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Business Ethics Article Review XMGT 216 University of Phoenix Abstract This paper is written to provide a summary and overview of two articles that have been selected from two different countries, Brazil, South America; and Germany, Europe. The primary ethical perspectives of the countries will be discussed as they were in the article, along with how the article contributes to understanding global ethical perspectives. It will conclude with how each countries business ethics differ from those of America.
Business Ethics Article Review The ethics of the countries we are surrounded by vary by each one; this paper will describe the ethics of a South American country, Brazil; and a European country, Germany. Each country, state, and city has different ideas on what is acceptable for business etiquette and ethics, it is important to understand what the ethics and behaviors are accepted with those you may be doing business with, within the country, or abroad. These understandings can make or break a business deal. Brazil, South America
Brazil is a highly dominant Catholic country, understanding the religious views of those we are doing business with is crucial as to not offend their beliefs. In Brazil, appearance says a lot about the type of business you do, or intend to do. For example; wearing a three piece suit carries and executive correlation, where as a two piece suit is often associated with office workers. It is also crucial to keep well manicured figures. Strange as it seems, being that the Brazilian flag is yellow and green, wearing them in any fashion is frowned upon. This confuses me because the countries futbol team’s colors are that of the flag, and we as Americans show patriotism by wearing red, white, and blue. ) The OK hand symbol is unacceptable in Brazil, and is considered a rude gesture, while the touching of arms, elbows, and back of another person is not uncommon. Those in Brazil doing business are very strict, it is unacceptable to try and book a last minute business appointment, booking two weeks in advance is ideal.
In order to gain business success you, as the out of country business person, need to be ready to commit long term resources, both time and money, to establishing strong trusting relationships in Brazil. Most often in Brazil, business meetings, even casual, are started on time, ensure that you arrive early to any meetings. It is rude to begin business discussions before the host or hostess of the party has already done so, it is acceptable to make small talk with the other attendees until the host begins the business talk.
It is important to understand the eating habits of those you are trying to do business with, in Brazil the main meal of the day is midday, while a light meal is acceptable at night, unless formally entertaining, so arrange any business luncheons or dinner meetings accordingly. The etiquette of communications in Brazil is very important, a strong handshake that allows time to make eye contact is important. When leaving a small group of individuals, it is important to shake the hand of everyone present before leaving.
For women meeting, it is not uncommon to press their cheeks together and kiss the air. Titles are important in Brazil, it is most important to use the title of the individual before their first name, not simply just their name. Germany, Europe Germans are very strong individualistic people; their appearance is conservative, with dark suits, plain white shirts and solid conservative ties. The women also follow these conservative dressing guidelines, although it is not uncommon to see someone making a fashion statement by wearing white socks with their dark suite or dress.
When speaking to someone in Germany it is a sign of rudeness to chew gum while having a conversation, either friendly or business. Those in Germany utilize the time they have to use a through thought process when it involves business decisions, it is not uncommon to take a long period of time to think out each step, and then execute. Once the plan is executed it will move generally fast, and meeting deadlines is crucial to making a good business impression. Surprises, good or bad, are not often welcomed in Germany.
Punctuality is very important when looking to do business with a German. Unlike Americans, Germans do not approve of humor is the business world, they are very serious, business jokes in Germany are unacceptable. In business settings age takes precedence over youth, the eldest person must enter the room for a meeting first. Germans, like Brazilians are to always be addressed by their full title, no matter how long it may be, it is a sign of respect to the individual.
These two articles have contributed to the understanding of global ethics by learning how differently each country feels about different personal, and business situations. Knowing how to approach someone from a different country about merging businesses is crucial in making that good impression and coming away with a successful business deal where everyone makes money. The ethics of both Brazil and Germany differ from those in America on many different levels.
I believe that in America although our mentality is laid back in the business world, we still dress in our best business attire when going to a meeting of our coworkers, or a CEO of the company. There are also very few hand gestures that we as Americans see as offensive. Business luncheons are not uncommon in Brazil, Germany, or America; only the amount of food that will be eaten at each one will differ. In conclusion, it is important to understand the ethics and business etiquette of those individuals that you may be trying to do business with from out of the country.
Expanding globally is important, but can only be successful if executed correctly with the right information to help make the best impression possible on your new possible business partner. Read up, study, and understand what is acceptable for those you are planning to do business with. Works Cited Brazil. 2008. University of Texas at Dallas. http://www. cyborlink. com/besite/brazil. htm Germany. 2008. University of Texas at Dallas. http://www. cyborlink. com/besite/germany. htm