THE LORD OF WAR AND TODAY'S ANALOGY

This movie explores a consequence little known about the end of the Cold War: the enormous quantity of weapons that suddenly remained available for selling them to the developing countries (especially of Africa). This fact, although it lead to many violence and dead, it became a very profitable business for the well developed countries such as The United States, China or the European Union, and people began looking for excuses so they could feel relieved for the many damage they were causing to poor societies when they got involved in the weapons business.

The story shows an admirable level of analysis and make us think about the truth, the freedom and the justice involved in today’s real conflicts in which the personal welfare is above the collective welfare and thus, life is not respected and the value of human integrity is sold as if it was one more weapon in the saharian country…

 In Colombia we sadly count with many illegal organizations that, even if they were fighting for justice in the beginning, they lost their objectives along the way and today, blinded by money and power, they built a whole network of illicit activities in which vulnerable people is recruited because they receive promises of a better life, and then, when they realize that promises are not real, it is too late to leave such a cruel, unscrupulous, and persuasive monster of violence and greed that takes the lifes of many innocents in its desperate efforts for success.

DOING BUSINESS IN BRAZIL AND CANADA

BRAZIL

 The business relationships in Brazil have a clear personal component. Before buying, selling or doing a commercial agreement with another company they need to trust in its representatives and since trust is gained only by time, a foreigner must know that negotiations can take time and must be patient.

 To accede to the Brazilian market it is advisable to work with a local contact known as “despachante” who analyses and solves the bureaucratic processes that will always appear along the negotiation.

Punctuality is not their strength and people should always understand their delays and accept their excuses. The meetings tend to be extensive enough, due to the amount of questions brasilians ask and the detailed presentations – exhibitions they expect.

 Accepting invitations to restaurants or bars is well seen as they are very easy going people that treat business partners as friends, and NEVER setting meetings or commercial visits during final soccer matches or  carnival (their must important celebration) is more than a suggestion, it’s a business rule.

 CANADA

 The Canadians are friendly people and because of the important migratory phenomenon that characterizes the country, they are very open to foreign cultures and their traits. Their business are inclusive and hierarchic, women plays an essential role in society and is very common to find a woman leading a business group.

 Leadership, creativity and innovation are constant elements in the daily business life of this country. They can go directly to business topics, but in the French-speaking Canada, there can be a more general conversation before such as the trip details.

 The Canadians listen to the speaker without interrupting. The use of the word is alternated in a polite form and the sense of humor is very valued, especially in moments of tension or uncertainty.

DOING BUSINESS IN GERMANY, NEW ZELAND AND IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

 GERMANY

 German organizational culture is characterized mainly by a high emphasis on efficiency. People try to be as productive as possible and there is no time to socialize, except from the resting periods. In the same way, enterprises are highly hierarchic  and there is a considerable amount of respect and formality in the interactions between employees with higher levels chiefs.

Germans like to work on a well-structured basis of plans and deadlines and they only take decisions based on facts as they normally reject risk taking behaviors. Their meetings are very organized and planned and they are the previous stage of consensual decisions taken in group.. Punctuality is always required and interruptions are not tolerated.

Although negotiating with this culture may seem stressful because of their rigid style, one must be aware that once a german trusts you and your enterprise, only good things can come in the future of business landscape.

UNITED ARABE EMIRATES

When entering the United Arabe Emirates with commercial purposes, it is useful to have in mind that arabs prefer to do business first with family and friends, so establishing relationships and personal contacts may be the key or the path for beginning a prosper business with them because it opens doors and facilitates the business operations.

To be always on time for the meetings is well received, nevertheless, one must be

 prepared for delays or last-minute cancellations, since time for them is not necessarily linked to money. A conservative outfit and patience are very important elements when negotiating with arabs, their local customs and way of life is traditional, not agitated and they are directed by a slow flow.

Business meetings in tend to be less formal than in west; there can be others in the room where a meeting is being held ,interruptions are not considered as a lack of respect and before talking about commercial topics  they like to have silly conversations . One must always accept coffee or tea when it is offered by s business partners, however, having more than three cups is  not educated.

Finally , remembering  that the United Arabe Emirates market is a door to do business in the whole region is crucial, many companies don’t end up closing business there but must of them  receive offers for operations or activities out of the country, so an open attitude will enable wider options and huge opportunities.

NEW ZEALAND

 In New Zealand, relationships are influenced by their individualistic behavior. Not being punctual can be interpreted as a lack of seriousness or of respect for the time of the others. In general, the meetings occur in a very relaxing mood, in which the first minutes are used for a small informal chat before going to business. It is essential to have complete informative material, photos and graphs given that they place a high value on the interest of people and their preparation time.

Being concrete is crucial also, they are extremely practical. The negotiation process usually takes time.  Trying to accelerate it using pressure tactics can determine the failure of the business relationship.