Culture and Business Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Culture and Business - Research Paper Example Despite Brazil being one of the countries experiencing a high economic growth, the existing cultural differences may affect business interactions in this country. As earlier indicated, communication is the most important thing in effective transaction of business. In this regard, there are striking differences between in the communication styles. According to the Centre for Intercultural Learning (2009), â€Å"Brazilians tend to get close to each other when a conversation is taking place, no matter what the relationship is between them.† In Western culture, there is a tendency to create a less social distance especially with strangers. In effect, we may experience such differences, which the Brazilians may misconstrue as unfriendly. In addition, the average distance between two people having a conversation in Brazil is around 30 or 40 cm (Centre for Intercultural Learning, 2009). However, only close friends will exhibit such a distance in most cultures. Nevertheless, it is imp ortant for an individual to appear relaxed and friendly when having a conversation since they may talk to an individual while touching them now and then. Such cultural behavior in Brazil is the expectation, which in the Western world is akin to sexual harassment in some cases. In business, modest dressing is one of the major characteristics in our society. In effect, the way of dressing in the Brazilian business setup is similar. However, the way Brazilians address each other in business is informal. In this regard, Brazilians will only use the titles during the introductions stage. Effectively, they will keep referring to each other in their first name during the rest of the conversation following the introduction, which is different from our business culture (Centre for Intercultural Learning, 2009). In this case, Western business culture dictates that we should refer to our colleagues in their titles. In fact, some business cultures will not allow us to address our supervisors at work in their first name, which is unheard off. However, this is the norm rather than the exception amongst the Brazilians. In effect, acquainting oneself with this distinct cultural factor will help an individual realize that Brazilians is not a sign of disrespect but a culture. According to Global Edge (n.d.), Brazilians behavior in meetings appears to be unstructured and natural. In effect, they may appear to lack objectivity while negotiating a business transaction. Therefore, this can negatively affect a business transaction since one can perceive the other party as not interested. In addition, the unstructured behavior may result to deviation from the objectives that the meeting set to attain. In addition, there might be instances in which a Brazilian may bring in personal information during a business conversation. However, it is the culture of Brazilians to talk openly to their partners in business as they seek to form a relationship for successful business. In effect, unde rstanding such differences is crucial for successful business transactions. We all realize the importance of maintaining a proper eye contact while communicating in a business transaction. In fact, our business cult