Business Etiquette in Brazil

Business Relationships

 

In Brazil, business etiquette is very important. This is especially noticeable in business relationships. Brazilians believe it to be a priority to know anyone they are doing business before being able to work successfully. They would much rather have face-to-face meetings as opposed to written communication. This allows them to know their business associates in a more personal fashion. They also believe that the individual they deal with is more important than the company as a whole.

Due to Brazil having a very group-oriented culture, it is important that one does not do anything that would humiliate a Brazilian. In a business, publically blaming someone causes that person to lose face with the others present. The criticizer also hurts their reputation since they have gone against this understood code.

Communication

Communication in Brazil is typically very relaxed and does not involve strict etiquette rules. If someone feels like they have something worth adding, they will frequently state their opinion. Unlike the United States, it is considered tolerable to interrupt someone when they are talking. Although face-to-face communication is favored more than written communication, Brazilians are firm about having detailed legal contracts when it comes to business agreements.

Meetings

Showing up to a business without appointment is thought to be rude in Brazil. It is recommended that critical meetings should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. It is also thought to be a courtesy act if one confirms their appointment two days before. Meetings should usually be schedule sometime between 10 a.m. and noon and between 3 and 5 p.m. This is the case because Brazilians tend to have longer lunches in order to have time for less-formal discussions of business.

Promptness is typically not a high priority in Brazil. It is common for one to wait a while for their associate’s arrival. Despite this, it is seen as polite for the guest to show up on time for a meeting. In Sao Paulo and Brasilia, the meetings tend to start on time. In Rio de Janeiro and other cities, it is okay to arrive slightly late. Important decisions are usually always said in person opposed to by email or over the phone. This occurs because eye contact is crucial in Brazil. If there is an interpreter in a meeting, answers should be given to the person who asked the question instead of the interpreter.

Dress Etiquette

Brazilians pride themselves on dressing well and looking polished. Men are supposed to dress conservatively in dark suits.  For women, elegant suits or dresses are almost always expected. It is also important to wear quality accessories in a meeting to be a sign of status and power. Any clothing that consists of the combination of Green and Yellow should not be worn since they represent the colors of Brazil’s flag.