Group 4

WHAT RESEARCH SHOULD BE DONE PRIOR TO VISITING BRAZIL, GREECE, AND INDIA?

Plan a good itinerary

Seek general information and etiquette about the country

Try to learn some of the local language and protocols

Ensure you have all necessary contact information for business partners

Research importance of time in individual countries

CONT’D

Research gender roles in countries travelling to

Research acceptance of power

Research appropriate dress

Participate in cultural awareness training

GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS

The purposes of a job description is to outline expectations of the employee:

To determine the proper classification or grade level for a position

To describe skills, knowledge, and abilities for recruitment

To develop hiring specifications To design and restructure jobs To provide effective employee training and development To serve as a basis for performance expectations To communicate duties and responsibilities of a position

to the employee

A results-oriented description explains why functions are performed and allows you to more effectively manage the objectives of the position; it also helps the International Mohawk Corporations to evaluate the position more quickly and effectively.

DISCIPLINARY PROCESS

1. Oral Warning:

2. Written Warning:

3. Suspension without Pay:

4. Reduction of Pay within a Class:

5. Demotion to a Lower Classification:

6. Dismissal

TOP THREE MAJOR BUYERS

GREECE

BRAZIL

INDIA

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Language: Greek and English

Major Religion: Greek Orthodox

Climate: winters are mild and rainy, with temperatures sometimes dropping to freezing point, especially in the north. Summers are long and dry, with extremes of 37°C (99°F), making the yearly mean temperature about 17°C (63°F). For those not overly fond of the heat, the mountainous areas offer some respite as they receive more rain in summer, and even snow in winter

CULTURAL DIMENSIONS

Collective Society Respect hierarchy Conservative business suits in dark colours is

preferred. Greeks are proud of their cultural heritage

and their contribution to world civilization. Trust is more important to Greek business

people than expertise, qualifications and performance

Avoid any conversation about politics

GREETING ETIQUETTE

Shake hands firmly, smile, and maintain direct eye contact.

Don’t expect to follow an agenda – meetings are often for expressing personal opinion and to inform

Business is conducted with well acquainted people

The first meeting will likely be getting to know one another

MEETING ETIQUETTE

Punctuality for business meetings is particularly important for foreigners in Greece

The Greeks can be fairly laidback and as such meetings can be arranged at short notice.

It is best to do so over the phone and to confirm in writing (fax or email).

Business dinners are social occasions, follow your hosts lead as to whether or not the business should be discussed at dinner

MEETING ETIQUETTE (CON’T)

Quite often it is not until the third meeting that business is actually conducted During the first meeting your Greek business

colleagues will want to get to know something about you as a person

The second meeting is used to develop trust and mutual respect

By the third meeting, business may begin

Be prepared for lots of questions, many people talking at once and interruptions.

Your knowledge and experience and demand proof. You will be expected to bargain, and bargain hard.

IMPROPER BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Using red ink or any non-blue ink may be inappropriate in many situation. Some Greeks may connect ink colour in their mind with politics, so a person writing in red ink may be seen as a communist.

Nodding your head “yes” is not polite; say “yes” instead.

The “O.K “sign is a rude gesture; thumbs up means O.K.

Bad gift ideas-inexpensive wines, knives, sharp objects

BRAZIL

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Language: Portuguese Major Religion: 80% Catholic Climate: Mostly Tropical

CULTURAL DIMENSIONS

Collective society

Believe in hierarchy

Building up trust and long term relationships with your business partner is important

Conflicts are avoided in private and work life

One will take responsibility

Showing respect to the elderly is important

GREETING ETIQUETTE

First name should be used but titles are important.

Firm handshake is expected with strong eye contact.

Never assume you could make a quick exit. 

MEETING ETIQUETTE

Conservative European dress code is the norm for all meetings

If late to a meeting you should always call the company and advise them.

Meetings can be long so be prepared for small talk before getting down to business.

Business cards should be exchanged at the start of the meeting

If you are expecting an urgent call it is wise to inform your contact in advance

PROPER BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Standing a foot apart is what is required

Gentle touch on the arm, hand or shoulder is necessary

Brazilians prefer face to face meeting

Considered unacceptable to interrupt someone when speaking

Plan a meeting 2-3 weeks in advance

IMPROPER BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Never start into business discussions before your host does.

Giving a gift is not required at a first business meeting.

Avoid having conversation about Argentina, politics, and religion.

Don’t interrupt people while they are talking Don’t wear purple to a meeting as it

associated with death.

INDIA

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Language: over 22 major dialects

Hindi and English are the two major business languages

Major Religion: Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Judaism, and Christians

Climate: 4 seasons (Spring, Summer, Moonsoon and Winter)

CULTURAL DIMENSIONS

Hierarchy based culture

Greet the eldest or most senior person first.

Collective Society

Country is composed of a multicultural backgrounds, therefore business is customized to suit every culture.

When leaving a meeting, each person must be bid farewell individually

CULTURAL DIMENSIONS (CON’T)

Indian names vary upon religion, social class, and region of the country.

Do not give frangipani or white flowers as they are used at funerals.

Yellow, green and red are lucky colours, so try to use them to wrap gifts.

GREETING ETIQUETTE

Title should be respected and acknowledged when addressing a person

Religion, education and social class all influence greetings in India.

Men may shake hands with other men

GREETING ETIQUETTE (CON’T)

women may shake hands with other women

seldom handshakes between men and women because of religious beliefs.

Always present your business card with your right hand, so the recipient may read the card as it is handed to them.

MEETING ETIQUETTE

For business men should wear suits and ties

Women should wear conservative pant suits

For women, a salwar-suit is also acceptable for business dress.

MEETING ETIQUETE

Make appointments by letter, at least one month and preferably two months in advance.

confirm your appointment as it may be cancelled at short notice.

Meetings will start with a great deal of getting-to- know-you talk.

PROPER BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Although Indians are not always punctual themselves, they expect foreigners to arrive close to the appointment

Business is conducted in outside facilities separated from the company headquarters.

Decisions are reached by the person with the most authority.

PROPER BUSINESS ETIQUETTE(CON’T)

In general, Indians prefer to have long-standing personal relationships prior to doing business.

Decisions are reached by the person with the most authority.

Decision making is a slow process.

Indians prefer to do business with those they know.

Relationships are built upon mutual trust and respect.

IMPROPER BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Putting your hands on your hips is rude

Touching someone with your foot is rude, as is pointing your foot

A hearty handshake isn't what it seems in some Eastern cultures where it's seen as a sign of aggression.

Avoid telling Indians that you do not want to eat with your hands. If they are not using cutlery when eating, they expect you to do the same.