Business in Brazil: A Crash Term Paper

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Socializing is an important part of business meetings, and Brazilians feel that people should know each other before "talking business" (Cross-cultural Maria). This is also true of telephone calls. Even on the phone, social chit chat comes before business (Hofstede, 2003). Because of that, wait for the other person to change the subject from "getting to know you" to "getting down to business." (Hofstede, 2003) In the big cities (San Paulo, Rio de Janiero), people generally expect meetings to start on time (Hofstede, 2003).

Brazilians shake hands, often in an extended way, at the beginning and the end of an encounter. If there are several people, shake hands with everyone and make eye contact (Hofstede, 2003).

MEALS AND ENTERTAINING

For business purposes, restaurants are typically used instead of a person's home (Hofstede, 2003). The noon meal is the biggest meal, and dinner is likely to be lighter. However, if you are entertained at home, send flowers to the hostess the next day with a thank you note (Hofstede, 2003). However, do not send purple flowers, because purple flowers are associated with funerals in Brazil (Hofstede, 2003).

When eating out, never eat with your bare fingers. Brazilians use forks and knives for French fries and pizza.

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When eating a sandwich, they wrap it in a napkin. People who do not do these things look unsophisticated (Cross-cultural Maria).

CONVERSATION

Since relationships are so important in Brazil, it shouldn't be a surprise that Brazilians enjoy animated conversations. They talk with their hands, and the person who interrupts conversation is seen as enthusiastic rather than rude (Hofstede, 2003). However, some topics are "safer than others. Soccer (a national passion), family, and children are all good topics. However, avoid bringing up anything political, poverty, religion, the rain forest, and... Argentina (Hofstede, 2003).

Be careful about the hand gestures you use. For instance, the sign we used for "OK" in the U.S. is considered obscene in Brazil.

SOURCES

Hofstede, Geert. 2003. "Brazil." Geert Hofstede Analysis. Accessed via the Internet 11/7/05. http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/brazil.htm

Doing Business in Brazil," in "Cross-Cultural Maria. Accessed via the Internet 11/7/05. http://www.maria-brazil.org/business_in_brazil.htm

Business Culture," in Gateway to Brazil. Accessed via the Internet 11/7/05. http://www.tky.hut.fi/~rembussi/projects/gw_to_brazil/Part_IV.htm

Myers, Kristin Elaine. 2003. "Getting to Know You, in Brazzil: Way of life. January. Accessed via the Internet 11/7/05. http://www.brazzil.com/p111jan03.htm.....

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