Deskresearch BRAZIL
Population: 194.21 million
http://www.datamonitor.com
Main language(s) spoken: Portuguese is the official national language. In addition to Portuguese, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages
http://www.datamonitor.com
Literacy rates:
http://www.datamonitor.com
GDP per capita by PPP: $4,000
http://www.datamonitor.com
Major imports: raw materials and intermediaries, capital goods, and consumer goods.
http://www.datamonitor.com
Major exports: industrial products, chief of which are petroleum products, rubber and electrical appliances.
http://www.datamonitor.com
Communication channels available - %breakdown (i.e., radio, TV, Internet penetration, etc.):
Telephones - main lines in use: 33.958 million (2009)
Telephones - mobile cellular: 159.248 million (2009)
Telephone system: general assessment: domestic service includes an interisland microwave system, an HF radio police net, and a domestic satellite communications system; international service good domestic: coverage provided by existing network has been expanded by use of over 200,000 telephone kiosks many located in remote areas; mobile-cellular subscribership growing rapidly international: country code - 62; landing point for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks that provide links throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean)
Broadcast media: mixture of about a dozen national television networks - 2 public broadcasters, the remainder private broadcasters - each with multiple transmitters; more than 100 local TV stations operating; widespread use of satellite and cable TV systems; public radio broadcaster operates 6 national networks as well as regional and local stations; overall, more than 700 radio stations operating with more than 650 privately-operated (2008)
Internet hosts: 1.269 million (2010)
Internet users: 20 million (2009)
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/br.html
Cultural Highlights – i.e. food, music, clothes, favorite sports, leisure activities etc. Which business and cultural customs are important?
How would you classify your selected countries according to the United Nations standard?
What are the strengths and possible future threats of this country's economy? What influenced this country's economic growth? Key indicator of an economy’s health:
http://www.datamonitor.com
What are the other distinctive features of this country?
Use and apply the theories of Hofstede, Trompenaars and Lewis (the Lewis model of culture) to explain more about the cultural habits and values in the countries. …. Other data you consider important
Geert Hofstede™ Cultural Dimensions
* Description for each of Hofstede's Dimensions listed below
Indonesia has Power Distance (PDI) as its highest ranking Hofstede Dimension at 78. The high Power Distance (PDI) is indicative of a high level of inequality of power and wealth within the society. This condition is not necessarily forced upon the population, but rather accepted by the society as part of their cultural heritage. The average Power Distance for the greater Asian countries is 71.
The second highest Hofstede ranking for Indonesia is Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) at 48, compared to the greater Asian average of 58 and a world average of 64. This reflects a more moderated influence of this Dimension within the Indonesian society. Generally, a high Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) indicates the society’s low level of tolerance for uncertainty. In an effort to minimize or reduce this level of uncertainty, strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations are adopted and implemented. The ultimate goal of this population is to control everything in order to eliminate or avoid the unexpected. As a result of this high Uncertainty Avoidance characteristic, the society does not readily accept change and is very risk adverse.
Indonesia has one of the lowest world rankings for Individualism with a 14, compared to the greater Asian rank of 23, and world rank of 43. The score on this Dimension indicates the Indonesian society is Collectivist as compared to Individualist. This is manifest in a close long-term commitment to the member 'group', is that a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules and regulations. The society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group
The combination of these two high scores (UAI) and (PDI) create societies that are highly rule-oriented with laws, rules, regulations, and controls in order to reduce the amount of uncertainty, while inequalities of power and wealth have been allowed to grow within the society. These cultures are more likely to follow a caste system that does not allow significant upward mobility of its citizens.
When these two Dimensions are combined, it creates a situation where leaders have virtually ultimate power and authority, and the rules, laws and regulations developed by those in power, reinforce their own leadership and control. It is not unusual for new leadership to arise from armed insurrection – the ultimate power, rather than from diplomatic or democratic change.
http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_indonesia.shtml
What is the background to the current local job market situation in your area?
How easy is it for international candidates to find employment?
Which jobs and industries are most in demand?
Which professional skills are considered important?
What language skills are required?
What cultural aspects and manners are considered “normal” at work?
Appearance
 An umbrella is an essential wardrobe component in rainy season (September - February).
High heat and humidity require packing enough clothing to always appear clean & fresh. You may have to change your clothes several times a day to maintain this look.
Women should wear long-sleeve blouses and skirts that cover the knee.
Women meeting in a more formal office should wear a suit with hosiery.
Women are limited to clothing colors that are muted or dark. Leave brightly colored clothing at home.
Men should wear coat and tie until appropriate to dress more casually. Follow the lead of those you are meeting with.
Men generally wear dark slacks, long sleeve and light colored shirt, and tie (no jacket).
"Lounge suit" requires men to wear a business suit. This term may be included on an invitation.
Men may find in a very casual business office that a short sleeve shirt and no tie would be appropriate.
Women must always cover their upper arms when wearing a casual blouse.
Jeans may be worn for very casual, but never shorts for men or women. Even though the climate is warm and humid, proper attire even for very casual appearance will always dictate your choice of clothing.
Do not crook your index finger to call someone over. This gesture is offensive.
Do not put your hands into your pockets when talking with someone.
http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/indonesia.htm
Behavior
No physical contact between men and women is made in public, except a possible handshake.
Be on time for any meetings. The meetings traditionally start late, and your Indonesian business associates will probably arrive late. However, you are expected on time, and should never make any comment about the meeting starting late or any person arriving late.
Never stand with your back to an elderly person or a high ranking official. As you enter a room be aware of the people who will be in that room with you.
Always rise when your host/hostess enters the room.
Leaving food on your plate signifies you are impolite, so eat all the food you are served.
Only use your right hand for eating, when touching someone, or handling money/papers.
Talking is impolite while eating dinner. Conversation is reserved for before or after the meal.
Never show the soles of your feet/shoes or touch anything with your foot.
Never touch another person's head, this includes a child's head (such as a pat on the head).
Never eat while walking in public, or chew on a toothpick. Yawning in public is inappropriate (cover your mouth if you must yawn).
Remove your hat and sunglasses when going indoors.
Gifts, though small, are frequently given.
Gifts are not opened when given. This practice shows the recipient is gracious, not greedy.
Religion/culture dictates specific rules for appropriate gifts. Muslim, Hindus, and the Chinese culture each have rules regarding food, alcohol, and other items. Make sure your gift is not offensive to the person you are giving it to.
Chinese may politely refuse a gift three times before accepting it. When the gift is accepted, tell the recipient how happy you are with his or her acceptance.
Do not give gifts of alcohol or pork. This would also include perfume since it is made with alcohol, and any leather product made from pigskin (Muslim).
Do not give gifts containing beef or items made of cowhide (Hindu).
Do not give gifts or pictures that show dogs. They are considered unclean.
On Chinese New Year, give children and people you frequently deal with, who are not government employees, a gift of money. The money must be an even number of new bills, and presented in a red envelope (Chinese).
Do not give a knife, scissors, clock, handkerchief, or straw sandals (Chinese).
Do not give a gift that numbers four or shows a crane or stork. In selecting the gift and the gift wrapping paper stay away from the colors white, black, or blue (Chinese).
A gift of an umbrella means you do not want to see that person again (Chinese).
http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/indonesia.htm
Communications
Shake hands upon greeting and leaving, and always using your right hand. The handshake is limp and lasts 10-15 seconds.
For religious reasons (Muslim and Hindu) men and women do not touch in public in this culture.
Women do not offer a handshake to an Indonesian man. However, should a man extend his hand, always shake hands. Some Indonesian men may follow western business rules in a business setting.
Men do not offer a handshake to an Indonesian woman. Reciprocate, however, if she initiates.
Indonesian Chinese may bow, or combine a bow with a handshake.
Greetings are not to be rushed. They carry importance and formality.
Presenting your business card follows introductions. A person's name is very important. Develop a habit of paying close attention during introduction.
Present a business card to each person you are meeting. Offer your card with the printing positioned so the recipient can read it. Your right hand holds the card, with your left hand supporting your right wrist. Your card will be received with both hands.
Time is taken to carefully read the card.
When presented another person's business card, follow this same ritual.
Never write on a business card.
Never carry your business cards, or place another person's business card in a back pocket.
Print your business cards in English, with the reverse side printed in Indonesian.
Address each person using his/her title plus full name. A title may be an honorific title or an academic title. Rank and status is very important in this culture.
One important honorific title is for Muslims who have made a pilgrimage to Mecca. Haji is the title for a man, Hajjah is for a woman.
Mr., Madam, Mrs. or Miss is used if a person does not have a title. A man is addressed as Pak (Mr.) orBapak(Sir) . A lady is addressed as Ibu.
People are normally called by their first name, as in Mr. Robert or Miss Susan, rather than using their last name.
Married Chinese women keep their maiden name.
Selamat means peace and is a traditional greeting.
"Yes, but" means no when someone is speaking to you.
Never allow your voice to get loud, whether in anger or joy.
Expressing anger in public through tone of voice, loudness, or body language is always inappropriate.
Do not use red ink when writing, or having printing done (Chinese).
http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/indonesia.htm
Deskresearch Indonesia
Population: 242.9 million
http://www.datamonitor.com
Main language(s) spoken: Portuguese is the official national language. In addition to Portuguese, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages
http://www.datamonitor.com
Literacy rates: 94% for males and 86.8% for females
http://www.datamonitor.com
GDP per capita by PPP: 10,900 $
http://www.datamonitor.com
Major imports: Electrical and transport equipment, electronics, automotive parts, chemical products, machinery, and oil
http://www.datamonitor.com
Major exports: Transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, footwear, coffee, and automobiles
http://www.datamonitor.com
Communication channels available - %breakdown (i.e., radio, TV, Internet penetration, etc.):
Telephones - main lines in use: 41.497 million (2009)
Telephone system: general assessment: good working system including an extensive microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 64 earth stations; mobile-cellular usage has more than tripled in the past 5 years domestic: fixed-line connections have remained relatively stable in recent years and stand at about 20 per 100 persons; less expensive mobile-cellular technology has been a major driver in expanding telephone service to the lower-income segments of the population with mobile-cellular teledensity approaching 90 per 100 persons in 2009 international: country code - 55; landing point for a number of submarine cables, including Americas-1, Americas-2, Atlantis-2, GlobeNet, South Amrica-1, South American Crossing/Latin American Nautilius, and UNISUR that provide direct connectivity to South and Central America, the Caribbean, the US, Africa, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region east), connected by microwave relay system to Mercosur Brazilsat B3 satellite earth station (2009)
Telephones - mobile cellular: 173.959 million (2009)
Broadcast media: state-run Radiobras operates a radio and a television network; more than 1,000 radio stations and more than 100 TV channels operating - mostly privately owned; private media ownership highly concentrated (2007)
Internet hosts: 19.316 million (2010)
Internet users: 75.982 million (2009)
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/br.html
Cultural Highlights – i.e. food, music, clothes, favorite sports, leisure activities etc. Which business and cultural customs are important?
How would you classify your selected countries according to the United Nations standard?
What are the strengths and possible future threats of this country's economy? What influenced this country's economic growth? Key indicator of an economy’s health:
http://www.datamonitor.com
What are the other distinctive features of this country?
Use and apply the theories of Hofstede, Trompenaars and Lewis (the Lewis model of culture) to explain more about the cultural habits and values in the countries. …. Other data you consider important
Geert Hofstede™ Cultural Dimensions
Brazil is similar to many Latin American countries when analyzing Hofstede's Dimensions (see Latin America Hofstede Graph below).
Brazil's highest Hofstede Dimension is Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) is 76, indicating the society’s low level of tolerance for uncertainty. In an effort to minimize or reduce this level of uncertainty, strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations are adopted and implemented. The ultimate goal of this population is to control everything in order to eliminate or avoid the unexpected. As a result of this high Uncertainty Avoidance characteristic, the society does not readily accept change and is very risk adverse.
* Average rankings of all Hofstede Latin Countries
Brazil has a slightly higher Individualism (IDV) rank of 38 compared to the average Latin population score of 21. However, virtually all the Latin countries are considered to be Collectivist societies as compared to Individualist cultures. This is manifest in a close long-term commitment to the member 'group', be that a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules.
http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_brazil.shtml
What is the background to the current local job market situation in your area?
How easy is it for international candidates to find employment?
Which jobs and industries are most in demand?
Which professional skills are considered important?
What language skills are required?
What cultural aspects and manners are considered “normal” at work?
Appearance
Three-piece suits carry an "executive" connotation, whereas two-piece suits are associated with office workers. Conservative attire for women in business is very important. Also make sure your nails are manicured
The colors of the Brazilian flag are yellow and green. Avoid wearing this combination in any fashion
Touching arms and elbows and backs very common
The O. K. hand signal a rude gesture in Brazil
To express appreciation, a Brazilian may appear to pinch his earlobe between thumb and forefinger
To invoke good luck, place your thumb between your index an middle finders while making a fist. This is also known as the "fig"
Flicking the fingertips underneath the chin indicates that you do not know the answer to a question
http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/brazil.htm
Behavior
Make appointments at least two weeks in advance. Never try to make impromptu calls at business or government offices
Be prepared to commit long term resources (both in time and money) toward establishing strong relationships in Brazil. This is the key to business success
Some regions have a casualness about both time and work. However San Paulo is not one of those, and in Rio casual refers to the personal and social events, not business. In these two cities, business meetings tend to start on time
Never start into business discussions before your host does. Business meetings normally begin with casual 'chatting' first
Midday the normal time for the main meal. A light meal is common at night, unless entertaining formally
American coffee is a mere shadow of Brazilian coffee. Expect to be served small cups of very strong coffee
In Brazil, restaurant entertainment prevails versus at home
If entertained in the home, it is polite to send flowers to the hostess the next day, with a thank-you note
Giving a gift is not required at a first business meeting; instead buy lunch or dinner
Purple flowers are extensively used at funerals, so be cautious when giving someone purple flowers. Violets are OK to give
Toast: Saude or Viva (Sah-OO-Day, VEE-va)
Tipping is typically 10% in Brazil
If you here the term jeito - it refers to the idea that nothing is set in stone, that a good attempt can break a rule
http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/brazil.htm
Communications
Handshaking, often for a long time, is common. Shake hands for hello and goodbye; use good eye contact; when leaving a small group, be sure to shake hands with everyone present
When women meet, they exchange kisses by placing their cheeks together and kissing the air
First names used often, but titles important
Music and long, animated conversation are favorite Brazilian habits. When conversing, interruptions viewed as enthusiasm. Brazilians enjoy joking, informality, and friendships
Portuguese is the language of Brazil
Good conversation topics: soccer, family, and children
Bad conversation topics: Argentina, politics, poverty, religion, and the Rain Forest
Stay away from phases such as, "Is it true that everyone in Brazil is either very rich or very poor?" It is very likely you will be talking with someone that isn't either one
http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/brazil.htm
COUNTRY ANALYSIS The Netherlands:
POPULATION:
ca. 16.733.300
MAIN LANGUAGE:
Dutch
LITERACY RATE:
99.0
GDP PER CAPITA:
$40,764
MAJOR IMPORTS:
- Road vehicles (cars)
- Computers
- Syntethic fabrics
MAJOR EXPORTS:
- Flowers
- Earthgas
- Oil fabrics
COMMUNICATION CHANNELS:
Internetpenetration - 88.3%
CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS:
-
- Old Dutch culture (eg. wooden shoes, tulips, windmills)
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- Amsterdam, Volendam
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- Keukenhof
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- Soccer
IMPORTANT BUSINESS/CULTURAL CUSTOMS:
-
- Speak directly and open; be honest
-
- Get down to business quickly and engage in relatively little small talk
-
- Detail-oriented, want to understand every detail before coming to an agreement
-
- Punctuality is extremely important
-
- Decision-making is consensu driven
ECONOMIC STRENGHTS:
-
- Part of EU
-
- Euro
-
- Strong trade country
ECONOMIC THREATS:
-
- Euro
-
- Offshore outsourcing
DISTINCTIVE COUNTRY FEATURES:
Small country, so everything is nearby, such as big cities. Also very close to other countries, such as Belgium, Germany, France, UK etc.
Good infrastructure, good social care, well developed.
I used the feedback from Lorraine to improve my research. The information above is the result. |
