quinta-feira, 16 de fevereiro de 2012

The Brazilian CEO's dream

An interesting survey of over five thousand executives seems to show a particular aspect of Brazilian business culture. According to business magazine Exame, the dream destination of Brazilian executives is Brazil's state-run petroleum giant Petrobrás. While the company is legendary for its investment in training and opportunities for advancement (all well as government benefits), the downside is serious as well - the link between performance and remuneration is a bit weak. Employees that perform well can't look forward to bonuses. On the other hand, lazy employees are unlikely to get fired, and the magazine reports that Petrobras cut only 0.05% of its workforce in 2011.

The article concludes that Brazilian workers, or at least those over 25, seem to prefer stabiity and to guard against potential losses, rather than maximize potential financial gain or working in an environment that value efficiency. A friend of mine who is captain of a petroleum ship has given me an idea of the kind of inefficiency to be expected; lack of respect for oil delivery schedules (apparently fatal in the oil industry), a willingness to send boats out without ensuring they'll have something on board for the return trip (wasted trips deal a severe blow to profit margins) and a lack of planning that leaves him without ever knowing, or being able to tell his family, whether he'll be back for the holidays or not.

Will todays 25-year-olds change their mind as they age and become responsible for families, or do they represent a generational difference that heralds more appetite for risk in the future? Check back in ten years for the answer.

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