LATIN AMERICA 12/05/08

In Latin America existed many Civilizations around the land, some of them were very important and significant for our culture and history.



One of the most important were:



The MAYA Civilization

• One of the most densely populated and culturally dynaminc societies


• They had a written Language of the pre-columbian americas, Monumental Architectual structures, Sophisticated mathematical and astronomical systems.


• They suddenly disppeared and these are some theories: Overpopulation, Foreign Invasion, Peasant revolt, Collapse of key trade rutes, Environmental disaster, Epidemic disease and Climate change

Aztecs

• Developed the Nahuatl language which still spoken today in some rural areas


• Architecture was the most important of the incas arts.


• In 1572 the last Inca stronghold was conquered, and the last ruler, Tupac Amaru was captured and executed. After this Spanish brutally oppressed the people and suppressed their traditions.

Muiscas

• Muisca refers to a nation of the Chibchan culture that formed the Muisca Confederation encountered by the spanish


• Agrarian and ceramic society belonging to the Andes of the north of South America

After the civilization mentioned before, came the colonization, that was different in each country or region, it brougth some benefits and negative consequences

• Benefits: Generation of employment for the host country, Foreign investment helps improve the productivity or welfare of the rest of the economy, The privatization of public utilities, transportation, telecommunications and other services can provide substantial increases in productivity to households and businesses in the rest of the economy.


• Increased capacity, improved management, transfers of technology etc., can allow the FDI to provide a greater supply of services with enhanced quality at a lower price.

• Negative Consequences: FDI may act to sharply reduce domestic welfare; FDI can magnify the distortions and misallocate resources in the country. (Environmental impact); Negative impact on national producers, making them less competitive and Most Latin American economies have grown rather sluggishly during the last 20 years.
  

The classmates that made this presentation, explained the country of Brazil, so i will make a summary of what they said:

Brazil

• Brazil was under the rule of Portugal for three centuries.


• Became an independent nation in 1822 and a Republic in 1889.


• Largest and Most populous country in South America.


• Brazil overcame more than half a century of military intervention in the governance of the country when in 1985 the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers


• The roots of Brazilian culture lies in that of Portugal. Heavily influenced by the Portuguese, Brazil boasts of a colourful and vibrant culture.


• How to do business in Brazil:
  Make appointments at least two weeks in advance, Be prepared to commit long term resources (both in time and money) toward establishing strong relationships in Brazil, Business luch or dinners are very common, Visit and company cards should be exchanged, Giving a gift is not required at a first business meeting; instead buy lunch or dinner, Use good eye contact, Good conversation topics: soccer, family, and children among others.
  

How different is the protocol that is needed to have in other Latin American countries: How to do business in Mexico?

There are many aspects that are important and necessary to do:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Use of Phone, Fax & Email, Authority, Status and Decision Makers, Time and Punctuality, Language, Dress Code, Greeting Protocols, Meeting Formats, Talking Business.

Language:
Spanish is Mexico's official language, and business meetings should normally take place in Spanish. English is quite widely spoken in business circles, today more than ever before, and if you don't speak Spanish, your hosts may be happy to hold the meeting in English, but check beforehand to avoid embarrassment. If you dont speak Spanish at all, it may be wise to hire a traslatot to facilitate the negotiation and the yhing you are talking abouta and if the negotiation is in English you should talk slowly but no like if the other person is an idiot, because they will feel bad and the negotiation can go differently.

Exclusivity: Is a very common request in Mexico, you should know that your company is capable to do this, because they dont like to have any problem with this, also sometimes is normally to think that if someone has inverted many of their time doing this is because is only for them, no other will need what they need iqually.

SOURCE: http://www.mexperience.com/business/resources/bc_practice.htm#TOP