The Brazilian Samba

By: Kathy Gargiulo & Diana Genovese

Overview

186 million people Almost equal size to

U.S. BRIC member Contains many

aspects of grandeur Division between

North & South Tremendous spirit

in the face of adversity

Beginning to emphasize future

Brazilian Samba

Demonstrates passion for life “a binary, percussive rhythm in which the first beat is never

sounded, causing a continual, hesitant urgency” 1st appeared on plantation farms

Small-Step Circularity

Grew with small, controlled steps in a circular pattern

Government formulation Military to civilian & back Monarchy dead, Brazil created in 1889 Complex business process

Currency formulation Since 1940, used five different currencies Hesitant to bring about change Circularity

Lax & controlled education simultaneously Early stages are relaxed Vestibular Rigid like tight control of the torso and movement in samba

Colegas & Business Colegas- Acquaintance Want to be considered family First establish solid friendship

Family relationship Most important institution Father is final decision Younger family takes care as older members age

& respect

Gender relations

Direct responses

ALP #1: Careful advancement

Strategies:• Implement changes slowly, not rapidly• Allocate extra time• Build strong and close relationships• Facesaving• Be prepared to hear “No”

Physical Touch

Samba is danced in close proximity with others

Family Ties Establish homes in same geographic area Communicate daily Sunday Meal Family is social network

The Self and Collectivism Sense of equality and freedom to pursue dreams Idea of self in close-knit group Concern for outcome of others; groups over

personal goals

Human Warmth Facial grazing and touching

ALP #2: Caring Individuals

Strategies• Formulate personal relationships• Be aware and sensitive of family ties• Understand everyone is individual but treat as one

group• Be comfortable with closeness and physical touch

Undulation

“A distinctive moving of the hips”

Shortcut to a solution Accomplish by circumventing rules and obstacles This act is traced to original Portuguese Saci

Impact of status Hierarchical structure of respect Cordialidade Jeitinho

Navigating business Despachante No faith in personal signatures, need

notarized

ALP #3: Dancing Around

strategies• Respect social status• Expect an unconventional business style• Expect favors to families • Hire temporary workers

Spontaneous Escape

Escape from reality of everyday life Lose track of time and the environment (polychronic) Monochronatic behavior

Spontaneous activities mixing social classes Sambodromo Create Samba beat in universities Samba soccer

Rich or Poor Most favelas (ghettos) in Latin America Tudo bom: everything turns out good in some way or

another Delay of business practices Individualism/collectivism

Mixing Business and Pleasure High correlation between personal and work lives Business lunches: 1.5 - 3 hours long Few rules

ALP #4: Escape Hardships

Strategies: Take time less seriously Make work fun Be prepared for personal and informal

conversations and negotiations Positive attitude Rewards should benefit the family rather than just

the employee

Understand their way ofliterally “dancing around things.”

Paradox of Dancers

Dancers are full of contrasts Different costumes Represents diverse backgrounds of

the people Mesticos: mixed races

Importance of race and social class Poverty is concentrated among

those with darker skin Brazilian rainbow

Importance of religion Great tolerance for contradiction Conservative traditions Catholicism are adapted to ideas of

witchcraft and supernatural powers

Brazilian Flag “Ordem e Progresso” Each color has a meaning

ALP #5: Diversity

StrategiesBe aware and comfortable of racial and

social differencesNot difficult to integrate yourself into

cultureBe patient

Hofstede’s Dimension

Power Distance: 69Individualism: 38Uncertainty Avoidance: 76Masculinity: 49Confucian Dynamism: 65