For this week’s blog, I chose the topic of China’s emerging presence in Latin America. It surprised me to read that as the United States was losing their influence in Laton America, China has been stepping in (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014). In fact, both regions have been experiencing a growing economy (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014). According to the text, China has thus far “invested some $50 billion and plans a $100 billion trade exchange by 2010 in Pan-America” (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014, p.343). China is looking to gain much needed raw materials that benefit the economies of countries like Brazil and Argentina (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014). Additionally, China runs a port facility on both ends of the Panama Canal which increases their presence (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014). In light of the increased role China is playing in Latin America, I chose to look at how both locations compare and contrast in the subjects of negotiating and communication. For Latin America, I chose to focus on Brazil because it is the largest country in South America in terms of population, land mass and economy (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014).
Negotiation
Negotiations in Brazil are often personal and are not rushed (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014). This is different to China who seems to take their time with negotiations. They like to know who they are dealing with and it is advised that “Westerners should allow time for these processes to take place” (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014), p.425). Brazilians place importance of relationship over task which means that they like to have a good relationship in place and they do not want to damage a relationship in order to accomplish a task (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014). The Chinese also value the subject of friendship and place value of trust and mutual connections (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014). When negotiating, Brazillians tend to be more flexible to changes and they look at the groups needs over the individual (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014). China on the other hand does not seem very flexible. When finalizing a contract with China, it is advised that you consider nothing final until it is explicitly stated so, and that you should have all documents translated to ensure complete understanding (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014).
Communication
When communicating in China, it is important to focus on the whole group and not just an individual so as not to embarrass anyone (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014). However in Brazil, when you are communicating you look the person in the eye as a way to show respect (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014). The Chinese are more shy and reserved in public encounters with a larger speaking distance and little or none displays of affection (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014). This is different from Brazillians where close personal contact during conversations is the norm and this includes touching (Moran, Abramson, and Moran, 2014).
Works Cited
Moran, R.T., Abramson, N. R. & Moran, S.V. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences. Ninth Edition. Abingdon: Routledge.
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