Brazil business communication

Résumé du document

To communicate derived from the Latin name "communicare" means to transfer information from a sender to a receiver through the use of meaningful symbols. In other words, it is a means of exchanging ideas, viewpoints, values, opinions, facts, etc. The term business communication is used for messages sent and received for official purpose like for example managing an organization or conducting negotiation.

The success of any business depends on efficient communication. Within a globalized business nvironment, cultural differences have to be taken into account what make the communication even more difficult. Communication could be the lifeblood of any
company to avoid problems like management problems or misunderstandings in the daily business life.

Extraits

[...] Brazilians give importance to teams. For them it's better to do business with someone accompanied by a team (well aligned, roles clearly assigned) rather than to rely on a single individual. That facilitates stronger relationship building and speed up the overall process . Brazilians businessmen are very good at testing disagreements between members of the other team . Hierarchy and status are very important it is part of the Brazilian's business culture . They really expect the presence of senior executive and the senior leader in the team at the first meeting but not expected to attend to all the future meetings . [...]

[...] For Brazilian people, hospitality is more important than gifts! A small gift is appreciated, but is not necessary . You have to be careful with what you give, because it could be considered as a bribe . In general, you can say that gift giving in Brazil in the Business sector in not common among businesspeople . If invited to a Brazilian's house, bring the hostess flowers or a small gift . A really appreciated gift would be an Orchid, but avoid purple ones. [...]

[...] Because of this Roman Catholicism is still the largest religion and the official language is still Portuguese . The combination of European culture with Africans and the indigenous people of Brazil . helped all to mold the modern Brazilian culture . Because Brazil has been affected by many different cultures during the years it has a large variety of everything in it . Mostly in life Brazilians value Family and people around them . Most people base their whole life and worldview upon the basis of family and friends. [...]

[...] Negotiations in Brazil could include confrontational elements. Negotiators may make threats and warnings . Emotional negotiation techniques, such as attitudinal bargaining or attempting to make you feel guilty, are frequent and can be effective. It's important to be cautious not to hurt someone's personal pride when employing any of these tactics, though . Brazilians may frequently employ defensive tactics such as blocking or changing the subject, asking probing or very direct questions, making promises, or keeping an inflexible position . [...]

[...] Non‐verbal communication can be very extensive . Brazilians could be far more expressive with their hands than most of Europeans. However it is really important to take into considerations the differences with “hands gestures” but also gestures that we are not used to . Here are some useful clues for your business meetings in Brazil4: The American OK sign, with thumb and index finger forming a circle (see Figure 2.1 is an obscene gesture in Brazil that has to be absolutely avoided . [...]