Running head: DOING BUSINESS WITH LATIN 1

Doing Business with Latin Americans

Rajendrasinh Dodia (1011001)

Priyank Parekh (1010534)

MBA 514 Global Leadership

05-11-2011

Prof. Dr. Touss SEPEHR

Geography, History of Latin America and its People

Latin American countries are the countries that are within North America from Mexico to

Cuba and the Dominican Republic over Central America, also on the South America. Numerous

countries that belong to Latin America vary broadly educationally, historically,

socioeconomically as well as in governance, behavior and values of peoples. However, the

Spanish language, influence of Catholic Church, family values and Male and females distinctive

roles are few similarities amongst them. They are also called as Amerindian now a day. The

Indians made efforts to survive the devastations and charges of civil and rebel warfare and

Hispano- Indians gets trapped among the armed forces of both sides.

Major Cultural Contributions

They are most likely family oriented, where the father takes all the decisions. Even after

dominance by the “elites” (people with economical/social/political standpoint) they are

developing technically, economically as well as in the sector of industrialization though the

Roman Catholic customs are overriding but with intense modifications.

Mexico

Mexico is a land of disparity and capability. The flourishing inhabitants live in the central

high ground, which constitute half of the country’s total countryside. There are 75% mixed, 13%

Indian Pure-blood origin and 10% of European custom. The literacy rate rose up to 92% of the

population with a rising education level. The economy has escalated because of oil exports as

well as increase in tourism and high-tech industries.

Doing business in Mexico

Mexico gained independence by hostile against Spanish rule in 1821 and later defeated

French interference by 1876 and that helped Mexico to achieve economic and political stability
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by 1940. The structure of capital and labor is slightly diverse here from that of other countries in

Latin America. There is growing salaried middle class, some of them also cultivate their own

land. In the 1970-80’s multinationals mainly controlled by the Americans provided payments for

technology imports but then the trade balance, employments, family planning and other

indicators of economic well-being all continue to be troubling issues for Mexico. The people of

Mexico are relaxed, hospitable and warm and they are proud, patriotic, family oriented and

hardworking and socialized.

Negotiating with Mexican

The Mexican culture is context, valuing beliefs in the divine, the family, personal

relations and individuals respect for dignity. Mexicans are the most conscious related to family,

wealth, positions and authority among the Latin Americans. The negotiation process in Mexico

is complex and long procedure divided in to several stages. They are:

1. Selection of negotiation

2. Role of individual Aspirations

3. Concern for protocol

4. Significance of type of issue

5. Complexity of the language and Space

6. Nature of persuasive argument

7. Value of time

8. Bases of trust

9. Risk taking propensity

10. Internal decision-making system

11. Form of satisfactory agreement

Central Americans States

On the western side of the Caribbean Sea is a land bridge between the north and south

continents of the America that also fronts on the Pacific Ocean. The seven nations located

between Mexico and Colombia is usually referred to as Central America. The Central America is

an area where turmoil imperils hopes for reform. The present cooperative economic model was

provided by the nineteenth-century federations known as United Provinces of Central America.

The Central America is getting rapid growth in the field of music as well as trading E.g. Shakira

and this growth made them unified. The only difference at this time is unstoppable trend towards

economic integration from bottom up, along with regional business consolidation.

South American Cultural Development

South America is a place where we can simultaneously be amazed at the beauty of the

pre- Columbian art and civilizations, or the very modern and colorful art works and high rise

architecture, and yet be appalled by the poverty of the masses and the great wealth of the few, by

the violence and terrorism, and by the dominance of a powerful military or dictator.

Brazil its people and culture

Social structure, Race, Values and Religion: Brazil is a spectacular country in both social

contrasts and geographical size. A 1995 World Bank survey found that Brazil has the most

unequal wealth distribution worldwide. Another contrast is in the people’s skin tone.

Furthermore with 50% of its total population under 20 years of age, Brazil is a very “young”

country. It is said that the people of Brazil are warm, friendly and emotionally sensitive people

who are generous.

The Brazilian class structure is based on economics. Brazilians in general espouse the traditional

religious values held dear by the Roman Catholic Church. One of the most important of these
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values is the family. It is customary for the children to live with their parents until they marry,

even though this has been changing recently, in the big cities. Another traditional value that has

its basis in the Catholic Church is one of the fatalism. Brazilian Catholics have adopted many

traditions of Afro-Brazilian religions as well. Brazilians are also very tolerant of other religions

practiced in the country.

Business in Brazil

The country produces everything from automobiles and airplanes to shoes and orange juice.

Doing business in Brazil can be a challenging experience owing to economic uncertainties

involving inflation, interests rates, among other things. Brazil is rich in both natural and human

resources. Brazil is the only country in Latin America in which Portuguese is the official

language.

Greetings and Names and Titles

Handshakes are appropriate from of greeting between men and women in a business setting. It is

usual for men and women who are friends to hug each other when they meet. Upon arriving and

before leaving, it is important to greet and say goodbye to each individual. Most Brazilians are

less formal than people in other Latin American countries; consequently titles are not always

used. Another fact is that first name may be a combination of the mother’s and father’s first

name.

Appearance, Hygiene and Dress

Brazilians always like to brush their teeth after eating. Dressing for work in Brazil depends on

the company, but the standard dress for men is a dark or light- colored two-piece suit.
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Communications

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, but due to the enormous size of the country, it has

many distinct dialects. The Brazilian speaking style is very expressive and animated.

Argentina: Second largest nation on the Continent of South America. Is a founding member of a

trading group known as MERCOUSR (Mercado Comun Del Sur) along with Brazil, Uruguay,

and Paraguay. Spanish is the principal language. About 20% of the population descends from the

original “Indian” peoples who now live largely in remote areas. Argentineans are noted for their

respect of the individuals. By 1816, Argentina gained independence from Spanish colonial rule.

Social etiquette in this country requires one not to open a conversation with a question, but to

start with a greeting. Normally, Argentineans do not yell at one another from a distance, but

simply raise a hand and smile.