Global Business Cultural Analysis: Brazil - Research Paper Example

? Global Business Cultural Analysis: Brazil Outline Business 604 Abdul Doss Introduction 1. Nation’s Introduction Brazil is a country that covers almost half of the continent and shares border with nearly every country in the South America except Ecuador and Chile. Brazil holds fifth place in the list under the presence of Russia, Canada, U.S.A and China in the context of being large, and holds an area of about eight and a half million square kilometers. Still, most of the population of this country is seen in concentration where the Southern coast is dominated by the presence of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. As for the Northern area, Salvador and Joao Pessoa signify the colonial atmosphere (Inter Knowledge corp, 2006). The interior of Brazil is densely populated and represents the rainforest basin of Amazon with rare ecologies. Of course, modernization has taken its effect on this area as well, as we travel from the mouth of Amazon to realize scarcity of wild life and a heavily travelled river. However, moving away from the bustling city gives the picture of traditional villages and unspoiled habitats (Inter Knowledge corp, 2006). Considering the interior of the country, Brazil land comprises of bedrock flat known as the Brazilian Shield. However, this too is seen to become a victim of elements. Starting with the Mato Grosso that is a smooth and grassy plain seen in the center of Brazil, Planalto is seen that further rises across the regions to end in swampland, which is the most extensive in the world called as Pantanal (Inter Knowledge corp, 2006). 1.1.1. History As far as the history of this nation is concerned, Brazil was claimed in the 1500s by Pedro Alvares Cabral. Till the 1880s, the land was ruled by the Lisbon after the flee from under the army of napoleon in order to settle in the Rio de Janeiro. In 1821, Dom Joao VI came back to Portugal and independence was declared on the 7h of September 1822. The independence was declared by his son who later held the seat of emperor known as Dom Pedro I. Dom Pedro II held the position till the beginning of 90s till the coup from Deodoro da Fonseca, the Marshal of the Army. After this episode in history, a major development was the removal of slavery (Willemsen & Leferink, 2010). Till the 1930, the government took the shape of a constitutional democracy and the government switched between two states, the Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais. Another coup was recorded in history after this era by Getulio Vargas who was a civilian in the presidency. The years that followed introduced presidents like Arthur da Costa e Silva, Emilio Garrastazu Medici, and Ernesto Geisel. These were all army officers whose trend ended with Geisel who introduced democracy again in the 70s. in the early 80s, the ban was lifted from the political parties participating in the country and running state as well as federal offices. As for the new century, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was elected as the president who belonged to the working class. Also a leader of the union in the past, the president came with the promises of eradicating hunger through his "Zero Hunger" initiative (Willemsen & Leferink, 2010). 1.1.1.1. Portuguese colonization The main cultural exchange began in the year of 1500 when on the 22nd of April of this year, 13 ships arrived under the Pedro Alvares Cabral. When they saw dark skinned men walking down the beach, they responded by putting down their bows in offer of peace. This was done as a sign of Portuguese peace by giving hats comprising of parrot feathers as well as strings of white seed pearls. This exchange gave way to a cultural mix-up for the coming 5 centuries (Koonings, 1994). The days these Portuguese stayed in the land, their fascination grew more and more. It has been recorded in the history that these Portuguese slowly learned the local language and lacked the receptivity of the religious symbols that indicated their fast change to Christianity. The ship which sent them back was filled with timber, dyewood and buranhem wood with the help of locals with two male convicts left back. The Portuguese learned the language fast and used intermarriages to penetrate further into the Brazilian land (Koonings, 1994). For three decades, Brazil managed to get attention from the New Christian (Jewish converts) investors. Soon, the European settlement began to challenge the exclusivity of the Portuguese. In order to combat the French, the Portuguese took steps that dealt with the immediate and long term steps. Andlater managed to introduce the first European town in the Brazil known as the Sao Vicente, established in the year 1532 (Koonings, 1994). History also mentions the episode of 1524 where Alexio Garcia introduced 2000 Guarani against Inca border in a raid. Now known as Bolivia, the expedition was government sponsored which later resulted in death by the hands of Carijo tribe of Indians. Another step that managed to change a long practice of Portuguese was the permission granted to the lord proprietor to issue land grants in order to attract investors. This way gave the peasants some land in their own hands that managed to establish latifundia in Brazil (Koonings, 1994). 1.1.1.2. Population According to statistics, the land of Brazil is rich in culture and the consensus held in the year 2000 stated a total of 170 million people living in the land of Brazil. This figure managed to make Brazil, the world’s fifth largest country in terms of population. With so much population living and still counting, the majority of the population is seen living in the concentrated areas. Thus, even though it is in the list of populated countries, the people living in this country live in approximately 20 people per square kilometer which makes this country less densely populated (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2009). 1.1.1.2.1. Ethnic groups The people living in Brazil manage to bring in a number of ethnic groups. This is so, because the people living in Brazil bring in different historical episodes that are celebrated through many celebrations as well as festivals. So, the population in Brazil is very colorful in nature but it has been observed that the people do not count skin color as a distinction (US Library of Congress). 1.1.2. Government Brazil is a federal republic that comprises of a total of 26 states as well as a federal district. The federal government holds a lot of power in its hands that has been present due to constitution grants. The government is made up of executive legislative as well as judicial branches where the president spends tenure of a total of 4 years. The president also holds the right for a re-election for 4 years and has the power of appointing his own cabinet. This was established in the 1988 constitution and currently, there are a total of 81 senators from which three are for the state and the federal district. As for the deputies, they are 513 in number (SouthT). The senate holds for a total of 8 years in the Brazilian government which manages to place a total of two-third house for the election, and the rest after 4 years. The chamber also holds the term for 4 years where the election is carried out by the proportional representative by states, which is very complex in nature. The states are given 8 seats in total where the biggest state in Brazil has been given 70 seats (SouthT). 1.1.2.1. Currency The currency of Brazil is known as Real which is known as Reais in plural terms. The name was used for the first time in the year 1944 and it was due to the fact that Brazil had a lot of currencies due to fluxes and changes in the economy (Kwint). In the era of the 80s and 90s, the Brazilian economy faced very high inflation and used the money with the name of Cruzeiros that later on converted to Cruzado. Some years later, Cruzados Novoswas introduced but after the advent of 1990s, Cruzado was introduced again. In 1993, further changes were made in the currency and removal of three zeros was made. The currency then came to be known as Cruzeiros Reais (Kwint). The final name, Real, was finalized in 1994; it was introduced after the inception of a new monetary plan. The currency holds 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 bills which contain pictures of animals on one side and the representation of Brazil with a woman character at the other side. The coins used in this currency hold 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents and 1 Real respectively (Kwint). 1.1.2.2. Foreign relations As far as Brazil’s foreign relationships are concerned, it has been one of the leaders known in the inter-American community. Brazil has been one of the major players in the efforts of collective security and the economic cooperation carried out in the western hemisphere. The country has also been a supporter of its allies in the WW-I and WW-II. The forces of Brazil managed to play a very critical role with Italy for the victory achieved at the Monte Castello. Brazil is also one of the members of Organization of American States (OAS) as well as the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance according to the Rio Treaty (SouthT). 1.1.2.2.1. Member of the United Nations The country is also one of the charter members of the United Nations. According to news, Brazil has been an active member in participating in the specialized agencies. Brazil has been a huge contributor to the UN peacekeeping with troops in the Middle East as well as areas like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cyprus, Mozambique, along with Angola, East Timor and Haiti. Brazil also served as a member of the UN Security Council with the number of times totaling to 9. It is still seeking permanent position in the council and is still a non-permanent member (US Library of Congress). 1.1.2.2.2. G-20 group The country has been increasingly becoming an active member in the discussion of trade and policy since it faced an increase and diversification in its domestic economy. History states that Brazil has been one of the leaders of the G-20 group in the year 2009 and was a creditor country to the IMF that is the international monetary fund (US Library of Congress). 1.1.1.1.1. Latin American Integration Association (ALADI) and Union of South American Nations (UNASUL) Brazil has been a believer of expanding relations for very long. If we take a look at its history, the story is no different. As for the ALADI and UNASUL, Brazil has undergone these due to the fact that it has always given priority to developing and maintaining good productive relationships with its South American neighbors and thus a founding member of the Latin American Integration Association. As for the Union of South American Nations, this was developed in the year of 2004 (Machado). 1.1.1.2. Federative Republic Brazil is officially called as the Federative Republic of Brazil. The Federative Republic consists of a total of 26 states and a federal district. The capital of the Federative Republic of Brazil is Brasilia which holds the government's headquarters and the executive, legislative, as well as the judicial powers. The federation is further divided into several units called states. These states are then divided into municipal districts, which are further divided into local districts. The states amount up to 26 in number where a total of 9, 274 districts are present and 4, 974 municipal districts come in counting. However, even though the country is called as the Federative Republic of Brazil, the presence of the political centralization is very high and the autonomy of the federation seems to be very less (Machado). 1.1.1.3. Politics The Brazilian politics consists of a total of 15 political parties. It has been observed that the politicians switch parties very easily. The seats change regularly in the congressional seats. As for the political parties, their list holds the likes of Workers Party (PT-center-left), Liberal Front Party (PFL-right), Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB-center), Brazilian Social Democratic Party (PSDB-center-left), Progressive Party (PP-right), Brazilian Labor Party (PTB-center-right) as well as Liberal Party (PL-center-right), Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB-left), Popular Socialist Party (PPS-left), Democratic Labor Party (PDT-left) and the Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB-left) (Machado). 1.1.2. Demographics According to the census conducted in 2000, the reported total population is around 17 million. The age structure consists of the majority of 67% to be related to the age group of 15 to 64 years. Therefore the median age is to be reported as 28 in males and 30 in female. As far as the population growth rate is concerned, it is 1.134% with the birth rate being 17.79 births/1,000 of the population. The death rate has been recorded as 6.36 deaths/1,000 population. As for the number of females and males in Brazil, the average age of 15 to 64 years consists of 0.98 male/females in the context of sex ratio (Economic intelligence unit, 2006) 1.1.2.1. Economy The Brazilian economy was the strongest in the era of 2008. According to statistics, the economy also went through a financial crisis in this time but the overall performance had been rather good. Thus facing an early recovery, the economy of Brazil faced a growth of 7.5 percent in 2010 in order to aid the transition from a regional power to a global one. In 2011, the growth was recorded to be an increased 3.5 percent while 2012 expectation is of 4 percent. Brazil holds the world’s 7th largest economy and many studies have predicted it to become the fifth largest in the world. The middle class section has increased to a satisfactory level and many have come out of the poverty zone. These changes were taken place under the presidency of Lula who increased exports as well as the social programs to gain such advantages. The current president Dilma Rousseff, has expressed that he would continue running the country with the same policies (Economic intelligence unit, 2006). As far as the foreign direct investment (FDI) is concerned, it has always been encouraged by Brazil. In Latin America, it is one of the largest FDI recipients in Latin America with the USA acting as the number one investor in Brazil. The country understands that high growth rate can only be maintained if the foreign direct investment is efficiently maintained and thus has plans in investing a lot of money in off-shore oil, nuclear power, and many more. One of the major developments that would help the economy further is the international athletic competitions that would be taking place in the year 2016 making it another major boost to the economy. This has led the government to invest more on roads, airport and many other facilities (Economic intelligence unit, 2006). 1.1.2.2. Language The language spoken in Brazil is Portuguese. However, the Portuguese spoken in Brazil is only a bit different from the one that is spoken in Portugal. The language difference can be attributed to the same difference present in the English spoken in the UK and the one spoken in the USA. The country does not hold any dialect within but the variation can be sensed only in the regional context moderately. So, personal vocabulary and the use of personal pronouns and nouns are the variation present in the language used throughout Brazil. Still, even those variations have seemed to diminish due to the presence of mass media and the national television networks. As for the written language, it is the same throughout the country. The country has national rules to deal with the written language which are constantly updated and made easier (Economic intelligence unit, 2006). 1.1.2.3. Natural resources Considering the natural resources, Brazil is one of the major suppliers in this area. Brazil’s major operations are carried out with lumber, iron ore, tin, and petrochemicals along with other commodities as well. The industry is thus, highly specialized and diverse which aids the economy a lot with its natural resources (Brazil). 1.1.3. People 1.1.3.1. Education The education system in Brazil has three points. The beginning point is the fundamental level which is later used to enter into the intermediate level. As for the third point, the intermediate level gives way to the higher education level that is further divided into the undergraduate level and the graduate level. Children that are under the age of 7 are placed into the level of preschool (Brazil). As for those who failed to enter into this stream or did not complete it, the delay can still be managed. This can be done with the use of courses and examinations for this that attained a supply. In this way, a more customized approach was achieved by the government that helped these kinds of individuals as a make-up of the delay (Brazil). The school year consists of 180 days minimum that does not include the tests and exams. According to the new National Education Bases and Guidelines Law, a total of 200 school days must be established (Brazil). 1.1.3.2. Culture The Brazilian people view the family as the foundation of their social structure. Therefore, it is also the grounds on which they view stability. Their family size has been quite large in the past but has been slowly decreasing in the previous years. As for the extended family, their ties seem to be quite strong. Considering the individual alone, he or she is the driver of a social network that helps the family when they are in need. As for nepotism, the culture finds it acceptable and views it positively as they believe in the fact of hiring somebody well known, as they give trust primary importance (Brazil-U.S. Business Council). 1.1.3.3. Religion As Brazil is one of the only nations that speak Portuguese in America, the portion of population that belong to the Roman Catholic Church are three quarters. Other religions that reside in this country are the Protestant denominations and the evangelical movements with a little bit of African religions as well (Brazil-U.S. Business Council). 1.1.4. Agriculture This is one of the major sectors of this economy and stands as one of the pillars in the economic growth and foreign exchange of this country. When business is considered along with it, the agribusiness makes a total of 25 percent. Thus, the exports make up about 36 percent of the data. When it comes to production, this country manages to produce sugarcane, coffee, fruits and FCOJ in huge amounts. Brazil also has the world’s largest commercial cattle herd that is double the size of USA with a total of 170 million animals. Other lists where Brazil stands proud are second to the US in producing soybeans, beef, and poultry production (Brazil-U.S. Business Council). 2. What alternative energy does Brazil lead other nations? 2.1. Economy 2.1.1. Components and energy Brazil contains one of the largest forests in the world; the Amazon. In the last 30 years the transition from forest to land has reduced this percentage to 20 percent. Of course, this has been dealt with initiatives like the revitalization of degraded pastures and forest, agriculture, and livestock integration. Brazil is thus one of the biggest emitters of the greenhouse gases and thus also plays big role in the change in global climate (Trading economics). One of the major problems that have been observed is the illegal logging in the Amazon. The federal government has however, given a lot of declarations about saving the rainforest but till now, no change has been observed about the illegal logging which is further causing a rise in the problem of deforestation. According to recent sources, a total of 90 individuals were arrested which were either loggers, public officials, of businessmen. There were also some arrests reported from the oil companies and the ship yard companies that were the state-owned oil company Petrobras, Angraporto Offshore, Maua Jurong and IESA in the year 2004. The arrests made to the executives and directors of these companies have been under the allegation of ghost companies, insider information and fixed bids (Entrust Global Partners). 2.1.2. Science and technology The country is very efficient when it comes to science and technology. Brazil is a leader in deep sea oil production, research in the agribusiness, remote sensing, and the bio fuels. Of course there are some challenges that the country still faces. As majority of the population lives in the concentrated areas with lesser people living in the urban areas, Brazil has to work towards promoting them and at the same time has to deal with the citizens and waste water (Trading economics). 2.1.3. Natural resources Brazil recently caught the attention of the world after oil discoveries from the country’s coast; it has been rigorously working towards advancement in the sector of natural resources. Brazil has a vast reserve of natural resources where at one end the ports provide access for transportation of resources and the oil reserve, at the other end manages to put up a strong base for economic growth. The already mentioned government-owned petroleum company, Petrobras and many other small players have experienced an investment of more than $174 billion to dig up new oil reserves as well. The Hydroelectric power is the main source of energy being used in this country where the supply has been provided by huge hydroelectric plants. As for coal and gas, they are widely used where only the domestic steel manufacturers use this source of power (Entrust Global Partners). 2.1.4. Gross national product (GNP) According to statistics, the GDP in 2011 was 2.7 percent more than the GDP from 2010. This was due to the result of value addition and taxes of 2.5 and 4.3 percent. In 2011, the national account states that the GDP current prices reached toR$ 4,142 trillion (Trading economics). 2.1.5. Purchasing power parity (PPP) Starting from the year 2008, the PPP of Brazil was $2.034 trillion; in 2009 it was reported as $2.021 trillion while 2010 brought in a figure of $2.172 trillion (Central Intelligence Agency). 2.2. Alternative energy The Brazilian government and the U.S government along with the academic researchers and the private sector have firm ties in the sector of alternative energy. The areas where the cooperation is at its highest areas are the Biofuels, Natural gas, Petroleum, Renewable energy, and Hydroelectricity. The extent of the bilateral cooperation has increased to a huge level now and other areas where such expansion is taking place are the advanced materials and energy efficiency. There are of course many limitations such as bio piracy (Central Intelligence Agency). 3. What countries does Brazil have close business ties with? 3.1. Business relations 3.1.1. United States In recent years, the bilateral trade between USA and Brazil has diminished over the years. The previous year brought up the figure of $19.3 billion in exports with the basic products being petroleum, iron ore, coffee and automobile tires. On the other hand, USA exported diesel, coal, engine parts and airline components to Brazil. There were several acquisitions as well such as the Gerdu and Banco do Brasil bank (Central Intelligence Agency). 3.1.2. France Brazil has more than 500 French companies established in it and has thus employed more than 250,000 people. France stands at position number 4 outside OECD in business (SER, 2009). 3.1.3. Spain Recently, Spain has strengthened its relations with Brazil. It considers Brazil strategically important and has various deals under construction (SER, 2009). 3.1.4. Chile Apart from being mediators in international conflicts, both countries have actively participated in the Haiti rehabilitation in 2004. This was led by the Brazilian army (SER, 2009). 3.1.5. Netherlands This relationship has been there for more than 400 years. Both these countries have very close trade relationship and aim to strengthen it further with the latest collaboration agreement (SER, 2009). 3.1.6. Argentina In 2010, Argentine exported a total of $14.4 billion to Brazil while $ 18.5 billion were exported by Brazil to Argentine. Argentine is the third largest export and import in Brazil list(SER, 2009). 3.1.7. China With the bilateral trade diminishing drastically between the USA and Brazil, China surpassed the United States and became its number one partner in the recent year (SER, 2009). 3.2. Enemies 3.2.1. Venezuela In 2001, Venezuela and Brazil opened a power line for the purpose of supplying energy. In 2007 both countries managed to build an oil refinery in Brazil which will be completed in 2010; 40 percent of which will be owned by the Venezuela’s PDVSA (Winter, 2011). 3.2.2. Cuba According to data, it was observed that bilateral trade between the two countries increased by 58 percent in recent years despite their tension (Winter, 2011) 4. What economic trades and resources does Brazil currently invest in with other nations? 4.1. Exports In the current year, the total exports by Brazil came as 16.1 Billion in the first month. The export oriented economy managed to export 14 percent of its GDP and mainly exported the like of transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, footwear, coffee, autos, automotive parts, machinery. Also, 23 percent of exports were recorded regarding the export of cane and sugar in the refined form. The countries in which Brazil thus invest are the European Union, United Sates, Argentina, China and Venezuela (Koonings, 1994). 4.2. Imports As for the Brazilian imports, the advent of 2012 recorded a total of 17.4 Billion USD. The imports were mainly machinery, electrical and transport equipment, ethanol, chemical products, automotive part and electronics. The countries with which the imports are carried out are the European Union, United States, China and Argentina (Koonings, 1994). 5. How can the United States learn from Brazil to build its own economy to be a leader in alternative energy? 5.1. Exchange programs The Exchange programs work as the best option for the US as well as Brazil to attain professional development opportunity. The countries work towards mutual development where the United States can learn from Brazil to build its own economy. The mutual interest aims to build communities, schools, as well as students (Inter Knowledge corp, 2006). 5.2. United Nations General Assembly Brazil has the history of playing a very important role as far as the United Nations general assembly is concerned. The opening speech, thus presented at the starting done by the Brazilian representatives, always mention the current economic conditions as well as an assessment of the situation that is globally prevailing. In 2011, President Rousseff was the first woman to start a debate. The United Nations General Assembly is also a way in which United States can learn from Brazil to build its own economy (Inter Knowledge corp, 2006) 5.3 Global Partnership Dialogue, Economic and Financial Dialogue and Strategic Energy Dialogue Major U.S. and Brazil bilateral talks have been carrying out on regular basis after the joint statement released in the previous year of 2011. The dialogues held discussed the development of bio fuels for aviation where actions were reaffirmed. As for the GPD meeting that is the Global Partnership Dialogue, senior level meetings on science and technology were conducted. Dialogues on science and technology was also conducted that managed to state where innovation was the key agenda as enhancing collaboration between both countries were favored so that both can build their economy (Inter Knowledge corp, 2006) 6. Conclusion Therefore, it can be concluded that Brazilians are one of the free spirited nations who love to take risk. This nature compels their business to be more creative and become one of the major players in the efforts of collective security and the economic cooperation carried out in the western hemisphere. While doing business with the Brazilian community, it must be kept in mind that it is the personality as well as the ability to develop strong business and personal relationships that will help an individual to do business with the Brazilian community. Thus, the country which is rich in culture and is predicted to become one of biggest economies in the coming prefer developed future relationships, as people of this country develop strong friendship bonds. The meetings are also conducted in places that are less formal with face to face communication. So with less fax and email communication, it is better to get a written agreement. Thus, when conducting business in Brazil, a local accountant, a local hire, and a Brazilian contact for the right people, are advisable (Entrust Global Partners). References Brazil, Retrieved 7th March, 2012 from Brazil-U.S. Business Council, Brazil OverviewRetrieved 7th March, 2012 from Central Intelligence Agency, Field Listing:: GDP (Purchasing Power Parity), Retrieved 7th March, 2012 from Economic intelligence unit (2006) Brazil, Retrieved 7th March, 2012 from Entrust Global Partners, Brazil (Part 1) – Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Retrieved March 10, 2012 from http://www.entrustglobalpartners.com/brazil-part-1-natural-resources-and-environmental-sustainability/> Inter Knowledge corp (2006) Brazil-an introduction, Retrieved 7th March, 2012 from Koonings.K (1994)Industrialization Industrialists and Regional Development in Brazil, Amsterdam,Thela Kwint, Planning to visit Brazil?Retrieved 7th March, 2012 from Machado.M, Federative Republic of Brazil: General information, Retrieved 7th March, 2012 from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2009) Newsletter, Retrieved 7th March, 2012 from SER (2009) The Social and Economic Councils of The Netherlands and Brazil sign collaboration agreement, Retrieved 7th March, 2012 from SouthT, Brazilian Government, Retrieved 7th March, 2012 from Trading economics, Brazil GDP Growth Rate,Retrieved 7th March, 2012 from US Library of Congress, History of Brazil, Area Handbook, Retrieved 7th March, 2012 from: Willemsen.J and Leferink.B (2010)Summary History of Brazil,Retrieved 7th March, 2012 from: Winter.B (2011) Factbox: Venezuela-Cuba.-Brazil relations and business ties,Retrieved 7th March, 2012 from Annotated Bibliography: Brazil Abdul Doss Business 604 Raufflet, E. and Amaral, C. (2007) Bridging Business and Society: The Abrinq Foundation in Brazil, Journal of Business Ethics: Springer. p119-128. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25075404. The article presents the process of creation and expansion of Abriq foundation that bridges business and other sectors of society. The author claims that social exclusion and inequalities are rampant in Brazil and that the lives of youths and children in Brazil are desperate. The author supports this claim by analyzing a report by amnesty international, which gives information to the effect that while Saulo Paulo is among the richest nations in the world, the rest of Brazilians survives in less than $50 a day. This article is useful in analyzing the Global Business cultural analysis, since it compares the relationship of business organization and the other sectors of society in Brazil and the rest of the world. Rabelo, F. and Vasconcelos, F. (2002). Corporate Governance in Brazil. Journal of Business Ethics. Springer. P321-335. The article addresses the corporate governance practices that are common the world over. It compares these practices with those ones in brazil. There have been many changes effected in the corporate governance of organizations in Brazil. The author analyses the effect of the oil crisis of the 1970 and how it affected the domestic economy in Brazil, forcing it to open up more to international trade and exports. I found this article useful for the study, because it compares the corporate governance in Brazil and the rest of the world. Goldstein, D. (1999). "Interracial" Sex and Racial Democracy in Brazil: Twin Concepts. American Anthropologist. Blackwell Publishing. P563-578. http://www.jstor.org/stable/683848. The article examines how racial democracy is observed in Brazil. The author supports this claim by comparing how Brazil perceives themselves and others in racial terms. The business interaction in Brazil is well over the challenges of racialism. The article is found useful for the purpose of this study, since it compares the racial attitudes of Brazilians and the rest of the world, and their conduct of business. Martinelli, L., and Filoso, S. (2008). Expansion of Sugarcane Ethanol Production in Brazil: Environmental and Social Challenges. Ecological Applications: Ecological Society of America. P855-898. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40062197. The article is found useful since tackles the concerns of global warming. The author claims that Brazil’s sugar and ethanol sectors are likely to benefit from the demand for renewable source of energy. Castro, M. and carvalho, M. (2003). Globalization and Recent Political Transitions in Brazil. International Political Science Review: Sage Publications, Ltd. P465-490. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1601633. The article discusses the political transitions in Brazil, in the context of globalization. The article is useful for the study since it emphasizes on the challenges existing in the treatment of social issues and the connection between the domestic and international agendas. Griesse, M. (2007). Developing Social Responsibility: Biotechnology and the Case of DuPont in Brazil. Journal of Business Ethics: Springer. P103-118. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25075403. The article is about the activities of DuPoint in Brazil and examines the debate of GMOs in the Brazilian context. The commercialization of the new Biotechnology producing GMOs for consumption is particularly important for Brazil, being the largest agricultural country in the world. The article is useful in the study because it examines how the Biotechnology adopted by Brazil will be received by the rest of the world. Beekun, I., Stedham, Y., and Yamamura, J. (2003). Business Ethics in Brazil and the U.S.: A Comparative Investigation. Journal of Business Ethics: Springer. P267-279. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25074959. The article is a comparative study of business professionals in Brazil and the US. It evaluates the effects of national culture on ethical decision making within the context of a business. The article is important for the study since it compares the Brazilian professional business culture with that of the US. Hofstede, G. et al. (2002). What Goals Do Business Leaders Pursue? A Study in Fifteen Countries. Journal of International Business Studies. Palgrave Macmillan Journals. P785-803. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3069594. The article the goals that successful businesspersons have in fifteen countries, brazil inclusive. The authors related these goals to the national cultures of the professionals compared. The article is useful in this study since it gives a comparison of business goals in different countries, and how they are influenced by the country’s culture. Dillon, J. and Scandizzo, P. (1978). Risk Attitudes of Subsistence Farmers in Northeast Brazil: A Sampling Approach. Oxford University Press. P425-435. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1239939. This article examines the alternatives used in assessing the risk attitude of farm owners in Brazil. The analysis indicated that income levels and other social economic variables influence the risk attitude. I found this article useful for this study, since it relates the social economic variables with the risk-taking propensity. This article can be applied for comparisons with such factors in the US and other countries globally. Bandeira, L. (2006). Brazil as a Regional Power and Its Relations with the United States. Latin American Perspectives. Sage Publications, Inc. p12-27. : http://www.jstor.org/stable/27647933. The article addresses the Brazilian conflict with the major industrial powers, which it does not seem to recognize. The article specifically addresses the relationship between brazil and the US in the business and industrial front. I found this paper useful for the study, since it evaluates the commercial relationships between Brazil and the US. Guidry, J. (2003). The Struggle to Be Seen: Social Movements and the Public Sphere in Brazil. International Journal of Politics, Culture, and Society. Springer. P493-524. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20020183. This articles how community movement activities in Brazil shape the dynamics of social sphere. It considers how the social forces, the elite actors, and the state itself influence the economy of Brazil. I found this article useful for this study, since it explains the determinants of the economy performance. Huo, Y., and McKinley, W. (1992). Nation as a Context for Strategy: The Effects of National Characteristics on Business-Level Strategies. MIR: Management International Review: Springer. P103-113. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40228094. This article identifies the various national characteristics that discourages or favor the undertaking of international business, and how the factors discouraging this can be overcome. This article is useful for this study, since it shows thee desirable national characteristics that promotes foreign trade and globalization Read More