Bric: Culture, Values, and Business Ethics Essay Example

is recognized. Brazil's Culture And Values

Brazil's Culture And Values

Brazilians possess a distinctive culture that they collectively embrace. To begin with, the predominant language spoken is Portuguese, accounting for approximately 100 percent of the population.

Despite the perception of Brazil as a "racial democracy" with a strong national political inclination, individuals with darker skin in the country often experience economic and social disadvantages. The Brazilian social hierarchy is influenced by both one's economic position and their skin color.

According to Brazil – Language, Culture, Customs, and Etiquette (n.d.), although women make up 40 percent of the labor force in Brazil, they are often found in lower-paying professions such as teaching, nursing, and clerical roles.

d. ) . The typical Brazilian diet includes a combination of rice and beans, often accompanied by meats and fish. The main meal of the day is a multicourse meal consumed after noon. The middle class tends to eat rice or beans with fish or meat during this meal, while the lower class usually only consumes beans or meat.

As Brazil undergoes industrialization, the traditional family lunch is giving way to smaller meals consumed at eating establishments like counters or fast food chains such as McDonald's. Those who cannot afford this option, typically eat at home or purchase snacks from street vendors.

During their work, ants are known to efficiently carry and transport nutrients. In Brazil, there is a popular state dish called "feijoada," meaning "big bean fret," which combines various meats cooked with black beans and condiments. It is typically served with rice, fresh fruit, and a side of onion sauce.

Brazil has long struggled with societal categories and economic inequality, which has led to high rates

of crime in urban areas. This includes kidnapping, murder, and assaults. Furthermore, less affluent countries frequently face police officer killings. A notable example of this disturbing trend is the murder rate in greater Sao Paulo.

According to Culture of Brazil, the culture of Brazil is about five times bigger than the New York metropolitan area (Culture of Brazil, n.d.).

The Brazilian authorities has The Federal Constitution of Brazil that establishes independent executive, legislative, and judicial subdivisions. Today, voting in Brazil is mandatory for all literate citizens aged 17 to 70 and optional for those who are illiterate.

Brazil is home to a multitude of significant values. The foremost among these is Catholicism, which boasts the largest community in the world within the country's borders. During colonial times, religious freedom was scarce, leading both Portuguese colonists and Brazilians to adhere to Roman Catholicism. Consequently, the majority of Brazil's population today follows this faith.

Umbanda is a well-known Brazilian faith that combines elements from African and Catholicism faiths. Within the Umbanda community, there are different subdivisions that have varying practices, such as wearing white attire during ceremonies.

Many people engage in singing, drinking, and smoking while under the influence of alcohol. According to The Umbanda faith - Brazilian spirituality, music and dance play a crucial role in rituals as they help individuals connect with the spirits and assist them in their everyday lives.

In Brazil, there are distinctive ways in which men and women meet. When two males meet, there are particular norms that apply.

When conducting business in Brazil, it is important to consider several factors regarding Brazilian etiquette. When meeting, Brazilians shake hands while maintaining eye contact. Women greet each other

with a kiss on the cheek, starting with the left cheek and then moving to the right, similar to some Americans. A woman should extend her arm first when greeting a man. Hugging and backslapping are common among friends.

It is crucial to comprehend the individuals you will be collaborating with before engaging in business with Brazilians. Thus, it is advised to arrange meetings at least two weeks ahead of time. In order to foster intimacy and establish a personal bond, face-to-face discussions are preferable over written communication.

Workforces often engage in socializing over coffee during meetings, which helps create a more relaxed atmosphere. It is advised to introduce oneself and exchange business cards in the presence of all meeting attendees.

One side of the text should be translated into Portuguese and presented with a confrontational approach towards the recipient. Brazilian companies have a hierarchical structure where top-level directors are primarily responsible for making decisions. This hierarchy is predominantly male-dominated, although women are increasingly taking on these roles. Men should wear dark-colored suits when dressing professionally.

Executives typically wear three-piece suits, while office workers usually opt for two-piece suits. Women are advised to choose conservative outfits like frocks or suits and keep their nails well-groomed at all times.

When conducting business in Brazil, it is essential to consider specific guidelines, such as the importance of maintaining eye contact during interactions. This practice indicates attentiveness, interest, and trustworthiness.

In Brazil, attending a meal is not simply a regular gathering; it is seen as a moment of celebration and therefore tends to last longer. During special occasions or business meetings, it is customary to accept the food and drinks offered. However, there are

certain actions that should be avoided. For example, giving gifts in violet or black colors should never be done as these represent mourning in Brazilian culture. Additionally, rushing business transactions and pressuring for immediate decisions should be avoided since Brazilians prefer taking their time with such matters.

When trying to establish a connection with someone, it is crucial not to show any signs of being defeated as this could give a negative impression. It is advisable to avoid bringing up sensitive topics like corruption and deforestation. Additionally, it is important to refrain from publicly criticizing Brazilian counterparts; any criticism should be conveyed privately in order to prevent causing them embarrassment (Malinak).

In order to thrive in the business world of Brazil, it is essential to have a grasp of the country's business etiquette. Russia, which was once called the Soviet Union, is now recognized as the Russian Federation.

Russia, with a population of around 143.300.000, is the largest state in the universe. It boasts the world's largest reserves of minerals and energy resources such as oil and natural gas production. Additionally, its vast size grants Russia abundant wood reserves.

Russia has a diverse range of climates, including humid Continental and subarctic. The country's weather is characterized by two primary seasons: winter, which is at its coldest in January, and summer, when temperatures peak in July. Additionally, there are brief periods of spring and fall.

Russia's primary exports, which make up more than 80% of their global trade, consist of oil, natural gas, and timber. Furthermore, Russia holds the position as the third-largest electricity company globally and the fifth-largest supplier of renewable energy.

2012).

Russia’s Culture And Values

Russians have a strong sense of

national pride, evident in their extensive collection of patriotic songs and poems dedicated to their country. They highly value the preservation of their rich cultural heritage. The Russian language is spoken by a large majority, approximately 81% of the population. Additionally, Russian families are known for being closely interdependent and relatively small in size.

According to the source "Russia – Language. Culture. Customs and Etiquette.", it is common for households in Russia to have a small number of children because adult females often work outside of the home. Additionally, many households live in small apartments and share their living space with two or three individuals who are around the same age.

n.d.). Bread is the most common nutrient in Russian civilization, while potatoes, cabbage (Beta vulgaris), and carrots are the main vegetables in their diet.

Russians have a deep affection for meat, particularly sausage, pork, beef, and mutton.

poulet and dried or salted fish are common in lower category foods, while the higher category includes duck, veau, and salmon. Russians typically have coffee or tea with bread or sausage for breakfast.

Lunch can be enjoyed with a variety of options such as murphies, soup, macaroni, or rice. It may be eaten either in a workplace cafeteria or at home.

Dinner options include boiled murphies, chou, staff of life, or sausage with staff of life.

In Russia, there is a lack of discussion regarding different social groups. The emergence of the "new Russians" is evident through their ownership of luxury vehicles such as Mercedes and Jeeps, as well as their choice to wear high-end fashion and extravagant gold jewelry. These possessions serve as symbols of affluence. Alongside this trend, there has been a

noticeable rise in both juvenile delinquency and the prevalence of prostitution.

AIDS and homelessness among children and teenagers are both pressing issues. As for governmental structure, they have a parliament which consists of both an upper and a lower house.

The lower house of the Russian parliament, known as Dumab, is comprised of 450 elected members. The upper house is made up of local governors and legislators from the 89 administrative regions. Both houses play a significant role in Russia's governance. Additionally, Russian values carry great importance within their culture.

The Russians mainly practice Orthodox Christianity, supervised by bishops and metropolitans. The spiritual focus of most Orthodox followers revolves around the powerful Holy Eucharist, which is recited on a daily basis, as well as on Sundays and during longer ceremonies.

During holy years, churches and cathedrals play a significant role in offering elaborate services for worship. It is important to have a dedicated place for individuals to meet and connect when they first meet.

When it comes to handshakes during oculus contact, it is challenging to have a firm grip. If a man shakes hands with a woman, the handshaking will be less secure. When women meet one another, they greet by kissing each other on the cheek three times, starting with the left cheek and then moving. However, close male friends have a different greeting - they give each other a pat on the back followed by a hug.

Russia’s Business Etiquette

When conducting business in Russia, it is customary for an individual to be punctual for all business meetings. Russians are known for testing patience, so a Russian may purposely be late to a meeting or delay starting the meeting

to gauge the reaction of the other person. The most reliable methods of communication in Russia are fax and email, as postal mail can be unreliable. Prior to traveling to Russia,

When presenting a concern proposal and aims to a Russian company, it is crucial to include the history of the topic and provide a lengthy and detailed presentation. Russians highly value hierarchy and show respect towards age, rank, and position.

When it comes to exchanging business cards, it is typically done after the initial introductions with formal etiquette. The business card should include university credentials and be translated into Russian using Cyrillic text on one side. The other side should remain in English.

In Russia, it is customary for business communities to wear dark and well-tailored suits along with dress shoes. Russian businessmen typically keep their jackets on as a way to showcase professionalism. For women, it is recommended to choose skirts over pants for a more suitable attire when conducting business in the country. Following specific guidelines is crucial and being aware of do's and don'ts, especially during initial meetings, holds great significance.

Russians are known for strongly holding on to custodies, as they do this to each other. It is customary to engage in small talk before initiating a business conversation, with family often being the main topic. When conducting business, it is important to not be afraid of expressing emotions and to avoid publicly praising anyone, as Russians may view this with suspicion or become jealous.

2007).

India

The country known as India, or the Republic of India, is the seventh largest in the world and has a population of 1.

India has a population of 1.210 billion

according to the 2011 Census, which makes it both the most populated democracy and the second most populated country in the world.

India, an industrializing nation and fast-growing economy, has the third-largest military force globally. Its climate is mainly influenced by the Himalayan Mountains and Thar Desert, resulting in winter and summer monsoons.

India has four major climes, namely tropical moisture, tropical prohibitionist, semitropical humid, and montane.

In 2012, India had a unique culture and values. The country is divided into different states, each with its own language. The main language spoken is Hindi, and two other prominent languages are Urdu.

India's civilization is characterized by its hierarchical structure, which is evident in the traditional caste system. This hierarchy is present in various aspects of life, including educational institutions where instructors hold a prominent position referred to as a "guru" possessing extensive knowledge. Similarly, within the household, the father assumes the role of the household leader.

In the business world, the foreman is viewed as the person in charge of the business. Similarly, in terms of family, individuals are defined by their group affiliations instead of their individual identities. These groups can range from being part of a region, state, or country.

The extended household, including calling and other aspects, generates a significant number of regulations.

Indian civilization involves the preference for avoiding the word "no" due to its impact on constructions and relationships.

On the other hand, if something was not available, they would inform a person about their desired request. If a person asks for something, the Indians are obliged to fulfill the request; otherwise, it would be considered impolite (India - Language, Culture).

Customs and Etiquette (n.d.). Rice is

the main food in India.

In India, similar to the United States, there is a mix of people who consume meat and those who follow a vegetarian diet. However, the distinction in India is based on the dramatis personae system and includes Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, and Christians. All of these groups except for the Hindus refrain from consuming pork.

Christians are the only non-vegetarians among Hindus. However, lower-caste Hindus consume all kinds of meat except for beef. On the other hand, members of higher castes follow a vegetarian diet. This dietary distinction is observed by every caste in Hinduism.

India, a small town with a rich cultural heritage, is known for its diverse collection of traditional ceremonies rooted in spirituality. These ceremonies are observed with great enthusiasm and widespread participation. Additionally, India boasts a large democratic federal government, making it the largest democracy in the world.

The state is divided into 20 provinces based on eight for administrative purposes. The cardinal authorities also administers seven small "Union Territories" (Culture of India, n.d.).

India is a country that holds many different values. The main religions in India are Hinduism, which accounts for 81.3% of the population, and Islam, which accounts for 12%. India is one of the largest Muslim countries in the world.

There are countless rites and millions of shrines, temples, and other holy places. Hindus have large pilgrimage temples, while Muslims visit the graves of saints. Most Hindus believe in reincarnation, so when a person dies, they can be reborn into a new caste system. Typically, Hindus choose cremation over burial.

When it comes to marriage in India, the majority of unions are arranged, and any marriages that are not arranged

are frowned upon. Additionally, in Indian culture, it is customary for the eldest person to be greeted first as they hold a hierarchical position.

When leaving, it is customary to bid farewell to each individual individually. Individuals who are more educated and interact with Westerners typically shake hands. Men shake hands with other men, and women shake hands with other women. A handshake between a man and a woman is uncommon due to religious beliefs.

India’s Business Etiquette

When conducting business in India, it is advisable to schedule a meeting at least a month or two in advance via letter.

Business assignments should be scheduled during the late morning or early afternoon, specifically between eleven and four. During the first meeting, it is not necessary to discuss any business matters, as the focus is on getting to know each other. When a decision needs to be made, it is done so by the person with the highest level of authority.

When addressing someone without a professional title, it is necessary to use the titles "Madam" or "Sir". Business cards should be exchanged after the initial handshake, and they should include the university or degree earned. The business card should be given and received with the right hand only. When giving a business card, it should be handed to the recipient in a clear and visible position. The dress code for business is conservative.

The workforce should wear dark-colored suits, while women should wear suits or dresses. In hotter regions, a less formal dress code is acceptable. It is important to always remain polite and honest to demonstrate sincerity and

kindness. One should avoid being aggressive during business negotiations as it indicates disrespect. Whenever offered a drink or food during a business meeting, it should always be accepted, unless there is a valid reason not to.

It is considered violative (Gorrill, 2007).

China

China is the 2nd largest economic system in the universe and is the fastest turning market economic system. It is besides the world’s most thickly settled state. As of 2001, China has a population of about 1.

347,350,000 with a one-year GDP growth rate of 9.5%.

China's success in manufacturing at low prices is primarily attributed to several factors, including inexpensive labor, well-developed infrastructure, relatively high productivity, favorable government policies, and potentially undervalued exchange rates.

China has a diverse climate, with alternating dry seasons and wet monsoons. Winter is characterized by cold and dry weather, while summers are warm and moist. The climate varies across different regions of China due to its complex topography. However, China has been facing challenges such as pollution and environmental damage due to its high population.

In 2012, China's Culture And Values revolve around Chinese language being the official language in the country. The society follows a formal and hierarchical structure, supported by the Confucian doctrine.

At the uppermost level of the system, there are bookmans, followed by husbandmans and craftsmans, while at the lower level there are merchandisers and soldiers. Rice is the primary food in China, and grain is cultivated in areas with a climate too hot for rice cultivation.

Breakfast includes noodles, wheat bread, or rice, along with porridge served with shrimp, vegetables, and pickles. Lunch is similar to breakfast. Dinner, being the largest meal of the day, often includes soup as the

final course.

During the Moon Festival, which is also known as the Mid-Fall Festival, there will be abundant meals at a specific moment or family gathering.

"Moon cakes" are typically served during business occasions held in restaurants that have 10 or more courses. China, a communist state, elects its president through the National People's Congress for a five-year term. The NPC is responsible for creating laws and delegating authority.

The Chinese Communist Party is the sole political party in China. It exercises authority over other parts of the government and also controls smaller political parties (Culture of China. n. d.). This is due to China being a communist state.

The majority of the state population is atheist, while twenty percent practice both Confucianism and Taoism. Taoist temples typically include a courtyard, a main hall with an altar, and small shrines.

In China, worship can take the form of mediation or physical exercise. Due to its high population, China has implemented the "one-child policy" which restricts families to have only one child. However, in rural areas, families are sometimes allowed to have two or three children. When interacting with Chinese individuals,

When at a big map, it is acceptable to introduce yourself to guests, but at smaller gatherings, it is considered courteous to wait for the host or hostess to make the introductions. To show respect, it is customary to address a Chinese individual by using their honorific title and family name, unless otherwise instructed (source: Hong Kong – Language. Culture. Customs and Etiquette).

Vitamin D.

China’s Business Etiquette

In China, face-to-face meetings in the workplace are essential for conducting business successfully

in most markets. It is only when a face-to-face meeting is arranged that it can be considered a significant matter.

Chinese buyers, like their Western counterparts, prefer to meet with providers at their offices. However, this preference may change if the discussions are at an advanced stage and the client wishes to visit the supplier's production facilities to assess the scale of the operation. Chinese society and business organizations are structured hierarchically, with a strict adherence to rank. As a result, individuals will enter the meeting room in hierarchical order, as the Chinese are highly conscious of their status.

Senior members typically take the lead in discussions and will guide the conversation. Long-term relationships are considered more important, so there should not be any rushed transactions. When exchanging business cards, one side should be printed in English and the other side in Chinese. The card should be presented with both hands and with the Chinese side facing up.

When receiving a colleague's business card, it is important to examine it closely before placing it on the table. It should never be kept in the back pocket as this is considered extremely disrespectful. In China, being punctual is crucial when doing business.

When it comes to attire, both men and women should wear conservative clothing with subtle colors. Women should refrain from wearing high heels and short-sleeved blouses, as it is frowned upon by the Chinese culture for women to show too much skin. It is recommended for both men and women to opt for subtle, neutral colors in their outfits.

When conducting business in China, it is important to follow certain guidelines. Maintaining eye contact is necessary to be seen

as trustworthy. It is expected for the Chinese counterpart to initiate the formal greeting. Additionally, it is customary to address the counterpart by their title and last name.

If they do not have a title, use "Mr." or "Madam". Pointing when speaking is considered rude. When offered food or a drink, always wait until the host starts.

It is not recommended to discuss business while eating or drinking. Additionally, it is advised to avoid using large hand gestures as they can be distracting to the listener.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the BRIC countries have experienced rapid growth in the past decade due to their success in industrialization and trade. Given the significant increase in business activities in these countries.

To succeed, a business must be aware of the specific patterns and beliefs of the country it operates in. Trying to do business in a foreign country without knowledge of its culture and values will only result in failure. Therefore, a business must gather background information and understand the different business ethics for success.

Reference

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