...Brazil vs. Saudi Arabia: Business Etiquette Both Brazil and Saudi Arabia are very different when it comes to business etiquette. Before an individual expects to conduct business in either of the countries, it is important to have a good understanding of the culture and customs within each country. Once an individual acquires this knowledge and is aware of the country’s culture and customs, it becomes easier to do business. One of the most significant factors to be aware of before conducting business in either country is to be mindful of certain time periods. For example, trying to do business in Brazil during Carnival week is certainly not wise. Carnaval is a very important tradition in Brazil; it is very time-consuming and trying to discuss business matters during this time would be extremely inconvenient for most individuals. The culture in Brazil is very friendly and people-oriented. Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. It would be beneficial to have some understanding of the language before traveling to this country. Brazil is a very diverse country especially because its people are of different races and ethnicities. The culture of Brazil emphasizes how family is of utmost importance to its people. Visiting family often and spending time with them is very common to the culture. Understanding Brazil’s culture and the influence it has on its people is helpful when traveling to the country in pursuit of doing business. The more an individual acknowledges these aspects...
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...Saudi Arabian Business Culture Abstract People have different cultural characteristics that affect the way they conduct business. This paper will educate the reader on how religion, relationships, communication, different concepts of time, culture and family values, building respectful and trusting relationships, business meeting etiquette, dress and appearance, and gender considerations all influence the way the Saudi Arabians negotiate business. I chose to write about this topic based on a personal experience I had with a male Saudi Arabian Officer that was my classmate during BOLC (Basic Officer Leadership Course). Due to my lack of cultural knowledge, I found myself struggling to communicate with him until I took the time out to learn about their cultural differences. Country Information Saudi Arabia, formally known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a desert country, encompassing most of the Arabian Peninsula. The country is positioned between the Red Sea in the west and the Arabian Gulf in the east. It is bounded on the north by Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait, and on the south by the Yemeni Republics (north and south), and on the east by the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman (“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Brief,” n.d., para 1). The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is approximately 1,960,582 sq. km and occupies an area about the size of the United States east of the Mississippi River. Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia. The name originated from the Arabic...
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...Business Cultural Analysis Outline Saudi Arabia 1. What are the major elements and dimensions of culture in this region? 1.1. Introduction 1.1.1. Brief history of Saudi Arabia 1.2. Communication 1.2.1. Verbal and Nonverbal 1.2.2. High Context vs. Low Context 1.3. Languages 1.3.1. Arabic is the official language 1.3.2. English is widely spoken 1.3.3. Other languages spoken by non-Saudi population 1.3.3.1. Urdu 1.3.3.2. Farsi 1.3.3.3. Turkish 1.4. Religion 1.4.1. Islam 1.4.2. Christianity 1.5. Ethics 1.5.1. Business Ethics in Saudi Arabia 1.5.2. Issue of Corruption 1.6. Values and Attitudes 1.6.1. Concept of time/time management 1.6.2. Dealing with change 1.6.3. The role of gender 1.6.4. Social Status 1.7. Business Manners and Customs in Saudi Arabia 1.7.1. Business etiquette 1.7.1.1. Relationships and Communication 1.7.1.2. Business Meeting Etiquette 1.7.1.3. Business Negotiating 1.7.1.4. Dress Etiquette 1.7.1.5. Business Cards 1.7.2. Customs 1.8. Social Structures and Organizations 1.8.1. Social groups 1.9. Education 1.10. Hofstede's Dimensions of Culture 1.10.1. Individualism in Saudi Arabia 1.10.2. Power Distance 1.10.3. Masculinity 1.10.4. Uncertainty Avoidance 2. How are these elements and dimensions integrated by locals conducting business in the nation? 2.1. Integration of communication in local business 2.2. Integration of language in local business 2.3. Integration of religion in local business 2.4. Integration of ethics in local business 2.5. Integration of values...
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...July 11, 2009 Lifestyle Saudi Arabia As first time traveler to Saudi, many will feel highly fascinating and quite surprised the way people live, business come to grind halt 5 times a day during and for prayer. First starts early in morning around 4 AM and next around 11AM, 3PM, 6:30PM & 8 PM, each prayer time and duration varies although minutely. One must keep prayer timings note particularly people who are on business trip. According to Law it’s mandatory for all Muslims whether traveler or resident or expat to pray during the timings, during prayer timings all shops will be shut down and non-Muslims can wait outside for shops to reopen In Saudi there are 2 types of police, one normal and one religious police. Religious police are to make sure that things are in accordance to religious laws. They have authority to check work permit, papers, passport etc. And also to make sure the couples travelling together are related!!! In Saudi men and woman cannot mingle easily and even talk in public. If we man goes along with a lady, she must be either his mother or wife or sister. Women are prohibited to work except in certain categories like Nurse, Doctor, and Teacher. And woman cannot drive either!!!In Saudi Alcohol is strictly banned and smuggling/carrying Drugs carries capital punishment. Entertainment is strictly restricted to in-house with DVD, VCD as there are no theatres; apart from this shopping is one major time pass for people living in Saudi. Now comes to point, then...
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...problems as perceived by Saudi Arabian and American managers, International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 5, Pergamon Press Ltd., 349-363. Retrieved 31 October 2012 from http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/science/article/pii/014717678190047X Ahmad, S. Z. (2011). Businesswomen in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, 30(7), 610-614. Retrieved 1 November 2012 from www.emeraldinsight.com/2040-71-49.htm Ahmad, S. Z. (2011). Evidence of the characteristics of women entrepreneurs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An empirical investigation. International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, 3(2), 123-143. Retrieved 2 November 2012 from www.emeraldinsight.com/1756-6266.htm. Al-Kandari, A., Gaither, T. K. (2011). Arabs, the west and public relations: A critical/cultural study of Arab cultural values. Public Relations Review, 37, 266-273. Retrieved 2 November 2012 from http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/science/article/pii/S0363811111000646 Al-Khatib, J. A., Malshe, A., Mazen, A., (2008), Perception of unethical negotiation tactics: A comparative study of U.S. and Saudi managers, International Business Review, 17(1), 78-102. Retrieved 31 October 2012 from http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/science/article/pii/S0969593107001448 Al-Qahtany, M. D. (2002). Doing business in Saudi Arabia: Implication for international...
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...Country Briefings: Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia Marvin Labre Sarah Garstecki Kalle Stenbaek Trenton Norton Table of Contents Economic Environment………………………………………………………………………....3 Azerbaijan…………………………………………………………………………….....3 Saudi Arabia………………………………………………………………………….....5 Political and Regulatory Environment...………………………………………………………..6 Azerbaijan………………………………………………………………………………6 Saudi Arabia………………………………………………………………………….....6 Cultural and Societal Framework………………………………………………………………7 Azerbaijan………………………………………………………………………………7 Saudi Arabia………………………………………………………………………….....9 Technological Environment…………………………………………………………………....10 Azerbaijan………………………………………………………………………………10 Saudi Arabia…………………………………………………………………………....10 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………...10 References………………………………………………………………………………………12 Economic Environment Azerbaijan Azerbaijan is a developing country that is heavily dependent on the exportation of gas and oil for its economic status. Other forms of sustainable economic consistency are from non-export organizations such as construction, banking, and real estate (CIA: World Factbook). Even in times of various economic trends, the country maintains its middle-class economy through the increase/decrease of the prices of their main resources. It’s from the positively consistent results that the government permits pervasive corruption and structural economic inefficiencies from these local companies to pose as an obstacle to their...
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...Doing Business in Saudi Arabia 1) Prepare a short description of the most striking cultural characteristics that may affect business interaction in this country. Doing business in Saudi Arabia requires significant research if I expect to be successful. There are many cultural differences that must be taken in consideration prior to and during business interactions. The Saudi Arabian culture, its shared values and norms, is distinctly different from our western culture. Saudi Arabian social structure emphasizes a group rather than individualism. Saudi’s are more likely to identify themselves as a part of something (e.g., “I am from Exxon Mobil”) rather than identifying their individual role (e.g., “I am an engineer”). It will also be important to understand the social stratification within Saudi Arabia. Having a working knowledge of the significance of the tribal affiliations as well as the varied groups of which someone can be a part will help me to understand which individuals I need to approach and build relationships with in order to be successful in the region. It will also be incredibly important for me to understand the role of religion, specifically Islam, in the region and how it affects work ethic, business decisions, and simple logistics throughout the day. As Americans, we are focused on our work and we allow very little to get in the way of our accomplishments. Saudi’s are very different. Work is secondary to many things, most notably, religion...
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...Executive Summary Islam is one of the most widely practiced religions in the world and can be found in many different regions throughout the globe. With such a large, widespread following these populations cannot be avoided by marketers. Firms selling product globally, especially in Muslim-majority countries, need to be aware of the norms and regulations in these nations and adapt their advertisements accordingly. This can pose a real challenge, even for large multinationals, as we will see throughout the remainder of the report. Additionally, regulations found in one Islamic nation can vary greatly in comparison to the advertising styles in another. Each country is different and although many nations are Muslim-majority, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Indonesia, they all have varying practices and rules and cannot be treated as one in regards to advertising. A firm must tailor their marketing style to each individual nation while respecting and acknowledging their religious practices. As far as recommendations for marketers, they will need to be tailored to each country individually, but in general it is important to embrace the Islamic religion and integrate the brand into Muslims’ everyday life while taking care to respect their beliefs and practices. Islamic nations are said to be “the next frontier” of advertising, so it is essential that large firms and their agencies take note of these norms and regulations and use research and knowledge to their advantage when...
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...Executive Summary Islam is one of the most widely practiced religions in the world and can be found in many different regions throughout the globe. With such a large, widespread following these populations cannot be avoided by marketers. Firms selling product globally, especially in Muslim-majority countries, need to be aware of the norms and regulations in these nations and adapt their advertisements accordingly. This can pose a real challenge, even for large multinationals, as we will see throughout the remainder of the report. Additionally, regulations found in one Islamic nation can vary greatly in comparison to the advertising styles in another. Each country is different and although many nations are Muslim-majority, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Indonesia, they all have varying practices and rules and cannot be treated as one in regards to advertising. A firm must tailor their marketing style to each individual nation while respecting and acknowledging their religious practices. As far as recommendations for marketers, they will need to be tailored to each country individually, but in general it is important to embrace the Islamic religion and integrate the brand into Muslims’ everyday life while taking care to respect their beliefs and practices. Islamic nations are said to be “the next frontier” of advertising, so it is essential that large firms and their agencies take note of these norms and regulations and use research and knowledge to their advantage when...
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...Contrast between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia Culture is one of the treasured traits the some countries carry on throughout centuries, even during our time today. However, although some countries cherish their culture and value it, humans get so caught up with their everyday life routine that they tend to forget their culture and diminish their traditions. Culture is what makes us different that everyone else. Each country has its own culture and celebrations. For example, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia are two Middle Eastern countries that share the same language. Although these countries have some similarities, there is a wide variety of differences between them when it comes to politics, tradition and religion. Both countries share a common religion: Islam. Moreso, there are plenty of other religions in Lebanon. Islam is portrayed in more strict and conservative way in Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, religion plays a huge role in culture, traditions, and even politics. Religion is used as a way of living more than just a belief. For example, religion is tied in with women’s right and politics. No matter what religion they practice, women have to be covered from head to toes even if they were tourists visiting the country. It is the law. According to the editor Tore Kjeilen, “Officially Muslims constitute 100% of the population, but considering the considerable expatriate community, 90% is a better estimate. Even among citizens, there are non-Muslims, the Isma'ilisare...
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...abroad and domestically, they must be globally literate. To be globally literate means seeing, thinking, acting, and mobilizing in culturally mindful ways. It’s the sum of the attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed for success in today’s multicultural, global economy. To be globally literate, leaders must possess the following competencies: Personal literacy (understanding and valuing oneself) Social literacy (engaging and challenging other people) Business literacy (focusing and mobilizing one’s organization) Cultural literacy (valuing and leveraging cultural differences) For most outsiders, Saudi Arabia is a land of contrasts and paradoxes. It has super modern cities, but its strict Islamic religious convictions and ancient social customs, on which its laws and customs depend, often clash with modern economic and technical realities. Saudi Arabians...
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...religious beliefs, traditions, work ethic ( culture) The full name of Saudi Arabia is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Arabic is the official language. In the 7th century, the successor of the Mohammed who was the founder of Islam established Arab empire. The 8th century is a heyday for Saudi Arabia, and its territory crosses Europe, Asia and Africa. However, in the 16th century, Arab empire was ruled by the Ottoman Empire. In the 19th century, The Great Britain invaded into Arab, it was divided into two parts, Hejaz and Nejd. In 1924, the chief of Hejaz in Saudi Arabia merged Nejd and then gradually unified the Arabian Peninsula. Finally, in September 1932, he declared the establishment of Saudi Arabia kingdom. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam. Islam has become the world’s second large religion. The founder Muhammad established Islam approximately A.D 600 in Mecca; the sacred city of Islam is located in Saudi Arabia. Islam prospers in northwestern Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, Pakistan, and some Southeast cities. Religion strongly affects consumption behavior of Arabian. For example, Muslim consumers are not allowed to consume alcohol and pork, besides that, the nation is governed under the Law of Islamic. Muslim pray five times a day, the local people usually go to the mosque to do religious service. Women must wear black robes in that day. Some of the traditions and customs in Saudi Arabia are similar to the other countries, but some of them are not. Most...
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...Student BU204 Unit 1 Assignment August 27th, 2012 Dear President Smith, Upon your request, I have finished my extensive research on the culture and customs of the country of Saudi Arabia. I have come across quite a few things that will not only be helpful to our business professionals over there, but also some that could be a necessity to their wellbeing. First and foremost, if one is not a Muslim, in order to leave Saudi Arabia, there has to be a granting of an exit permit. Anyone without Saudi citizenship that is involved in a business, labor, or employment dismissal dispute will not be allowed to leave the country until the dispute is resolved in a Saudi court. These cases are notorious for being dragged out, and can last anywhere from 3-18 months. Saudi citizens are known to have incredible leverage in these cases, and can block departure or future visitation and employment in the country. This is definitely something for our workers over there to keep in mind during any type of negotiation (travel.state.gov, 2012). While we want our employees to try to assimilate into and be a part of the culture as much as possible, they need to know to draw the line at wearing traditional Saudi clothing. Saudi’s oftentimes find it offensive when they see foreigners wearing traditional Saudi attire. Even though the heat can be overwhelming, it is important that all of our professionals attend meetings in a jacket and tie. They additionally need to try to steer clear of...
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...Background Information: MTV (short for Music Television), which pioneered the concept of a cable music channel, was launched on August 1 1981. At the time of its launch, the MTV channel primarily catered to those in the 12 to 24 age group, airing heavy metal and rap music, although it expanded into several different niche markets through the establishment of alternative channels, such as VH1 and Nickelodeon, in conjunction with airing reality TV shows. In 1986, MTV was acquired by Viacom inc. and started to expand its operations through the global marketplace through a “Think Globally, Act Locally” strategy. The channel MTV Arabia was formed as a result of a licensing arrangement between MTV and AMG. MTVN (MTV Networks) launched MTV Arabia on November 17, 2007, in partnership with Arabian Television Network (ATN), which is part of the Arab Media Group’s (AMG) Arabian Broadcasting Network (ABN). According to analysts, MTV’s success in the Middle East was contingent upon a tactical balancing between delivery of international quality music and the culturally sensitive environment prevalent in the region. The Fundamental Management Issue: The key fundamental issue within the MTV case study is to determine whether localisation is needed to be successful in the market in conjunction with maintaining the MTV global brand and product. This is an issue since the market that MTV was entering, the Arabian market, presented a different cultural and socio-ethical construction from which...
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...Michelin has decided to expand the company internationally to China. As treasurer for this prestigious company it’s my responsibility to research different factors prior to the expansion that will assist the company in this successful venture. Topics of discussions are foreign trade issues; determinants of entering China, embarking in international negotiation and many more valid points are included in my research to soften the blow of unnecessary challenges. Dealing with foreign trade issues. Acting as treasurer several factors would have to be developed and monitored when expanding internationally such as money exchange, current exchange rates, cash flow, bribery, tariffs, and international trade laws for the company. Having knowledge of the country’s culture is very important simply to keep the lines of communication open and most of all not to offend someone. Determinants of foreign entry and how would our company enter A few factors that determines if our company is qualified to enter China are as follows; the size of the firm my play a significant role in the organization’s entry into the country. The profitability of the company would indicate experience and target a dimension of competition within the country. (Culture Distance) Our firm will enter the country with a licensing agreement that is wholly owned by its affiliates. (Market Knowledge) The organizations will have an advantage by using the wholly owned entry mode as we gain knowledge and get...
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