Doing Business in France, Brazil, and Arabic Countries.

Doing Business in Arab Countries.

Bukra isha Allah (Tomorrow if God Wills) They believe that they have no control over time and that destiny depends on the will of a supreme being not in the behavior of individuals. What does that mean? It means that they feel no guilt in not fulfilling their commitments as they were not in control to begin with.

Does that sound bad to you? That’s because in our culture, we believe we can control time and in our eyes we are responsible.

So if you’re late… Arab Culture It’s not your fault, you can’t control time. It was the will of Allah. Western Culture It’s your fault, you could’ve prepared better. It’s your responsibility to make it on time.

Status It’s not about you. Their focus is on the position of your family and connections not necessarily by you accomplishments. Titles and Ranks They are not generally used, unless you’re someone important like the royal family, ministers or top level military officers. You do, however have to pay respect to elders and those in a position of authority

Strong vs. Weak Middle Easterners benefit from appearing weak as the others will work to accommodate the weaker. Emotion vs. Logic They make decisions based on emotion more than logic.

Don’t Brag Never display feelings of superiority, it makes the other party feel inferior. That also includes praising somebody in front of others. Their actions should speak for itself. Never take credit for a group effort, it’s viewed poorly.

Be Patient Much of the decisions are made face to face. The top person will make the final decision based mostly on personal impressions and trust. The ones working under the decision maker are viewed as advisers. Don’t expect quick meetings focused on business topics. They will want to get to know you and your business.

Greetings and Norms It’s normal for a person to wait past the meeting time before being admitted to an Arab’s office. You probably won’t be alone with the person you’re meeting. People will be coming in and out of the office relying messages or even another visitor wanting to talk to the host. Initial meetings are used to get to know one another. You won’t get into a business discussion until the third or fourth meeting.

Connections It’s who you know. Well connected business people get things done much faster. Everything has to be approved by their Government, trying to find ways around it is viewed as a disrespect for their legal and governmental institutions.

RiM

Doing Business in Brazil

Brazil Portuguese Influence Relaxed Environment Face-to-Face Communication Strong Relationships are Crucial Patience

Brazil (article) Why Patience is needed when opening or running a Business in Brazil: Bureaucratic procedures On average, it takes 13 procedures and 119 days of work to start a business in Brazil. Approval needed from no less than 12 different government agency.

Doing Business in France

France Important facts about France: Social Classes are very important Very status conscious Friendly, humorous, sarcastic Believe quality of life is what really matters and leisure time is important Determine a person’s trustworthiness on a firsthand evaluation of their character

French Businesses French organizations are: o Centralized o Rigid Take longer to make decisions. French Co. top managers have more power but are held less accountable. French workers are not concerned with competition or a desire to copy fellow workers.

French Business Ethics Handshakes should be quick with some pressure Very important to be on-time for meetings and social occasions In negotiations they want to know the other side’s aims and demands first Do not like to be rushed during decision making