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Brazil Country Report

BUSINESS AND SOCIAL ETIQUETTE FOR AMERICANS
CONDUCTING BUSINESS IN BRAZIL

Introduction
Charles Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” These words best sum up the business world today. It is by responding to change and also learning what changes must be made to conduct business abroad or with foreign companies that some companies are able to stay afloat. It is this reason that makes it necessary for someone who is planning to tackle the global market to stay abreast of current and past actions that have taken place within the potential country. In addition, it is wise for one to have knowledge of the country’s social customs, political patterns, economic institutions, the workings of business in the country, class structure, value systems, family life, religion, and folk practices.
Social Customs
Brazilians primary language is Portuguese’s in which they speak majority of the time. One may want to get an interpreter when they go to Brazil to help them if they do not know the language. Brazilians are very animated people. Things that one needs to know about Brazil’s social customs are addressing others, public greetings, proper and improper gestures, conversation, and gift giving.
Addressing Others. Greeting people is very important in any culture. The Brazilians like to use first names but do not do so until one is invited to (Brazil: First Name or Title, 2006). Always address others by a title such as “doctor” and “professor” which is widely used in business settings. If there is no title then refer to your
counterpart as “Senhor” and “Senhora” (Brazil: First Name or Title, 2006). In Brazil, when using titles always use surnames. Brazilians have two surnames in which one is from the mother and the other from the father and you will use the last surnames which is the father’s surname (Brazil: First Name or Title, 2006).
Public Greetings....