Cultural Differences and Their Impact

Donna Parker

Greetings Around the World

USAFirm handshake with direct eye contact.

JapanGentle handshake while avoiding direct eye contact.

BrazilExtended handshakes at the first encounter, progressing to embraces once a friendship has been established.

Exchanging Business Cards

USAUsed as a convenience for contact information.

JapanExchange at first stages of introduction.Present with both hands.Study the card.Treat the card with respect.

BrazilExchange at the beginning of meeting.Have one side printed in English and the other side in Portuguese.

Conducting Business in …

JapanBe on time for meetings.

Build relationships before getting down to business.

Do not expect immediate answers.

While negotiating, expect careful and serious consideration without a lot of verbal exchange.

Dress conservatively.

Conducting Business in …

BrazilBe on time, but don’t expect to get started on time.Schedule meetings between 10 a.m and noon or 3 p.m and 5 p.m.Expect strong coffee.Know Brazilian holidays.Expect a lot of socialization during the meetings.Do not refer to USA as “America.”Conversation is highly animated.

Dressing in …

JapanMen should wear dark business suits.

Women should also wear dark business suits with very few accessories.

Women should not wear pant suits.

Wear shoes that slip on and off easily.

Dressing in …

BrazilWear clothing appropriate to the hot climate—but keep it professional.

Men should not wear a short-sleeved shirt with a tie.

Do not wear the color combination of yellow and green.

Do not wear socks with sandals!

Dining in …

JapanClear your plate.It is acceptable to lift bowls and slurp certain foods.Do not stick chopsticks straight up in dishes of food, especially rice.Do not pass food with chopsticks.Eat rice plain or dip into soy sauce.Do leave your glass full if you have had enough.Do not eat while on the run.Tips are not expected in Japan.

Dining in …

BrazilAlways use utensils—even with chicken.

Never drink from a can.

Place utensils across the plate horizontally when finished.

Do not discuss business during the meal—wait until coffee is served.

Giving Gifts in …

JapanAvoid giving pricey gifts.

Offer gift with both hands.

Importance is placed on wrapping.

Do not use white wrapping paper—it represents death and rebirth.

Four of anything is considered bad luck.

Giving Gifts in …

BrazilDo not go to someone’s home empty handed.

Give gifts after business is conducted.

Don’t give 13 of anything—bad luck.

Don’t give anything in purple or black.

Don’t give knives.

Don’t give handkerchiefs.

Beware of Gestures!

USAA-O.K. gesture

JapanMoney

BrazilObscene

Awareness

Our World is Shrinking!

In our global economy today, effective intercultural communication is a

necessity to build successful relationships with international and

multicultural associates at home and around the world.

Thank you!