Lisa Ogden amp;lt;mp;gt; From: Hung Tran Date: October 8, 2017 Subject: Information on business etiquette and customs in...
To: Lisa Ogden <[email protected]>
From: Hung Tran
Date: October 8, 2017
Subject: Information on business etiquette and customs in Brazil
Hello Ms. Ogden:
The information on business etiquette; behavior and communications; and appearance; in Brazil will help you on your business trip to Brazil.
Business Etiquette
Brazil has a score of 76 on Uncertainty Avoidance, indicating the society’s low level of tolerance for uncertainty (hofstede-insights.com). Brazilians rely on rules and agreements in legal contracts. Therefore, they will appreciate well prepared documents before the meeting.
They also have a high score on Power Distance of 69 (hofstede-insights.com). This is indicating that all individual in societies are not equal. It is importance to show respect to the power holder and elderly in Brazil.
In Brazil, people do not come straight to business instead of creating a good relationship. They want to know you personally before do business with you. However, Brazilian do not want to talk about economy and politics. Food, travel, family life, art, soccer, and literature are safe topic (aboutbrazil.com). You can also buy them a lunch or dinner after a business meeting to strengthen the relationship.
Exchange of business cards is part of the greeting. You should bring some written in Portuguese as well as English.
Behavior and Communication
As a foreigner, you should try to arrive in time while doing business with Brazilian, and do not try to show annoyance when they are late.
The following information that you need to consider (cyborlink.com):
Learning at least a few Portuguese words
Allowing the host to start a business discussion
Communicating with eye contact
Handshaking is common
Using first name and titles
Pinching earlobe between thumb and forefinger shows appreciation
Touching arm, elbows and backs is very common
Appearance
Women wear feminine dress or well-tailored trouser suits and skirt suits while doing business (aboutbrazil.com). Close-toe shoes with semi-high heel are a must. You might want to avoid bow ties, busy patterns, and other frills. Plains colors are the best. In Brazil, temperature is a factor that you need to consider. It is acceptable to use light fabrics and nature fibers like cotton and linen.
Details like nail and teeth need attention before the meeting too, and try to be modest in using cosmetics. You should have your hair up or in a ponytail. People in Brazil believe that letting the hair down is not appropriate in business meeting or formal situations (thebrazilbusiness.com).
If you have any question please contact me.
Sincerely,
Hung
Hung Tran
Manager Assistance, Product
UniTexas Enterprise, Inc.
Ph: (972)-444-5656
FXX: (973)-555-6666
