ABSTRACT
In a 1991 survey, many Costa Rican customers preferred automatic tellers over human tellers because "at least the machines are programmed to say 'good morning' and 'thank you."' Why is it that so many Latin American cultures are noted for warm interpersonal relationships and a cultural script of simpatia (positive social behavior), while simultaneously exhibiting seeming indifference as service workers in both the private and public sectors?
