The influence of the Viveza in the Latin American Business Environment:Exploring and mapping a regional psychological construct

Reported news on high-profile business-people engaging in unethical acts frequently headlines Latin American media. Local individuals agree that the Viveza, a Latin American indigenous phenomenon based on prioritizing individual benefits over the ethicality of the acts, promotes dishonest behaviors in the Latin American business environment. Despite its importance for Latin American Societies Despite its importance for individuals who want to conduct business in Latin America, there is a lack of empirical research about the Viveza phenomenon. Through 45 semi-structured interviews with native individuals from 20 Latin American countries who have lived in Japan in the past two years, this study aims to explore and map the Viveza construct and its consequences for Latin American individuals. This research reveals that the Viveza is an institutionalized behavioral pattern in Latin American societies that shapes local social norms, allowing individuals to justify unethical behaviors easily. Moreover, this research also reveals that Viveza significantly influences the daily social interactions between Latin American individuals and the Latin American business environment. This study contributes to the literature by establishing a common ground for a relevant factor in the studies of Latin American societies. In addition, this study provides useful insights for non-Latin American practitioners who engage in business in the Latin American region.