Latino Cultural Scripts: Unlocking Career Potential in Employee Resource Groups

Posted by: Maryanne Piña

Latino talent is a powerful force in the labor market, but unlocking its full potential requires intentional strategies that honor and amplify cultural values. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a pivotal role in this endeavor, especially when equipped with tools like the Latino Career Assessment (LCA™).  

Designed to advance Latino talent, the LCA™ is a validated assessment that provides actionable insights and targeted development, helping Latino professionals successfully navigate corporate settings. A foundational part of this development is understanding how Latino culture shapes the thinking and behavior of its members, or what we call “Latino Cultural Scripts.” For ERG leaders and HR professionals, understanding Latino Cultural Scripts is key to maximizing the impact of your Latino members and employees.  

What Are Latino Cultural Scripts? 

Latino Cultural Scripts are the pattern of social interactions and pervasive beliefs characteristic of the Latino cultural group. Extensive research over the last two decades has surfaced seven foundational cultural scripts that manifest themselves across the Latino cultures and in the workforce: 

1. Respeto: Respect for those in higher positions of authority than you 
2. Simpatía: Act polite and pleasant, even during times of stress  
3. Familismo: Maintain a close connection to family 
4. Collectivism: The needs of the group come before the needs of the individual 
5. Machismo/Marianismo: The man’s responsibility to provide for and protect his family / The “feminine” virtues of interpersonal harmony, inner strength, and self-sacrifice
6. Personalismo: Value and build friendly relationships 
7. Present-time Orientation: The future is uncertain and not under your control 

While these values are assets, they can sometimes lead to misunderstandings in the North American corporate world. Traits like self-promotion and assertiveness are often rewarded in the American labor force, which is seemingly at odds with some of these cultural scripts. By recognizing and embracing these scripts, ERGs can create tailored strategies that help Latino employees thrive without compromising their cultural identity.  

How ERGs and the LCA™ Can Advance Latino Talent 

The LCA™ is a game-changing tool that equips ERG leaders with insights to address the unique challenges Latino employees face. For example: 

Navigating Hierarchical Norms: Latinos often value respect for authority, which can manifest as a hesitancy to challenge ideas or advocate for themselves. The LCA™ helps employees understand how to balance respect with confidence in their ability to voice their thoughts and ideas. 

Leveraging Collective Success: Latino cultural scripts tend to emphasize group achievements over individual recognition. The LCA™ provides strategies to help employees frame their accomplishments in ways that resonate with organizational expectations while maintaining their collaborative spirit. 

Building Strong Relationships: Relationship-building is a cornerstone of Latino culture. The LCA™ highlights how this strength can be leveraged for networking, mentorship, and career advancement. 

Using these tools and insights, ERG leaders are positioned to champion initiatives aligning Latino cultural values with career development. This includes: 

• Empowering members to take control of their careers by playing to their strengths and developing their weaknesses. 

• Designing workshops and mentorship programs that address specific challenges, such as navigating corporate politics or building personal brand equity. 

• Advocating for tailored resources, ensuring Latino employees receive the support they need to excel. 

A Strategic Asset for HR and Executive Sponsors 

For HR professionals and ERG sponsors, the LCA™ serves as a strategic asset that aligns ERG initiatives with broader talent strategies. By using the LCA™ to measure and track the impact of ERG programs, organizations can demonstrate the ROI of investing in Latino talent. This data-driven approach ensures initiatives are not only impactful but also sustainable. 

Empowering Future Latino Leaders 

Latino Cultural Scripts are not obstacles to overcome—they are strengths to harness. With tools like the LCA™, ERGs can unlock the full potential of Latino talent, driving engagement, retention, and business success. By embracing cultural authenticity and aligning it with organizational goals, ERG leaders, HR professionals, and executive sponsors can create a future where Latino employees thrive. 

Contact us today to learn how the LCA™ can help your ERG unlock the career potential of your Latino members and employees.