Arab Business Etiquette vs. American Business Etiquette

Business etiquette is very important, wherever you are in the world. It can make a huge difference to the success of your business and it can make or break a deal. Most businesspeople are familiar with the correct business etiquette when they are working in their own country, with someone who shares the same customs, language and culture, but cross-cultural business etiquette can be a big challenge. The differences between the ways in which business in done in difference countries can be huge and confusing, but it is essential to understand how to act in new situations if you are going to succeed.

The differences in business etiquette in America and the Arab World are great. Learning how to do business in another culture can show respect for your business partners and it can also help you to understand one another and therefore to do business more successfully. More information about Arab American business can be found on the arabamericangiving.org website.

Religious differences can have important consequences for business etiquette in the Arab World and America. Alcohol and certain foods are prohibited by Islam. Muslims are expected to pray five times a day, and they often do not work on Fridays. Ramadan is one of the most important festivals in Islam, and it involves a month of fasting, during which time it is very difficult to do business. Christianity is the main religion in the United States, and it also involves a number of important festivals during the year, notably Christmas. However, the US is a diverse country in which businesspeople may have difference backgrounds and religious beliefs.

Business in the Arab World is predominantly conducted by men, but there is no such division in the US. It can be difficult for women to participate in business in the Arab World, although it is possible in some countries. Businesspeople from the Arab World should expect to deal with women when they work in the US.

Physical contact between people of the same sex is more common in the Arab World than it is in the US. American people tend to value their personal space and to limit contact to a handshake, while in the Arab World people tend to sit close to one another and to exchange kisses or touch one another. Contact between men and women is less common in the Arab World, although in some countries, such as Lebanon, it is acceptable for a man and a woman to shake hands. In the US, it is acceptable for a man and a woman to kiss on the cheek when they are introduced, although a handshake is more common.

Dress can be more casual in some American settings, although formal business attire is generally worn during meetings and business events. Modesty of dress is considered more important in the Arab World, for both men and women. Women are expected to cover their hair in some Arab countries.

Social conversation between businesspeople in America tends to be limited to less formal occasions, such as meals or meetings that are not work related. In the Arab World, it is more common to spend time on social conversation during formal business meetings. Building up a personal relationship is of more importance in the Arab world.

The pace at which business occurs can also differ between the Arab and American worlds, with the American business world tending to place more importance on speed and taking decisive action. American businesspeople tend to value their time highly and therefore tend to be more direct and to value fast decision making. Punctuality is very important in the US, while in the Arab World, timekeeping tends to be less strict.

Although American business meetings can appear less formal, both the American and Arab business worlds tend to share a respect for authority and a preference for following a set plan or agenda.