Doing Business in BrazilHaas Andrei Sergiu

MIG, I

Table of contentsFacts and statisticsBrazilian society & cultureBrazilian business structureGreetings in BrazilBrazilian meetingsBusiness cardsBrazilian communication stylesBrazilian dress codeBrazilian giftsSuccessful entertaining in Brazil

Facts and StatisticsLocation:  Eastern South AmericaCapital:   BraziliaClimate:  mostly tropical, but temperate in

southPopulation:  184,101,109Ethnic Make-up: white (includes

Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish) 55%, mixed white and black 38%, black 6%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 1%

Facts and StatisticsReligions:  Roman Catholic (nominal) 80%Government:  federative republicLanguage: Portuguese

Brazilian Society & Culture Brazilian Diversity Brazil is a mixture of races and ethnicities,

resulting in rich diversity.

Brazilian Society & Culture II Brazilian Family Values

The family is the foundation of the social structure and forms the basis of stability for most people.

Families tend to be large and the extended family is quite close.

Nepotism is considered a positive thing.

Brazilian Business StructuresBrazilian companies tend to be organised

along strictly hierarchical lines with information flowing up and down the various chains of command.

All key decisions will be made at the most senior levels.

therefore International negotiators are advised not to try to get a decision out of somebody who does not really have the requisite level of authority.

Greetings in Brazil Men shake hands when greeting one

another, while maintaining steady eye contact. 

Women generally kiss each other. Hugging and backslapping are common

greetings among Brazilian friends. If a woman wishes to shake hands with a

man, she should extend her hand first.

Brazilian MeetingsBusiness appointments are required and can

often be scheduled on short notice; however, it is best to make them 2 to 3 weeks in advance.

Confirm the meeting in writing. It is not uncommon for appointments to be cancelled or changed at the last minute. 

Expect to be interrupted while you are speaking or making a presentation.

Avoid confrontations. Do not appear frustrated with your Brazilian colleagues.

Brazilian Meetings IIAlthough first meetings can be more formal, they are

generally quite informal and relaxed. There is likely to be a great deal of small talk before the meeting proper starts.

Brazilians have a Latin temperament and will often appear extremely emotional during meetings.

Meetings often start and finish late. It can be difficult to schedule more than one or two meetings per day.

Don’t be in too much of a hurry to rush off at the end of a meeting. Take the time to seem relaxed and easy-going as these are qualities much admired in Brazil.

Business CardsBusiness cards are exchanged during

introductions with everyone at a meeting. It is advisable, although not required, to have

the other side of your business card translated into Portuguese. Present your business card with the Portuguese side facing the recipient

Brazilian Communication StylesWhen dealing with people outside the major cities, you

may need to check if translation to Brazilian Portuguese is necessary.

Great emphasis is placed on the value of verbal communication. The things that people say are often given greater weight than anything in a written format.

Don't simply rely on emails to give information. Follow things up with a phone call or a meeting to discuss the matter.

Brazilians use a great deal of body language, stand at relatively close proximity and have strong levels of eye contact.

Brazilian Dress CodeAppearance is extremely important in Brazil

and it is vital that you look your smartest. Men are best advised to wear conservative

dark suits.Women tend to be less conservative in their

dress sense at the office. They „dress to impress” and are more flamboyant than in many other countries.

Brazilian GiftsIf invited to a Brazilian's house, bring the

hostess flowers or a small gift.Avoid giving anything purple or black as

these are mourning colours. Gifts are opened when received.

Successful Entertaining in BrazilBusiness entertaining forms an integral part of business life in Brazil

and business meals can be lengthy affairs. Do not be surprised to spend two hours over lunch and three hours or more over dinner.

Business meals are really about getting to know each other as people so don’t be tempted to try to use the meal as an extension of a meeting. Keep the conversation at the social level.

Brazilians tend to use their knife to cut up the food and then place it against the plate whilst continuing to eat using only the fork.

Although most social events will start much later than the official start time, it is good idea to arrive at any business functions on time

Most restaurants will automatically add a 10% service charge on to the bill, but it is still a good idea to leave a further tip of between 5 — 10%.

ConclusionMixture of races and ethnicitiesFamily is very importantCompanies tend to be organised along

strictly hierarchical linesRelationships come first, second and third in

BrazilInformal meetingsA lot of small talkGreat emphasis is placed on the value of

verbal communication

Conclusion IIGreat emphasis is placed on the value of

verbal communicationUse of emotion in communicationBody language, relatively close proximity and

strong levels of eye contactAppearance is very important for both men

and women

Thank you for your attention