Business Ethics Across Cultures

The world is separated by borders of land and water, yet through globalization these countries do business with each other. One way for a business to expand is not only in its' own country, but other countries as well. As globalization is growing, more companies are becoming aware of how other companies in different countries operate. People are aware that different countries have a set of different cultures, customs, and food. They might not be aware that business is also done differently then how they are used to in their country. All countries have their own set of business ethics or ethical perspectives of what they view is the right thing to do. Different countries operate differently then each other, some have similar characteristics and others are complete opposites, yet they do business with each other. Brazil and United Arab Emirates both are young business countries, but have different business ethics. They have different views on what is right and wrong even compared to the United States.

With the fifth largest population and the tenth largest economy in the world, Brazil is a young, vibrant and attractive place for doing business (Global Compliance - Brazil", 2008). Brazil is in a prime location with a lot of land and a long coastline, along with its abundance of natural resources. Still a young country Brazil knows that to grow its economy they must strengthen their infrastructure and open their doors to other companies from other countries. Brazil's ethical issues have been challenged in the past as what seemed to be a huge problem with corruption. It ranges from the political corruption of the President to city officials taking bribes to get papers signed. To do business in Brazil it is important to be on time, dress fashionably like a business suit, and bring a small gift like orchids. Men shake hands and women kiss each cheek starting with the left side first, while business cards are exchanged during introductions.

This young nation comprised of seven Arabian states has experienced tremendous growth since its founding in 1971, in large part due to abundant natural resources, moderate foreign policy and the dedicated support of innovative business growth plans by the country's corporations and rulers ("Global Compliance: United Arab Emirates", 2008). UAE has gone through a major transformation in the past 40 years from a bunch of disjointed states to a unified country that has one of the highest standards of living in the world. The country is more tolerant than other traditional Middle Eastern neighbors, where women have more freedom in all aspects of life. Dubai is one of the more famous states that has the palm islands, world islands, and the world's tallest building. For a growing country UAE has a high level of unemployment and a high level of illiteracy. UAE also knows that to grow economically when the oil runs out they need to focus on their infrastructure and the business from other countries. UAE struggles with the concepts of policies in ethical behavior and procedures. They have a hard time writing things such as codes of conducts and following and enforcing such rules. Doing business in UAE happens really fast or really slow, making it difficult to assess projects. First names usually have no importance instead the kunya is more important and the one that should be used. There are no set business appointments, people usually just drop by whenever they are in the area. Since there are no set meeting times there is no exchange of business cards. Meeting at someone's house is always greeted with a 'as-salam alaikum" and a reply of "wa alaikum as-salam" is given back if the person is liked. The high standard of living environment means to dress to impress and greet the most senior ranking person in the room first. Other important customs to do business is that there is prayer five times a day and that the left hand is usually reserved for unclean usage and should not be used.

The primary ethical perspectives of Brazil is that they would like to strengthen economy with global business, but their known problem is with corruption or gifts. To them it is normal for someone to pay money on the side to get papers signed, speed up procedures, or get special treatment. To others it is seen as bribery, which is illegal and makes other countries wary of doing business in Brazil. Aware of this situation Brazil has joined many anti-bribery organizations. Their primary ethical perspective is to expand without the thoughts of corruption in the environment. To also operate free of corruption while following international business standards.

UAE has a primary ethical perspective of wanting to be at the top for all global commerce including tourism, finance, and real estate. Their problems are that they must start operating with procedures and codes of ethics. They can not simply do things when they please or just when they are in the area of a business and feel like talking. To achieve this