance cultures, we don’t just improve retention—we create workplaces where Latino leaders thrive.
Let’s build cultures that reflect the full intelligence of our communities.
