Introduction: Doing Business in Brazil (01:38)

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This video will use eight sections to examine doing business in Brazil—orientation, history, economy, etiquette, business relationships, communicating, negotiating, and management.

Orientation: Land of Diversity (03:53)

Brazil's unique business style takes time; understanding regionalism is important. The country is home to over 165 million people of significant ethnic diversity; 95% of the population lives on 10% of the land. Regional variations include climate and culture.

History: A Portuguese Island in a Spanish Sea (03:04)

Portugal colonized Brazil in the 1500s. Africans came to the region as slaves and continue to have a strong cultural influence. Brazilian leaders include Dom Pedro I, Getúlio Vargas, and Fernando Collor de Mello; the military has sporadically intervened in government.

Economy: Boom and Bust (06:15)

Brazil's economy is the largest in South America and prone to fast and drastic changes; wild inflation is one of the largest threats. Economic cornerstones include agriculture and manufacturing. The government is heavily involved in business; expediters are beneficial.

Etiquette: Cautious Informality (04:53)

Brazilian business is less formal than other South American countries, but err on the side of formality; punctuality is more relaxed. Attire should be high quality and conservative. Learn tips for greeting associates and meetings; avoid using the OK hand gesture.

Business Relationships: Friendships First (05:39)

Brazilian business is social; personal contacts are important. Learn tips for making contacts, building rapport, and meal etiquette. Topics for discussion include hobbies, sports, travel, family, and sight seeing.

Communicating: A Taste for Passion (04:21)

Long-term visitors to Brazil should have a working understanding of Portuguese; translate important documents into Portuguese. Communication tends to be physical, passionate, and diplomatic; family is important. Business success can be challenging for women.

Negotiating: Lively Discussions (04:19)

Completing a business deal in Brazil can take time and patience is important; avoid a hard sell approach. Negotiating tactics include identifying the decision maker, using high impact visual aids, and choosing charming and eloquent team members; a lack of conflict does not mean agreement.

Management: Sensitive Paternalism (04:22)

Lower level workers in Brazil often lack education; family needs come first. The management style is authoritarian and manager loyalty inspires motivation. Brazilians have a strong sense of pride; accurate feedback and criticism can be a challenge.

Credits: Doing Business in Brazil (01:12)

Credits: Doing Business in Brazil