18. Profile of Brazil
Brazil is the largest country in South America, characterized by a diverse geography that includes the vast Amazon Rainforest and a primarily tropical climate. Its cultural history is a blend of indigenous roots, Portuguese colonization, and African influences, which has resulted in a society where Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion. Politically, Brazil is a federal republic where personal relationships often play a significant role in navigating the complex government bureaucracy. In daily life, Brazilians celebrate major holidays like Carnival and enjoy traditional foods such as feijoada, while maintaining a professional style of dress that emphasizes elegance and status in business settings.
19. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions for Brazil
According to Hofstede’s dimensions, Brazil is a society with high Power Distance, meaning that employees generally accept a clear hierarchy and show great respect for authority figures. The country is considered Collectivist rather than Individualist, as Brazilians prioritize group loyalty and prefer to do business with people they have built long-term, personal relationships with. Brazil also scores high in Uncertainty Avoidance, which leads to a preference for structured rules and a reliance on detailed legal contracts to manage the stresses of the future. Finally, Brazil is characterized by an Indulgent culture, where people place a high value on leisure time, social interactions, and enjoying life's pleasures.