BRAZILIAN CULTURE FROM A FOREIGN PERSPECTIVE: PERCEPTIONS OF STUDENTS OF AN INTERNATIONAL MBA IN RIO DE JANEIRO

Abstract

The study aimed to verify whether and how the categories of the main theoretical models of cultural dimensions identified in an initial literature review were reflected in the perceptions of experiences and described by foreign MBA students during their stay in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. For this purpose, a qualitative study was carried out, based on analysis of written reports of forty students of seventeen different nationalities. Based on the analysis of the reports, we identified correlations with most of categories of cultural models, and found the existence of biases in perception and judgment among the students from different cultures. Finally, the results suggest the development of multicultural abilities during the International MBA, helping the students to relativize and better understand the differences between their own and the Brazilian culture. Thus, we were able to see the effective contribution of the study to increase academic knowledge about the perceptions of foreigners in relation to Brazil and Brazilians, albeit with some with limitations, thus fulfilling its initial proposal.