Healthy Fast Food in ColumbiaBusiness ProposalNovember 2014TEAM 21

The Team

Customs and Values in Colombia

Family is the most important element in Colombian Culture

Colombia is a hierarchical society

Particularism

Race discrimination problem exist and imbalance wealth distribution

Typical Behaviors in Columbia

Normal Etiquette in Colombia:

Special Title System.

Giving gifts as a token of respect to others.

Dining etiquette is quite formal in Colombia.

Business Etiquette in Colombia:

Shaking hands is courteous upon meeting and departing.

Business Cards are a good idea.

Business Meetings have a certain protocol

Why investing in Columbia?

Why Healthy Fast Food?

• Fast food industry had an outstanding performance in 2013 by growing in 11% in current sales. Why?

• Health Ministry Official Fernando Ramirez, in conjunction with a professor from the University of Antioquia carried out a study which found that 50% of all Colombians are classified as overweight. Why?

HEALTHY FAST FOOD

Where?

Criteria in Business HR Strategic Fit

Number of Employees, Type of Contract, Duration

Fixed Assets

a. Restaurants

b. Equipment/Tools

c. Motorbikes, Vans

Recipes Patents

Intercultural Aspects

a. Language: Communication, Body…

b. Cultural Values, Norms & Believes…

c. Organizational Behavior & Globalization

d. Emotional Intelligence

Immigration & Labor Laws of the Host Country

a. Taxation

b. Payroll

c. Benefits: Medical Coverages, Sick Leave, Bonus…

d. Employment Status in Host Country

Business Fit Analysis Procedure

Step 1:

Arrange Data by Level of importance Power Distance: High to Low Individualism: Low to High Masculinity: High to Low Uncertainty Avoidance: High to Low Pragmatic: Low to High Indulgence: High to Low

Step 2:

Communicate your results

Step 3:

Decision Making

Colombia23%

Lebanon22%

USA18%

India19%

Hong Kong17%

Business Fit Analysis

Colombian Culture Advantages

Colombians •Hardworking•Peace Loving and Love family

Colombians prefer authority and Power distance

•Power inequality at work is accepted in all layers.•Work is divided properly and follow a certain hierarchy which is contribute to less business conflict in decision making.

Collectivism •People prefer more to be in group as part of team spirit, which is good sign for food business.

High Uncertainty Avoidance

•More rules will be there and standardized services will be the norm.•Avoid taking risk which is good for food business to take place as it is stable and has low risk factors.

Masculine Society •Work hard to accomplish sales target•The high competition will lead to more efficiency.

Best Practices

Time issues •Columbians are never on time. •Time is not an issue in meetings - they will last as long as they need to last. Patience is key element in business and meetings.

Greeting •A small talk before the formal talk is encouraged since relationship building is crucial - it may be a good idea to invest time in establishing trust. • Shaking hands with direct eye contact is important.

Business •Giving gift is token of respect to others. Imported alcohol are very expensive and make excellent gifts.•Avoid confrontation at all cost. If someone has made a mistake do not expose it publicly as this will lead to a loss of face and a ruined relationship

Language •The language is mainly Spanish•It is advisable to print business card on one side with Spanish and the other side in English

Interviews

Maria Barrera - Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, Stanford University Student emphasis on trust.

“I think Colombians are usually pretty warm and friendly. Very skeptical about anything that has to do with the government in any way”.

“I would say that Colombians are pretty health conscious but I don’t think the whole organic/clean food craze has reached Colombia yet... People are very concerned with their appearance and form”.

Carlos Khoury – Lebanese/Colombian who was born in Bogata after his parents immigrated before the Lebanese Civil War. He is the owner of a Lebanese restaurant in Zona G, Bogota.

“Bogota is a beautiful city that is built around water. In addition, it is a new tourist destination for business, culture, health and international events. It is an ideal place to have a business especially restaurants”.

“ Economical wise, it is booming leading to an increase in house income. Taking into consideration this fact along with the number of work force which is estimated to be more 4 millions out of more than 7 millions, it is a good place to start up a business. Food is the safest, since people needs to eat all the time no matter what happens”.

Team Reflection’s

Team Process

Use of social networks, such Skype and WhatsApp.

Everyone was assigned different parts and were asked as well to share input and collaborate.

Challenges

Time change, language barriers, understanding of material.

Resolving difficulties

Understanding the Cultural Diversity of the group

Visual online meetings, & Coordinators guidance

Future Recommendation

Expanding the team!! ….. It will be more challenging