MISCOMMUNICATIONS WITH A BRAZILIAN AUTO PARTS MANUFACTURER
1. ALEESSANDRO SILVA & AGOSTO VENTURE
President/ Sales manager of mid-sized auto parts manufacturer in San Paulo i. Very formal, conservative style ii. Company executives Cultural Dimensions: o
Conservative, orderly social structure
Strong emphasis on relationships, trust and cohesive group work
Passionate, emotive and inclusive focus
2. HENRY & WALLY WILLIAMS
President & Vice-President of Purchasing of American company Lucky Auto Parts i. Less conservative style ii. Family ties iii. Wally No experience in exec position or auto industry Cultural Dimensions: o
Equality within the workforce
Short term oriented business relationships
Informal communication styles
WHAT ARE THREE OF THE CULTURAL MISSTEPS THAT WALTER AND
HENRY HAVE MADE IN THIS SCENARIO? WHY DID THESE HAPPEN?
IF YOU WERE A NATIVE OF BRAZIL AND ADVISING AMERICAN
BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES ON WHAT TO DO WHEN TALKING TO BRAZLIAN BUSINESS PARTNERS, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THE AMERICANS ABOUT THE BRAZILIAN CULTURE?
IMAGINE THAT THE SITUATION WAS REVERSED AND THE BRAZILIAN
BUSINESSMEN WERE COMING TO THE US TO LOOK FOR A SUPPLIER. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THE BRAZILIANS ABOUT AMERICAN CULTURE?
Brazil
o Conservative, orderly social structure
o Strong emphasis on relationships, trust and cohesive group work o Passionate, emotive and inclusive focus
America o Equality within the workforce o Short term oriented business relationships o Informal communication styles