It was decided that it was to be covered with stucco and then painted. When the worker was asked if the tiles were going to show through the stucco, he guaranteed that they would not. When the job was finished, the tiles were all too evident underneath a much too thin layer of stucco. That response was the perfect way to avoid offending the boss, which he would have if he had denied what was clearly evident, and simultaneously avoid losing face by admitting that he had made a mistake. The Anglo typically places a greater emphasis on stating the facts, regardless of the impact this has on the other's feelings.
Emotions have no place on the job.
The Anglo values the facts, getting down to business quickly, and giving others objective and straight-forward feedback. Points of Conflict. This cultural difference is one of the most common sources of professional misunderstanding. The Mexican perceives the Anglo's directness and objective approach to business as reflecting an insensitivity and cold heartedness more so than an efficient professional style. The foreign executive, who cannot seem to get a straight answer from his Mexican subordinate and colleague, perceives this difficulty as a reflection of the Mexican's dishonesty, inefficiency, or unprofessional style.