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Two studies provide evidence that, in work situations, Latins (Mexicans & Mexican-Americans) are guided by a concern with socioemotional aspects of workplace relations to a far greater degree than are Anglo-Americans. The focus on socioemotional considerations results in Latins having a relatively greater preference for workgroups having a strong interpersonal orientation. Results from a laboratory and field experiment show that preferred relational style had a far greater impact on preferences for workgroups and judgements about their likely success than did the ethnic composition of the workgroups, for both Latins and Anglo-Americans. Evidence that the two groups differ markedly in relational schemas comes from examination of suggestions about how group performance could be improved, judgements about whether a focus on socioemotional concerns necessarily entails a reduction in task focus, and recall for socioemotional aspects of workgroup interactions. Implications for the dynamics of intercultural work relations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]