Business Norms in the Middle East

Business Norms in the Middle East

Introduction

The Middle East is considered to be the place carrying myths and stereotypes. It is important for a corporate to consider the negotiation techniques, meeting protocol, business etiquette, and business culture before starting a business in Middle Eastern countries. By following this process stereotypes can be broken and barriers can be reduced while communicating. It will be a wise step to know the diversity present in the region while conducting a business in the Middle Eastern regions. This report will explore the business culture and business etiquette that will be helpful for corporate to know and understand before starting a business in the Middle East.

Discussion

Analysis of Middle East

Religion and Culture

In the Middle East, Islam dominates in most part of the regions. One cannot talk about culture without bringing up Islam. Islam has infused in all stages of society, which provides rules, values and guidance in every part of life including ways of conducting business, personal life, and relationships within community (Kuran, 2009). It is recommended for anyone to conduct an appropriate research on Islam and related cultures and norm before starting a business in the Middle Eastern regions.

For instance, it is obligated Muslims to pray five times a day, and the call of prayer (azan) is announced through the Mosques (Masjid). Muslims stop their business and go to pray in these time periods, some offers prayer at home or office, or some leave for Mosque. Therefore, it would not be appropriated to conduct any kind of business meeting or operations in the time of prayers. Moreover, Friday is a holy day for Muslims for congregational prayer, which is also an off day in the Middle East (Becker et al., 2012).

The month of Ramadan is the holy month for Muslims, it is recommended for the company to avoid conducting business in this month. Muslims keep fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn till dusk, which includes avoiding smoking, drinking or eating. Activities in the organization are usually reduced in business hours.

Muslims celebrate two festivals, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. The Government usually announces three to days of holiday, which can also be extended. It is best for the company to avoid conducting any business activities near or on the two festivals.

Greeting and Meeting

In the Middle East, Muslims greet each other by saying 'Assalam Alaikum' (peace be with you), and in reply to this they say 'Walaikum Assalam'. However, non-Muslim may have not to hear it, though you will be greeted by the hand shake that can also go little longer as expected. The use of right hand is recommended while doing a hand shake, which is a part of Islamic etiquette. It is common in Middle East to hold a hand amongst men.

People there are comparatively informal while addressing people when conducting a business by using first name. For instance, they might address Tim Allen as Mr. Tim instead of Mr. Allen. Titles for Arab are usually Syed ...