Brazil's Business Culture
Brazil
– Group Assignment
Intercultural Business
3.0 Brazil’s Business Culture
The culture and etiquette in Brazil vary a lot from the culture and etiquette in most of Europe, they’re more similar to the ones you find in India. It’s a country where family is highly valued and nepotism is the leading model in business. The most prevalent obstacle you will meet will be the “Custo Brasil” which stands for the extra costs business in Brazil brings e.g. corruption. In north the businesspeople have a more relaxed attitude than in south but overall Brazilians are soft and patient and you could say they are dominant listeners since they love to get to know you but still they want things to be done in a certain way.
3.1 Brazil’s Behavioural Core Values in Business
It’s essential to establish a personal relationship with Brazilians. They prefer to get to know their partners face-to-face before starting talking business. But due to the economic instability in Brazil they are often short-term relationship minded. You should never rush Brazilians into decision-making; they need to be a hundred per cent certain. A deal can take months to close. Brazilians value if their partners have a relaxed approach and are open-minded.
3.2 Business Meetings and Negotiation Culture
The best way of getting to know each is over lunch or dinner, food is a big deal in Brazil. This is also a great opportunity to talk business. When greeting a Brazilian you can expect a long, firm handshake with constant eye contact. Women will be greeted with one kiss on each cheek. It’s appropriate to call Brazilians by their first names but remember titles and remember to exchange business cards in the beginning of the meeting. Often the Brazilians will show up a little late to a meeting, this is not a sign of laziness or rudeness, it’s more custom and the traffic in the big cities are often heavy. If you yourself should run late to a meeting, always inform the Brazilian in time. It’s very
– Group Assignment
Intercultural Business
3.0 Brazil’s Business Culture
The culture and etiquette in Brazil vary a lot from the culture and etiquette in most of Europe, they’re more similar to the ones you find in India. It’s a country where family is highly valued and nepotism is the leading model in business. The most prevalent obstacle you will meet will be the “Custo Brasil” which stands for the extra costs business in Brazil brings e.g. corruption. In north the businesspeople have a more relaxed attitude than in south but overall Brazilians are soft and patient and you could say they are dominant listeners since they love to get to know you but still they want things to be done in a certain way.
3.1 Brazil’s Behavioural Core Values in Business
It’s essential to establish a personal relationship with Brazilians. They prefer to get to know their partners face-to-face before starting talking business. But due to the economic instability in Brazil they are often short-term relationship minded. You should never rush Brazilians into decision-making; they need to be a hundred per cent certain. A deal can take months to close. Brazilians value if their partners have a relaxed approach and are open-minded.
3.2 Business Meetings and Negotiation Culture
The best way of getting to know each is over lunch or dinner, food is a big deal in Brazil. This is also a great opportunity to talk business. When greeting a Brazilian you can expect a long, firm handshake with constant eye contact. Women will be greeted with one kiss on each cheek. It’s appropriate to call Brazilians by their first names but remember titles and remember to exchange business cards in the beginning of the meeting. Often the Brazilians will show up a little late to a meeting, this is not a sign of laziness or rudeness, it’s more custom and the traffic in the big cities are often heavy. If you yourself should run late to a meeting, always inform the Brazilian in time. It’s very
References: World Business Culture (2012). Doing Business in Brazil. Available: http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/Business-in-Brazil.html. Last accessed: 23rd November 2013. World Business Culture (2012). Brazilian Business Style. Available: http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/Brazilian-Business-Style.html. Last accessed: 23rd November 2013. Doing Business in Brazil (2013). Business Culture. Available: http://www.brazil.doingbusinessguide.co.uk/the-guide/business-etiquette.aspx. Last accessed: 23rd November 2013.