Let's Make a Deal- Working Environment
Let's Make a Deal- Corporate Culture
- Working hours are valued.
- Advice is appreciated, but criticism is taken personally.
- Coffee breaks are common.
- Not participating in company events is inconsiderate.
- Employees and their superiors have a passive- aggressive relationship.
- Leaving in the middle of a meeting is disrespectful.
- Business meetings are generally very casual.
- Before getting to the topic of the meeting, Brazilians usually chat about generalities, because not doing so is thought of as rude.
- Friendships are usually established whenever deals are made.
- Favors are often done when making a deal, as well.
- Hire local people (accountants, lawyers, etc.) to help gain trust from others.
- When entering a business meeting, it is custom to greet others already in the room.
- Sometimes, Brazilians find it difficult to make a deadline.
Prosperous Entertaining
What you enjoyed learning about this country
Let's Make a Deal- Language
- Lunch can be set up to discuss a negotiation
- If the Brazilian executive is the client, the vendor is expected to pay
- It's important to arrive on time for a business lunch or dinner
- Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at lunch, but up to 2 shots are allowed at dinner
- Eating etiquette is observed
- Hands are always washed and food is never touched
- on most occasions, coffee is had after every meal
We enjoyed learning about another culture and how to live a daily life around Brazilians with whom we may do business with in the future.
- Both Portuguese and English are widely known.
- Brazilians do not like to be called Hispanics or Latinos.
- Ask if someone knows a language before talking to them in that language.
Gift Giving
- Gifts are not expected and do not create a business relationship
- Only company materials and less valuable items
- pens, pen drivers and agendas
- Best gifts are good quality wines, whiskeys, music CD's and pens
- Flowers for hostess or gifts for kids at a house dinner are great
- avoid items that reflect your personal taste
Appointment Alert
Business Dress
- Working hours are best to set up appointments
- Like discussing business at lunches and dinners
- Meetings settled 15 days in advance
- call or email a day before the meeting to confirm or deny attendance
Conversation
- Brazilians dress more professionally in bigger cities.
- Never wear green and yellow (colors of the flag).
- Brazilians tend to follow the latest fashion trends.
- Shoes must be in good condition.
- Placing bags on the floor is bad luck.
Balance of Trade
- Conversation is informal and very personal.
- Men often talk about women in conversations.
- Avoid political and other controversial topics.
- Brazilians do not usually give orders, but advice.
- Straight talk may offend some people.
- Brazilians are proud of being spontaneous.
- Brazilians will interrupt conversations; it is not perceived as rude.
Brazil's balance of trade recently became a trade deficit.
Describe
Public Behavior
- 5th largest country & 5th largest population
- country has a free market, along with a solid, exporting economy
- Climate across almost all of the region is tropical and very pleasant
- Almost all are Christian
- very tolerant and accepting of all religions
- Be spontaneous. Brazilians value it in others.
- People greet by saying “Olá, como vai” or “Oi, tudo bem”, which both mean “Hi, how are you?”.
- When leaving, Brazilians say “Tchau”, which means “Goodbye”.
- Visual contact is important during conversation.
- Smoking in closed spaces (restaurants, malls, etc.) is prohibited.
- In a formal introduction, Brazilians often shake hands and say their first name.
- In informal situations, women are greeted with an air kiss.
Imports and Exports
Imports:
- refined petroleum
- crude petroleum
- cars
- vehicle parts
- petroleum gas
Exports:
- crude petroleum
- iron ore
- soybeans
- raw sugar
- poultry meat
By: Austin Beard & Brianna Bassett
International Business Etiquette in Brazil