CAC Installed Ahead of Rio Olympics
Transcription
CAC Installed Ahead of Rio Olympics
Advances Fusion, April, 2016 Vol. 6, #2, April 2016, No. 57 CAC Installed Ahead of Rio Olympics Midea’s air conditioning has been installed in the 2016 Olympic village 1 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 www.midea.com ADVANCES Contents NEWSLINE RAC Wins Major North America Certification PAGE 7 Page 1 Pic courtesy of International Olympic Committee via Google Images RAC Attends United Nations Environmental Conference CAC to Shine at Summer Olympics PAGE 3 2015 Report Supports Moody's A3 Rating PAGE 4 Minnie Mouse Makes Midea Memorable PAGE 5 PAGE 8 Central Europe Training Takes in the Mars Rover and BMW PAGE 9 China’s World-Beating Swimmers and Divers Come to HQ PAGE 10 PEOPLE FUSION Belying the Myths about the Youth of Today PAGE 14 FUSION Turning Japanese! PAGE 15 Getting by in Brazil PAGE 17 Fan Base at Olympic Trials Training Center Established in Venezuela PAGE 5 Little Swan up 28% Year-onYear PAGE 6 4 Factory Workers Win Good Samaritan Award PAGE 6 PAGE 11 Finding the Right Balance with Chef Robert Pengson PAGE 12 CAC Wins Angola Cement Plant Project PAGE 13 Midea Advances Newsletter is published monthly by Midea International Business. We welcome all comments, suggestions and contributions of articles, as well as requests for subscription to our newsletter. You can reach us by email at: [email protected] Quote of the Month: Address: ADVANCES, Midea International Business Midea HQ No. 6 Midea Road Beijiao, Shunde, Foshan, Guangdong P.R.C. 528311 Every man I meet is my superior in some way, in that, I learn of him. —Ralph Waldo Emerson. Web: www.midea.com/global Phone: 0086 13266591586 2 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 NEWSLINE CAC to Shine at Summer Olympics By CAC B eijing 2008 had the Water Cube, London 2012 had the wave-like roof, and Rio 2016 has unveiled the design that will adorn its main aquatics arena. Rio2016.com has revealed that the Olympic Aquatics Stadium that will host the world’s best swimmers and water polo players next year will be enveloped by a work of art by Image via International Olympic Committee could become as iconic as its predecessors. Rio-born artist Varejão, who is behind the design, has had her work displayed in the Tate Modern in London, Paris’s Fondation Cartier, the Guggenheim in New York and Tokyo’s Hara Museum. Making it possible for spectators to enjoy watching world- Image via International Olympic Committee renowned Brazilian artist Adriana Varejão. Characterized by images of oceans and angels, the venue class sports in the Brazilian summer will be the V5X series from Midea Commercial Air Conditioning (CAC). The variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system boasts advanced direct current (DC) inverter technology, precision refrigerant control, energy-saving heat transfer, and powerful lowtemperature heating technology. The VRF has maximum parallel capacity of 88 HP, the highest in the industry, and the leading integrated part load value (IPLV) of 8.3 W/W. Image via International Olympic Committee 3 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 NEWSLINE By Moody’s 2015 Report Supports Moody's A3 Rating M 8%-20% in its refrigerator, washing machine and small appliances segments. Midea reported RMB16 billion (US$2.46 billion) in revenue generated from online distribution channels for 2015, the highest such revenue among large white goods manufacturers in China. Moody's says the strong online sales helped Midea maintain its strong market position. Overall, Moody's says that Midea's total revenue will likely stay stable over the next 12-18 months. Continuous product upgrades and sustained low input costs resulted in Midea's adjusted EBITDA margin rising marginally to 12.0% for 2015 oody's Investors Service said March 31 that Midea Group Co., Ltd.'s results for 2015 support its A3 issuer rating and the stable outlook on the rating. Midea reported stable adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for 2015, despite a modest 2% fall in revenue," says Lina Choi, a Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer. "These results were driven mainly by product upgrades and diversification, growth in online distribution and low raw material prices." "Proactive inventory clearance during the fourth quarter also helped Midea maintain healthy inventory levels on a company as well as distributor basis," adds Choi. The modest 2% fall in Midea's total revenue to RMB138 billion (US $22.1 billion) was in line with the 0.4% fall in revenue for the home appliances industry as a whole, based on data from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The stable EBITDA was supported by: 1) product upgrades in its air-conditioning, refrigerator and washing machine segments, where higher average prices resulted in improved gross margins; and 2) encouraging revenue growth of from 11.8% the year before. Midea's liquidity remains very strong. It held in excess of RMB40 billion (US$6.41 billion) in cash and cash like assets on hand at 31 December 2015, and generated RMB25-RMB27 billion in operating cash flow. 4 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 NEWSLINE Minnie Mouse Makes Midea Memorable By Advances O ver 600 Midea products were put on display at China’s oldest trade fair from April 15-19. Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck were on Midea’s Canton Fair stand to mark Midea’s cooperation with Disney. Products on show included the Bubble home automation series, the family set of small appliances and the latest products from each division. The Canton Fair has been held twice every year since 1957. According to China Daily, this year's fair saw an increase in buyers from South Asia, Middle East, South America and Africa. By CAC Training Center Established in Venezuela V sessions in the South American country. Engineers were on hand to explain how the technology works and how best to present products appealingly. Generating economic activity in Venezuela is challenging but necessary. Copper and other raw materials are in short supply but swimming upstream is the Midea way. enezuela is going through tough times. Due to an energy crisis, two million public sector workers are working a two-day week and women have even been called on not to use hairdryers. In spite of this, Midea Commercial Air Conditioning (CAC) has opened an after-sales training center and held 5 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 NEWSLINE Q1 Profit up 17% Percent Year-on-Year By Advances M In the same quarter, Midea-owned washing machine brand Little Swan pulled in US$652 million, a year-on-year increase of 28.71 percent. Profit was US$48.7 million, a year-on-year increase of 30.84 percent. Highlights of the quarter included winning ten trophies at the Aipu Lan Awards, the Oscars of China’s appliances industry; the The Aipu Lan Award awarding of the Most Efficient Mini Split Certificate by the United States Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute; and the installation of Midea’s commercial air conditioning systems in the Olympic Village for Rio 2016. idea Group’s revenue for Q1 2016 was 38.3 billion RMB (US$5.9 billion), according to the quarterly report which was published April 29. Net profit was 3.9 billion RMB, a yearon-year increase of 17 percent. Earnings per share were 0.92 RMB. Successes included Residential Air Conditioning in China, where installations were up 10 percent, and market share was at 27.4 percent, an increase of 0.9 percentage points. The net amount of cash from operating activities was at 6.6 billion RMB, an increase of 164 Little Swan’s Beverly Series percent. 4 Factory Workers Win Good Samaritan Award F canteen were also awarded 5000 RMB (US$775) each. On the night of December 22, the four men were on their way home when they saw a car that had lost control and swerved into a creek. The four men waded into the creek to rescue the driver from the car and drag him ashore. The Shunde District Public Security Bureau and the Shunde District People's Government got together to present the men with The Good Samaritan Award. our workers at Midea’s kitchen appliances factory in Foshan, China were awarded for bravery and selflessness by local police after they rescued the driver of a crashed truck late last year. Deng Xunu, a line worker at the microwave factory along with Yi Xiang, Chen Jinyang and Li Jianjun who work in the factory’s 6 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 NEWSLINE RAC Wins Major North America Certification By RAC M idea Residential Air Conditioning (RAC) was awarded the Most Efficient Mini Split Certificate by the United States Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) on April 5. The recipient of the award was the Variable Speed Mini-Split Heat Pump, with Remote Outdoor Unit Air-Source, product number MS11M-09HRFN1MZA5W(A). AHRI President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Yurek, Vice President Henry Hwong, Project Manager Richie Mohan, and Chief Representative Bridge Xue attended the ceremony at which the certificate was awarded. Midea’s head of RAC Winson Wu and deputy head Mariana Zhao were also in attendance According to certification institution Intertek Group, the product’s seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is 37.5 and its heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF, a measure of energy efficiency) is 14.1, putting alongside the top products of its kind in North America. In a speech, Winson Wu said the air conditioners were designed with North American users’ demand for high efficiency, energy conservation and comfort in mind. Stephen Winson Wu About the AHRI The AHRI is a trade association formed in 2008 by a merger of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) and the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA). The organization performs political advocacy on behalf of its member industries, maintains technical standards, certifies products, shares data, conducts research, and awards scholarships. Its 300+ member companies produce more than 90 percent of the residential and commercial air conditioning, heating, water heating, and commercial refrigeration equipment made in North America. Through its certification program, standards, advocacy, and other activities, it strives to help save energy, improve productivity, and ensure a better environment. Stephen Yurek giving a speech Yurek said that as a world class white goods manufacturer, Midea was guaranteed to be welcomed by North American consumers with open arms. 7 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 NEWSLINE RAC Attends United Nations Environmental Conference By UNEP O rganized by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Ministry of Environmental Protection/Foreign Economic Cooperation Office (MEP/FECO), a workshop on environmentally friendly refrigerants in air conditioners was held in Shenzhen, China from February 29 – March 1. The event was attended by 100 delegates representing national ozone units, industry associations, enterprises (including Midea) and media from about 30 countries. The workshop aimed at helping countries in the region adopt environmentally friendly refrigerants in residential air conditioning. Developing countries are making efforts to phase out hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in the production and consumption sector in order to meet the obligations defined under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Midea’s delegation Ozone Layer. As a major consumer of HCFCs, the air conditioning industry has been making efforts in developing obstacle. alternative technology. As of today, there are available alternaRepresenting Midea Residential Air Conditioning (RAC), tives that yield higher energy-efficiency and lower global production engineer Lu Dongping explained that RAC was warming potential. However, flammability property appears to complying with the replacement of HCFC with r290 (propane) be the key barrier for the adoption of these alternatives. and how it was keeping its workers safe despite the flammability As a result, there are needs to share unbiased inforof the substance. At the opening of the workshop, Mr. Xiao mation Xuezhi, Deputy Director General of FECO‐MEP, remarked about the China’s high recognition on the significance of international alternaenvironmental agreements compliance and emphasized that tives, exChina has been taking its responsibilities seriously. change As the major global manufacturer for RAC, China conpolicy and tributes 75% of global RAC products and exports. With finantechnical cial support from Germany and the Multilateral Fund for the measures Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, the country was able such as to convert nine production lines for R290 RACs and 11 more to establishbe converted by the end of 2017. ment of Midea Residential Air Conditioning has distinguished itself proper Lu Dongping in complying with environmental regulations. As an industry safety standleader and pioneer of green manufacturing, it has a cooperation ards, improvement of product design, conversion of the prowith the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). duction lines to the selected technologies, as well as carrying out servicing technicians training programs to overcome this 8 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 NEWSLINE Central Europe Training Takes in the Mars Rover and BMW By MIP A five-day training session in Europe attended by nine Midea employees involved everything from The Mars Rover, to 3D printing, to Transformers-like robots. The nine trainees, representing various Midea product divisions, attended the Industry 4.0 training in Munich and Zurich from March 14-18. The training included visits to BMW, HAWE Hydraulic, Maxon Motor and other major European companies. Trainees got a taste of the latest industry developments such as augmented reality glasses that can identify faults in industrial machines and prescribe solutions. and seminars. During the field trips, trainees were given practical problems to solve. One trainee commented that visiting the BMW factory in Munich, with its 900 robots, was like being on the set of a Transformers movie. HAWE provided a lesson in customization. Maxon Motors, a supplier to NASA, produced the Mars Rover, which survived eight years on Mars in temperatures of minus 120 degrees. A visit to the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology provided a lesson in 3D printing. Prof. Marc Sachon, academic director of IESE Business School's Advanced Management Program (AMP) in Munich, said the training provided a valuable lesson in the future of industry. The workers who completed the training now have firsthand experience of how the world’s top companies approach factories, manufacturing, distribution and business models. The training was led by Vice Provost of China Europe International Business School Katherine R Xin. It revolved around "Real Situation Learning" and involved both field trips 9 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 NEWSLINE China's World-Beating Swimmers and Divers Come to HQ By Chen Minshan S ince 2008, Midea has sponsored China’s international swimming, diving and synchronized swimming team, a period that has coincided with its golden era. After the team’s trials for the Rio Olympics were held for at Century Lotus Sports Park in Foshan City from April 3-10, the competitors stopped off in Midea’s global HQ to say hello. As the team’s main sponsor and corporate partner, Midea invited over 30 athletes to its global headquarters to pose for photographs, meet staff and learn about the group's history and some of its leading products. ―I am a massive fan of this team. Midea will do everything within its power to help them make us proud in Rio‖ said Group President and CEO Paul Fang. Posing with a gold medal winning rice cooker Secretary General of China Swimming Association Wang Lusheng (l) with Paul Fang (r) Patriotic Midea staff with autographed shirts 10 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 NEWSLINE Fan Base at Olympic Trials By Chen Minshan M idea sent employees and their families as cheerleaders and fans at the Olympic trials for aquatic sports at Century Lotus Park in Foshan City on April 3-10. They may have been slightly biased toward competitors from Midea’s home province of Guangdong, such as the promising female swimmer Liu Xiang, but the atmosphere was lively and good-natured. Though Olympic and world-record holding swimmer Sun Yang was unfortunately absent, there was plenty for people to get excited about. Ning Zetao - Winner in the 100m freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships. His success lit up social media. Liu Zige - Gold medal winner in the 200m Butterfly at the 2008 Olympics Liu Zige - Gold medal winner in the 200m Butterfly at the 2008 Olympics 11 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 NEWSLINE Finding the Right Balance with Chef Rob Pengson Via Malaya cause he needs something that lasts, and also its simplicity, functionality and ease of use so he could bond more with his wife and sons. Bonding time means watching their favorite movie or TV series, helping his eldest son, Santiago with his homework, or playing with Sevi. When asked what his favorite Midea appliance is, Chef Rob shared that it would be the induction cooker. ―It’s top-level technology which is great for cooking and very efficient because it doesn’t waste energy. Efficiency in the kitchen is very important.‖ He also uses it at home so he can cook meals without any added stress to give him more time and energy to be with his family. ―People shouldn’t be afraid of new technology but rather embrace it,‖ Chef Rob adds. ―It’s here to make our lives better and save resources at the same time.‖ ―We’ve already worked with Chef Rob in past events and felt that he understood Midea’s positioning and shares the same views, especially when it comes to the new wave of cooking,‖ Midea General Manager Phillip Trapaga said. ―When we considered getting a brand ambassador for the full range of Midea products, Chef Rob was on the top of our list. We feel that Chef Rob and his family embody the typical young Filipino family or young upgraders, which Midea wants to reach out to in order to achieve harmony at home.‖ The following was published in Philippines-based newspaper Malaya Business Insight on April 20 M any Filipino families are still trying to catch up with today’s fast-paced lifestyle and trying to adjust with it creates an imbalance when it comes to being with the family or when working. Chef Rob Pengson, one of the country’s well-known chefs, understands this well. He tries to make good use of his time, whether at work when getting meals out quick and hot off the kitchen, or at home where he can be with his family without carrying so much work-related stress. Chef Rob has found the right home appliance partner which can save him time, effort and money while allowing him to take care of his family’s comfort at home, in one of the Rob Pengson and family world’s largest manufacturers of home appliances. Midea offers an array of products and solutions that are reinvented for a new generation and inspired by the way most people live now — products that make it easy for anyone to get the job done from the very first use. ―Confidence in the kitchen is provided by skill, experience and the tools one uses. Having the right kitchen partners mean I can be confident that the appliances work at par with my standards,‖ Chef Rob said when asked about his thoughts on his culinary success. At home with his wife Sunshine and sons Santiago and Sevi, Chef Rob also uses the same Midea products like the air-conditioner, refrigerator and washing machine and other small appliances to give them more time for themselves as a family. Chef Rob also looks at the durability of the product be- http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/living/finding -right-balance-home-and-work-chef-rob-pengson 12 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 NEWSLINE CAC Wins Angola Cement Plant Project By CAC M Other recent projects include the ZETES Power Station in Turkey, DCT Logistics Emirates in Dubai, AP Honda in Thailand, Avantha Group Transformer Factory in Hungary, Bali Power Plant in Indonesia, and the Cirtek Project in The Philippines. idea Commercial Air Conditioning (CAC) won the bid to install its equipment in the Nova Cimangola Cement Factory in Angola. Based in Luanda province, Nova Cimangola is the largest cement enterprise in the country with a production capacity of 5000 tons per day. The plant will create employment and boost the developing country’s construction industry. On March 17, Midea CAC signed the contract agreeing to provide Precision A/Cs, DC Inverter VRFs and Fresh Air Processing Units for the project. This is one of a long line of major industrial projects that CAC has won throughout Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. 13 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 PEOPLE Belying the Myths about the Youth of Today By Yao Jie B ritish politician Ian Duncan-Smith famously said: ―Never underestimate the determination of a quiet man.‖ In the age of mini-celebrity through social media, the job market tends not to favor people with an unprepossessing appearance and a softlyspoken manner. There are also many doubts among older Chinese about the generation born in the 1980s and 90s, many of whom grew up in Throughout the busy season when orders are going through the roof and workers are run off their feet, he gained a reputation as a positive and supportive teammate. A modest man, he cites his reputation for precocious diligence to the good team and work ethic around him. ―We must let the quality of our products speak for itself,‖ Zhu told MIP. ―The market is changing and we have to change with it.‖ People like Zhu will be the rock that the new Midea stands on. households of six wallets (two parents and four grandparents) feeding one mouth. In just a year with Midea, Zhu Hong has overcome both of those prejudices due to his unusual patience and meticulousness. Recognizable for his slight build and soft smile, he has excelled in his role as a product tester at the Midea Residential Air Conditioning (RAC) factory in Chongqing. His ability to spot quality problems and his good interpersonal skills have enabled him to be given increased responsibilities despite being at the beginning of his career. 14 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 FUSION Turning Japanese! Via Matador M idea has formally opened two joint ventures with Japanese robot giant Yaskawa as well as confirming the purchase of Toshiba’s white goods business, the most high profile acquisition in the group’s history. For this reason, it is time for us all to turn a little Japanese. Here are ten tips on how to conduct yourself on a visit to the land of the rising sun: extended, 70-degree bow. 2. Table Manners 1. If you’re with a dinner party and receive drinks, wait before raising the glass to your lips. Everyone will be served, and someone will take the lead, make a speech, raise his drink, and yell ―kampai!‖ (cheers). You will receive a small wet cloth at most Japanese restaurants. Use this to wash your hands before eating, then carefully fold it and set it aside on the table. Do not use it as a napkin, or to touch any part of your face. Addressing Someone, Respect 3. No Tipping Bowing is nothing less than an art form in Japan, respect pounded into children’s heads from the moment they enter school. For tourists, a simple inclination of the head or an attempt at a bow at the waist will usually suffice. The duration and inclination of the bow is proportionate to the elevation of the person you’re addressing. For example, a friend might get a lightning -fast 30degree bow; an office superior might get a slow, There is no tipping in any situation in Japan – cabs, restaurants, personal care. To tip someone is actually a little insulting; the services you’ve asked for are covered by the price given, so why pay more? 4. Chopsticks Depending on the restaurant you decide upon, you may be required to use chopsticks. If for some reason you aren’t too adept at it, try to learn before passing through immigration. It’s really not that hard. 5. Thresholds Take off your shoes at the entrance to all homes, and 15 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 FUSION Turning Japanese! (Cont.) Via Matador most businesses and hotels. Usually a rack will be provided to store your shoes, and a pair of guest slippers will be sitting nearby; many Japanese bring a pair of indoor slippers just in case. 8. Bathing Public bathhouses are alive and well. Sento, or neighborhood bathhouses, can be found from the largest area in Shinjuku to a small town on the island of Shikoku. Onsen, or hot springs, are very popular as weekend excursion resorts. Unlike in western cultures, the Japanese bath is used after you have washed and rinsed, and feel like soaking in extra -hot water for 10, 20, 30 minutes. It’s an acquired taste to be sure, but can be very relaxing. 6. Masks Sterilized masks, like the ones you’d see in the emergency room, are commonly used by Japanese to protect other people from germs. 9. Speaking English If you do not look Japanese, locals will generally assume you are a native English speaker until you prove otherwise. Although you may speak some or fluent Japanese, the default language of choice is English. Many Japanese will insist on using their own English language ability, however limited, to converse with foreigners, in spite of the fact that the person on the opposing end may have more knowledge of the local tongue. 7. Conformity When groups of high school students in Japan were asked to identify the dangers facing children today, the majority agreed on the number one threat: individualism. Japanese society is focused on the group. Drawing attention to yourself as an individual is a huge no-no: don’t blow your nose in public, try to avoid eating while on the go, and don’t speak on your cell phone in crowded public areas like trains or buses. 10. Safety Japanese people may often warn you to be safe on your travels, and to take care of your belongings. However, Japan’s low crime rate is evident when you see businessmen who have missed the last train sleeping outside on a park bench, or a group of 5-year-old boys walking by themselves for over a kilometer to make the starting bell at school. 16 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 FUSION Getting by in Brazil By Advances D espite the country going through uncertain times politically and economically, Brazil remains one of Midea’s most important markets, especially in the year of the Rio Olympics, at which Midea is the supplier of commercial air conditioning (see page 3). Here are ten things you may not know about the largest country in South America: 2. Parties Are Important. Brazilians produce two of the world’s biggest bashes in Carnival and the New Year's Reveillon celebration. In Rio de Janeiro, the city puts on free music fests, with bands performing across the city, while in Recife, at the city's outdoor concert stage across the street from the beach, free concerts range from rock to forro to an event featuring every drummer with a drum kit in the city, more than 100 of them playing in unison. The Bumba Meu Boi festivals in Sao Luis, in the northeast state of Maranhao in July mix the folkloric traditions of Africa, indigenous Indian and Europe together into a party unlike any other. 1. Brazil Is an Outdoor World. From the sidewalk cafes of Rio, to backyard barbecues, to beaches up and down the long coast, to the wild interior, Brazil is a place to be outside. Brazilians revel in an outdoor culture, as befits a tropical land, and they have world-class natural environments to play in. For scale, it's hard to match the immensity of the Amazon rainforest, the largest in the world, or the power of Iguazu Falls, which is the second widest and in volume in the world. 3. Rhythm Is King The Brazilian knack for improvising on any musical theme makes this country unrivaled in the quantity and quality of different musical rhythms and styles. The outside world knows bossa nova, a slowed-down samba mixed with American jazz and French impressionism; and samba, a blend of African drum circles and European marches. The top Afro-Brazilian styles range from afoxe, ceremonial soundtrack for the religious processions of candomble, to lundu, maracatu, axe, ijexa, and frevo, the latter of which comes with a feverishly playful dance. 17 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 FUSION Getting by in Brazil (Cont.) By Advances 4. Kissing Strangers Is Customary wear conservative, dark-coloured business suits. Three-piece suits typically indicate that someone is an executive. Women should wear suits or dresses that are elegant and feminine with good quality accessories. Manicures are expected. Getting to know people in Brazil is a fast-track process. It's customary for a male introduced to an adult female to provide a kiss on both cheeks -- and on leaving, too. Body language is as important as Portuguese. Guys aren't afraid to put an arm around another male to emphasize a point. Placing a hand on a shoulder or providing a robust bear hug and a salvo of air kisses is part of an intricate social dance. 8. Business Cards Business cards are exchanged during introductions with everyone at a meeting. It is advisable, although not required, to have the other side of your business card translated into Portuguese. If you do, present your business card with the Portuguese side facing the recipient. 5. Brazilians Need to Know Who They Are Doing Business With 9. Dining Etiquette Arrive at least 30 minutes late if the invitation is for dinner. Arrive up to an hour late for a party or large gathering. Flowers for a hostess are appreciated. Brazilians prefer face-to-face meetings to written communication as it allows them to know with whom they are doing business. The individual they deal with is more important than the company. Since it is a group culture, it is important that you do not do anything to embarrass a Brazilian. Criticizing an individual causes that person to lose face. 6. Never Rush Business Talk Brazilians take time when negotiating. Do not rush them or appear impatient. Often the people you negotiate with will not have decision-making authority. It is advisable to hire a translator if your Portuguese is not fluent. Use local lawyers and accountants for negotiations. Do not change your negotiating team or you may have to start over from the beginning. 10. Family Values The family is the foundation of the social structure and forms the basis of stability for most people. Families tend to be and the extended family is quite close. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family. 7. Dress Well Brazilians pride themselves on dressing well. Men should 18 Advances Fusion, April, 2016 SNAPSHOT untry o c d n a y n a p m o c Supporting 19