Sunday, August 3, 2008
chapter 3: international business etiquette
This was the topic for our group project. Our group had gotten Mexico and I really learnt a lot from this project. Not only did we found out the differences between Singapore and Mexico’s business culture, it makes me realize that teamwork is really important in a group project.We did a role-play during our presentation to show what not to do and what to do when you go on a Mexico business trip.
I had found a similar video on YouTube that features Germans VS Brazilians. Please enjoy!
Key learning points:
1) The Brazilians were not properly dressed for the meeting as they are not in business attires.
2) They were being too enthusiastic in greetings and the Germans were not used to their overwhelmed greeting.
3) Being late is part of Brazilians’ culture but the Germany executives could not take it. They were harping on it in fact.
4) The Germany executives were anxious to talk about the contract but the Brazilians continued talking about family and even forgot to bring the contract! This shows that the Germans are more of the mind than the heart.
5) The Brazilians are more relationship-oriented as they believe to know each other first before doing business. Hence they offered to talk business over dinner. However, the Germans were not really keen. Instead, they told them it would be the last time seeing them.
6) Germans are more detail oriented as they follow strictly to the agenda.
7) Learning about the other country’s culture is crucial as it determines the success of the negotiation.
During the group project presentation session, we are exposed to 5 different countries’ business etiquette and they were all similar yet different in some ways. For example, it was Mexico’s culture to be at least 30 minutes late, but it was America’s culture to arrive early. Each country has a different communication style and it is really important to do your homework before doing business in a foreign country!
An interesting cartoon to share:
Reference: http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/jlv/lowres/jlvn335l.jpg
