L3 dis brazilian auto
Miscommunications with a Brazilian Auto Parts Manufacturer
By Wei Yudan
Case Questions
1. What are three of the cultural “missteps” that Wally Astor and his father-in-law, Henry Williams, made in this scenario? Why do you think this happened?
1) Williams forgot to notify his Brazilian counterpart that he would not be coming on this visit.——in the rush to review the legal documents for the deposition & taken a longtime to get the appointment with Mr. Silva
(Maybe Americans regard a business trip more as a business, anyone can go if take with the contract; but Brazilians regard the trip more for building relationship between persons, so it matter with whom they talk)
2) Wally dressed casually in consideration of the temperature and comfort, while Silva and his manager dressed in suits and ties.
3) Wally asked Mr. Silva to call him by his name. It’s more common in the U.S., especially among young people.
4) Wally initially wanted to discuss the contract upon his arrival and left for Rio the next day, setting aside no time to build interpersonal relationship. (Americans are used to make things direct and efficient. There is a clear distinction between business and personal life)
2. If you were a native of Brazil and advising American business representatives on what to do when talking with Brazilian business partners, what would you tell the American about Brazilian culture?
1) Dress: dress formally when conducting business or in the public eye for social occasions, it’s a kind of business manner and custom
2) The talking distance in Brazil is shorter than in America. So don’t get surprised if Brazilians stand close to you, nor even take a step back.
3) Don’t call each other’s name if you don’t know each other well enough.
4) Slow down your pace and never be in a rush. Brazilian people want to get to know people better and build personal relationship before talking business. Dinner is usually the perfect place for them to get to know people.
5) Arrange enough time
By Wei Yudan
Case Questions
1. What are three of the cultural “missteps” that Wally Astor and his father-in-law, Henry Williams, made in this scenario? Why do you think this happened?
1) Williams forgot to notify his Brazilian counterpart that he would not be coming on this visit.——in the rush to review the legal documents for the deposition & taken a longtime to get the appointment with Mr. Silva
(Maybe Americans regard a business trip more as a business, anyone can go if take with the contract; but Brazilians regard the trip more for building relationship between persons, so it matter with whom they talk)
2) Wally dressed casually in consideration of the temperature and comfort, while Silva and his manager dressed in suits and ties.
3) Wally asked Mr. Silva to call him by his name. It’s more common in the U.S., especially among young people.
4) Wally initially wanted to discuss the contract upon his arrival and left for Rio the next day, setting aside no time to build interpersonal relationship. (Americans are used to make things direct and efficient. There is a clear distinction between business and personal life)
2. If you were a native of Brazil and advising American business representatives on what to do when talking with Brazilian business partners, what would you tell the American about Brazilian culture?
1) Dress: dress formally when conducting business or in the public eye for social occasions, it’s a kind of business manner and custom
2) The talking distance in Brazil is shorter than in America. So don’t get surprised if Brazilians stand close to you, nor even take a step back.
3) Don’t call each other’s name if you don’t know each other well enough.
4) Slow down your pace and never be in a rush. Brazilian people want to get to know people better and build personal relationship before talking business. Dinner is usually the perfect place for them to get to know people.
5) Arrange enough time