Brazil
“I know… that I am Brazilian and not North American because I like to eat feijoada and not hamburger;… because I speak Portuguese and not English; because when I hear popular music, I know immediately how to tell a frevo from a samba; because football for me is a game played with the feet and not the hands; because I believe in Catholic saints and also African orixás;… because I am loyal to my friends and cannot deny anything to my family; …because, finally, I know that I have personal relationships that will not let me walk alone in this world.”
- Roberto DaMatta, “O que faz o brasil, Brasil?”
CULTURAL QUIZ - (click for answers)
1.What is probably the most important factor in getting a sale completed in Brazil?
2.When having dinner with a Brazilian business associate, you will most probably discuss detailed business matters:
3.What is “Jeitinho”?
4.Football is very important to Brazilians because:
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of individual and collective self expression
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of depression and euphoria
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rules apply to everyone
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sport is for the common people
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all of the above
5.Slums, which are an integral part of most cities of Brazil, are called:
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Haciendas
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Favelas
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Fazendas
10 tips for working effectively with Brazilians
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DO remember “Custo Brasil” (“Brazil Cost”)- this refers to the extra costs. These can include: corruption, governmental inefficiency, legal and bureaucratic complications, poor infrastructure, inflation, and more
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DO work through a local contact, known as a “despachante”
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DO remember your potential Brazilian partner is essentially looking for two things: someone he likes and trusts, and someone who is competent in business
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DON’T get straight down to business – this is something Brazilians find quite offensive - don’t be aggressive
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DO remember, Brazilians are hot-blooded: they display emotions openly - it is merely an expression of commitment and interest and does not indicate lack of control or anger
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DO follow through and deliver on promises and commitments - failure to do this will greatly damage your credibility. It will take a long time to repair
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DO be patient – Patience is highly valued by Brazilians
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DO take your time – the perception of time and punctuality are different in Brazil. This does not mean that Brazilians are lazy
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DO follow up with a phone call or visit after you send written materials. Brazilians tend to put the spoken before the written word
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DO use authoritarian management structures rather than egalitarian ones
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DID YOU KNOW?
- Brazil is the third-largest democracy in the world and the eighth biggest economy.
- It would take the 20 percent poorest people in Brazil two years and eight months to earn the monthly income of the 20 percent wealthiest.
- Brazil is the only country in the New World to have been the seat of government for a European country – the country was Portugal
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Quiz answers:
1.b
2.b
3.a
4.e
5.b