The Spanish economy is similar to that of the US in the fact that it is a consumption-based economy, rather than oriented to savings which is the Dutch economy.
This fact is one of the contributions of a very interesting cultural element.

A consumer economy as a macro-economic trait becomes clear on a microeconomic level. People in Spain as I experience it are very trendy; knowledgeable about the latest fashion, always well dressed and into the latest developments: the distribution of mobiles is higher than most other European economies. In Spanish this is explained by the phrase “culo veo, culo quiero,” which can be resumed by “me too.”
In calvinistic eyes this is somehow seen as abundance, but it has a very interesting cultural side effect.

What I have noticed many times when observing the construction of new buildings is that they get painted when the building is not yet finished. The outside has to be finished as soon as possible, seems the idea. I found this odd, but now I realize the importance of it. This sensitivity is completely commercial oriented.

Infrastructure – all that is not (really) visible – never seems to have the highest priority in Spain. And that too seems to match with a commercial sensitive culture. The Spanish culture is very commercial sensitive. Much more than what I was used to in The Netherlands.

“They talk a lot.” Another thing that foreigners not always seem to appreciate. Where the Dutch would have started with plans and preparations, the Spanish talk and discuss until the last moment. And in a different way they get there. Timing is part of this. They could start earlier, but perhaps it is not the right moment. Timing too, is a commercial sensitive element.

When I read in newspapers economic forecasts about Spain, which are ultimately quite negative, I doubt them these days, formerly I wouldn’t so much. I think many underestimate the way in which Spain is able to improvise and adjust to a new situation. They certainly know what is going on and although they organize quite different than the planned-way in northern countries, they get there anyway.

Commercial sensitivity is part of this success.

© 2008 Hans Bool

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