際際滷

際際滷Share a Scribd company logo

Assignment on cultur of portugal

Download as DOCX, PDF
Malik Umar Hayat
Malik Umar Hayat

Portugal is located in Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean west of Spain. The population is around 10.5 million, mostly of Mediterranean descent. Portuguese society is generally conservative and polite. Handshakes are a common greeting, and it is considered polite to bring a small gift like flowers or candy when invited to someone's home. Business meetings require punctuality and appointments should be scheduled 1-2 weeks in advance. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Portugal, though there is freedom of religion. The economy relies on resources like fishing and tourism, and businesses range in size from small family operations to large private companies. Politeness and relationships are highly valued in business and social interactions.

1 of 7
Download to read offline
1 Prepared by Umar Hayat Registration # L1S13BBAM2038 Course Business Communication & report writing Submitted to Prof. Mr. Siddque Bhatti Date of Submission 11/12/2014
2 Country: Portugal Location: Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Spain Capital: Lisbon Population: 10,524,145 (July 2004 est.) Ethnic Make-up: homogeneous Mediterranean stock; citizens of black African descent who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less than 100,000; since 1990 East Europeans have entered Portugal
3 Understand social customs QHow do people react to strangers? Are they friendly? Hostile? Reserved? Portuguese are traditional and conservative. They are a people who retain a sense of formality when dealing with each other, which is displayed in the form of extreme politeness. QHow do people greet each other? Should you bow? Nod? Shake hands? In Portugal Initial greetings are reserved, yet polite and gracious. The handshake accompanied by direct eye contact and the appropriate greeting for the time of day. Once a personal relationship has developed, greetings become more personal: men may greet each other with a hug and a handshake and women kiss each other twice on the cheek starting with the right. QHow do you express appreciation for an invitation to lunch, dinner, or someones home? Should you bring a gift? Send flowers? Write a thank-you note? If you are invited to a Portuguese home for dinner, bring flowers, good quality chocolates or candy to the hostess. Do not bring wine unless you know which wines your hosts prefer. Do not give 13 flowers. The number is considered unlucky. Do not give lilies or chrysanthemums since they are used at funerals. Do not give red flowers since red is the symbol of the revolution. Gifts are usually opened when received. QAre any phrases, facial expressions, or hand gestures considered rude? The Portuguese do not use a lot of gestures. Being overly demonstrative with hand gestures or body language gives a bad impression. As in a lot of cultures, pointing with your finger is considered offensive. The gestures of "A-O.K.," pointing with fingers, and making "rabbit ears" on someone are considered rude. QHow do you attract the attention of a waiter? Do you tip the waiter? When at a restaurant, attract the waiter with a raised hand. Tips are based upon service and the type of restaurant. Phrases like (Bom dia, Boa trade and boa noite) will do for starting a conversation. But in crowd for example in caf辿 if we have to call waiter we can say faca Faour(Excuse me-Could you please give/tell me ?)
4 QWhen is it rude to refuse an invitation? How do you refuse politely? Be certain to reciprocate a dinner invitation, but never say you "owe" them. QWhat topics may or may not be discussed in a social setting? In a business setting? In a social setting, it is appropriate to discuss sports, culture, literature, music, and travel. Avoid topics concerning religion, politics, or personal matters. In a business setting, "getting-to-know-you" conversation is appropriate Learn about clothing and food preferences QWhat occasions require special clothing? The Portuguese dress conservatively. Women usually wear dresses, and men's clothing is based primarily around a jacket and tie. Business etiquette dictates suits and ties or sports jackets and ties for men. Women wear dresses, skirts and jackets or trouser suits. As outdated as it seems, people are fashion conscious and believe that clothes indicate social standing and success. For this very reason, they take great pride in wearing quality fabrics and clothes and will invest their money in buying the best they can afford. QAre some types of clothing considered taboo for one gender or the other? No everyone is allowed to wear whatever he/she likes to wear. People are tend to be a lot fashionable. QHow many times a day do people eat? There are three main meals a day; breakfast, lunch around 1 p.m., and dinner between 8 and 9 p.m. A snack and coffee break is often taken around 4:30 p.m. QHow are hands or utensils used when eating? Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. Do not begin eating until the hostess says "bom apetite". QWhere is the seat of honor at a table? Assess political patterns QHow stable is the political situation? As a republic / parliamentary democracy, Portugal enjoys a division of power that has provided the country with political stability.
5 QDoes the political situation affect businesses in and out of the country? Portugal is a part of the European Union and has mutual diplomatic relations with its two neighboring countries. Therefore, business is easily conducted with surrounding participating nations. QIs it appropriate to talk politics in social or business situations? As a visitor to Portugal, it may be wise to avoid the topic of politics when speaking with others. Understand religious and social beliefs QTo which religious groups do people belong? Portugal has no official religion. The most predominant religion in Portugal is Roman Catholicism. According to the 2011 Census, 81% of the population of Portugal is Catholic, though only about 19% attend Mass and take the sacraments regularly, while a larger number wish to be baptized, married in a church, and receive Last Rites. QWhich places, objects, actions, and events are sacred? The holy site in Fatima is a sacred site where Roman Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared. Many Catholic practices, such as weddings, baptisms, Mass, and confessions, are all considered sacred. QDo religious beliefs affect communication between men and women or between any other groups? No 81% population believes in catholism so there isnt any sort of communication affect between groups. QIs there a tolerance for minority religions? Portugal is a secular nation with no official religion; therefore, freedom of religion is guaranteed QHow do religious holidays affect business and government activities? Portugal enjoys many national holidays, several of which have a Christian base. Like in the United States, major businesses are closed on important national holidays.
6 Learn about economic and business institutions QIs the society homogeneous or heterogeneous? Portuguese society is homogeneous, made up mostly of ethnic Mediterranean stock QWhat languages are spoken? The 10-million population of Portugal speaks Portuguese, a Romance language which derived from Vulgar Latin. Galician and Mirandize, which are technically classed as separate languages, are spoken by a few thousand people in the north of the country, along the Spanish border. QWhat are the primary resources and principal products? Portugals economic freedom score is 63.5, making its economy the 69th freest in the 2014 Index. Its score is 0.4 point higher than last year, reflecting improvements in labor freedom, business freedom, and trade freedom that outweigh declines in the control of public finance and monetary freedom. Portugal is ranked 32nd out of 43 countries in the Europe region, and its overall score is above the world average. QAre businesses generally large? Family controlled? Government controlled? The number of smaller businesses in Portugal is lessening while larger private owned stores are more prominent. Portugals economy, overall, has become more diverse and gradually more service-based. QWhat are the generally accepted working hours? Although business hours vary, typically the work day lasts from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a two hour break from 1 p.m. till 3 p.m. In the Portuguese business world, appointments are mandatory and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance. QHow do people views scheduled appointments? Appointments are mandatory and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance. . Reconfirm the meeting a few days in advance. Initial correspondence should be written in Portuguese.
7 Appraise the nature of ethics, values, and laws QIs money or a gift expected in exchange for arranging business transactions? Gifts are always welcomed in Portugal either in business transaction or social meetings. QDo people value competitiveness or cooperation? In Portugal it is not necessary to use high-pressure sales tactics, as this is often viewed as aggressive behavior. QWhat are the attitudes toward work? Toward money? The concept of time and the importance of being on time are not emphasized in Portuguese culture. Because people and relationships are more important than time, it is often acceptable to be a few minutes late to a meeting. QIs politeness more important than factual honesty? Politeness is more important than factual honesty in Portugal because people believe in strong relationships with others. Wealth and power, especially of others, is respected. References 1. http://www.heritage.org/index/country/portugal 2. http://multiculturalbusiness.wikifoundry.com/page/Social+Customs+ of+Portugal 3. http://multiculturalbusiness.wikifoundry.com/ 4. http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global- etiquette/portugal.html

More Related Content

Assignment on cultur of portugal

  • 1. 1 Prepared by Umar Hayat Registration # L1S13BBAM2038 Course Business Communication & report writing Submitted to Prof. Mr. Siddque Bhatti Date of Submission 11/12/2014
  • 2. 2 Country: Portugal Location: Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Spain Capital: Lisbon Population: 10,524,145 (July 2004 est.) Ethnic Make-up: homogeneous Mediterranean stock; citizens of black African descent who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less than 100,000; since 1990 East Europeans have entered Portugal
  • 3. 3 Understand social customs QHow do people react to strangers? Are they friendly? Hostile? Reserved? Portuguese are traditional and conservative. They are a people who retain a sense of formality when dealing with each other, which is displayed in the form of extreme politeness. QHow do people greet each other? Should you bow? Nod? Shake hands? In Portugal Initial greetings are reserved, yet polite and gracious. The handshake accompanied by direct eye contact and the appropriate greeting for the time of day. Once a personal relationship has developed, greetings become more personal: men may greet each other with a hug and a handshake and women kiss each other twice on the cheek starting with the right. QHow do you express appreciation for an invitation to lunch, dinner, or someones home? Should you bring a gift? Send flowers? Write a thank-you note? If you are invited to a Portuguese home for dinner, bring flowers, good quality chocolates or candy to the hostess. Do not bring wine unless you know which wines your hosts prefer. Do not give 13 flowers. The number is considered unlucky. Do not give lilies or chrysanthemums since they are used at funerals. Do not give red flowers since red is the symbol of the revolution. Gifts are usually opened when received. QAre any phrases, facial expressions, or hand gestures considered rude? The Portuguese do not use a lot of gestures. Being overly demonstrative with hand gestures or body language gives a bad impression. As in a lot of cultures, pointing with your finger is considered offensive. The gestures of "A-O.K.," pointing with fingers, and making "rabbit ears" on someone are considered rude. QHow do you attract the attention of a waiter? Do you tip the waiter? When at a restaurant, attract the waiter with a raised hand. Tips are based upon service and the type of restaurant. Phrases like (Bom dia, Boa trade and boa noite) will do for starting a conversation. But in crowd for example in caf辿 if we have to call waiter we can say faca Faour(Excuse me-Could you please give/tell me ?)
  • 4. 4 QWhen is it rude to refuse an invitation? How do you refuse politely? Be certain to reciprocate a dinner invitation, but never say you "owe" them. QWhat topics may or may not be discussed in a social setting? In a business setting? In a social setting, it is appropriate to discuss sports, culture, literature, music, and travel. Avoid topics concerning religion, politics, or personal matters. In a business setting, "getting-to-know-you" conversation is appropriate Learn about clothing and food preferences QWhat occasions require special clothing? The Portuguese dress conservatively. Women usually wear dresses, and men's clothing is based primarily around a jacket and tie. Business etiquette dictates suits and ties or sports jackets and ties for men. Women wear dresses, skirts and jackets or trouser suits. As outdated as it seems, people are fashion conscious and believe that clothes indicate social standing and success. For this very reason, they take great pride in wearing quality fabrics and clothes and will invest their money in buying the best they can afford. QAre some types of clothing considered taboo for one gender or the other? No everyone is allowed to wear whatever he/she likes to wear. People are tend to be a lot fashionable. QHow many times a day do people eat? There are three main meals a day; breakfast, lunch around 1 p.m., and dinner between 8 and 9 p.m. A snack and coffee break is often taken around 4:30 p.m. QHow are hands or utensils used when eating? Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. Do not begin eating until the hostess says "bom apetite". QWhere is the seat of honor at a table? Assess political patterns QHow stable is the political situation? As a republic / parliamentary democracy, Portugal enjoys a division of power that has provided the country with political stability.
  • 5. 5 QDoes the political situation affect businesses in and out of the country? Portugal is a part of the European Union and has mutual diplomatic relations with its two neighboring countries. Therefore, business is easily conducted with surrounding participating nations. QIs it appropriate to talk politics in social or business situations? As a visitor to Portugal, it may be wise to avoid the topic of politics when speaking with others. Understand religious and social beliefs QTo which religious groups do people belong? Portugal has no official religion. The most predominant religion in Portugal is Roman Catholicism. According to the 2011 Census, 81% of the population of Portugal is Catholic, though only about 19% attend Mass and take the sacraments regularly, while a larger number wish to be baptized, married in a church, and receive Last Rites. QWhich places, objects, actions, and events are sacred? The holy site in Fatima is a sacred site where Roman Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared. Many Catholic practices, such as weddings, baptisms, Mass, and confessions, are all considered sacred. QDo religious beliefs affect communication between men and women or between any other groups? No 81% population believes in catholism so there isnt any sort of communication affect between groups. QIs there a tolerance for minority religions? Portugal is a secular nation with no official religion; therefore, freedom of religion is guaranteed QHow do religious holidays affect business and government activities? Portugal enjoys many national holidays, several of which have a Christian base. Like in the United States, major businesses are closed on important national holidays.
  • 6. 6 Learn about economic and business institutions QIs the society homogeneous or heterogeneous? Portuguese society is homogeneous, made up mostly of ethnic Mediterranean stock QWhat languages are spoken? The 10-million population of Portugal speaks Portuguese, a Romance language which derived from Vulgar Latin. Galician and Mirandize, which are technically classed as separate languages, are spoken by a few thousand people in the north of the country, along the Spanish border. QWhat are the primary resources and principal products? Portugals economic freedom score is 63.5, making its economy the 69th freest in the 2014 Index. Its score is 0.4 point higher than last year, reflecting improvements in labor freedom, business freedom, and trade freedom that outweigh declines in the control of public finance and monetary freedom. Portugal is ranked 32nd out of 43 countries in the Europe region, and its overall score is above the world average. QAre businesses generally large? Family controlled? Government controlled? The number of smaller businesses in Portugal is lessening while larger private owned stores are more prominent. Portugals economy, overall, has become more diverse and gradually more service-based. QWhat are the generally accepted working hours? Although business hours vary, typically the work day lasts from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a two hour break from 1 p.m. till 3 p.m. In the Portuguese business world, appointments are mandatory and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance. QHow do people views scheduled appointments? Appointments are mandatory and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance. . Reconfirm the meeting a few days in advance. Initial correspondence should be written in Portuguese.
  • 7. 7 Appraise the nature of ethics, values, and laws QIs money or a gift expected in exchange for arranging business transactions? Gifts are always welcomed in Portugal either in business transaction or social meetings. QDo people value competitiveness or cooperation? In Portugal it is not necessary to use high-pressure sales tactics, as this is often viewed as aggressive behavior. QWhat are the attitudes toward work? Toward money? The concept of time and the importance of being on time are not emphasized in Portuguese culture. Because people and relationships are more important than time, it is often acceptable to be a few minutes late to a meeting. QIs politeness more important than factual honesty? Politeness is more important than factual honesty in Portugal because people believe in strong relationships with others. Wealth and power, especially of others, is respected. References 1. http://www.heritage.org/index/country/portugal 2. http://multiculturalbusiness.wikifoundry.com/page/Social+Customs+ of+Portugal 3. http://multiculturalbusiness.wikifoundry.com/ 4. http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global- etiquette/portugal.html