International business activities are expanding significantly and so awareness of both cultural similarities and differences is becoming increasingly important. Internationalization is no longer a foreign word and more and more business people now undertake the task of doing business outside of their home country. To succeed in international business requires an understanding of various cultures and the sensitivity to cope with differences. While doing business with people from many nations, a sense of dealing with conflicting approaches is inevitable. Managers with global views and skills in international communication are more sought after than ever. At the same time, managers are seeking ways to participate in cross-cultural management and to avoid any misinterpretation.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Definition of the two worlds
1.2. Problem and Objectives
1.3. Structure
2. INTRODUCTION TO THE ARAB WORLD
2.1. Classification of the Arab countries
2.2. Decisive moments of history
2.2.1. MuÇammad and the birth of the Islamic state
2.2.2. Expansion of the Islamic state
2.2.3. Stage of Stagnation
2.2.4. Stage of resurgence
2.3. Economic Profile
2.3.1. Exploitation of Petroleum
2.3.2. Islamic banking system
3. ISLAM
3.1. The tenets of Islam
3.2. The Qur’n
3.3. The five pillars of Islam
3.3.1. Confession of Faith
3.3.2. Prayer
3.3.3. Zakt
3.3.4. Fasting during RamaÉn
3.3.5. Pilgrimage
3.4. Traditions of Islam
4. CULTURE
4.1. Concepts and meaning of culture
4.2. Intercultural communication
4.2.1. Culture and communication
4.2.2. Language in intercultural communication
4.2.3. Nonverbal communication
4.2.3.1. Kinetics
4.2.3.2. Touch behavior
4.2.3.3. Eye contact
4.2.3.4. Distance behavior
4.2.3.5. Time and Scheduling
4.3. Challenges in intercultural communication
4.3.1. Stereotyping
4.3.2. Ethnocentrism
4.4. Intercultural communication trainings
5. CULTURAL MODELS
5.1. The four dimensions of Hofstede
5.1.1. Power distance
5.1.2. Uncertainty Avoidance
5.1.3. Individualism vs. Collectivism
5.1.4. Masculinity vs. Femininity
5.2. The role of context
5.2.1. High-context culture
5.2.2. Low-context culture
5.2.3. Communication varieties
6. THE ARAB SOCIETY
6.1. Arab values
6.2. Types of Arab individuals
6.2.1. Traditionalist
6.2.2. Idealistic
6.2.3. Spectator
6.2.4. Illusionist
6.2.5. Transitionalist
6.2.6. Manipulative
6.2.7. Revivalist
6.2.8. Existentialist
6.3. Women in the Arab society
7. ARAB EXECUTIVES
7.1. Islam and Economy
7.2. The Arab businessman
7.3. Negotiating style
7.4. Nonverbal business behavior
7.4.1. Eye contact
7.4.2. Distance behavior
7.4.3. Touch behavior
7.4.4. Gestures
7.4.5. Time and scheduling
7.4.6. Dress code
7.4.7. Gifts
7.5. Cultural and religious issues in business ethics
8. BUSINESS ATTITUDES
8.1. Risks
8.1.1. Strangeness of the culture and environment
8.1.2. Lack of information and communication
8.1.3. Complexity of social relations
8.1.4. Loss of intercultural competence
8.1.5. Corruption and bribery
8.2. Differences in business behavior
8.2.1. Relationship-focused vs. Deal-focused
8.2.2. Monochronic vs. Polychronic
8.2.3. Expressive vs. Reserved
8.2.4. Rigid-Time vs. Fluid Time
8.3. Skills of a global manager
9. CONCLUSION
Objectives and Research Focus
This thesis examines the profound influence of culture and history on business behavior, specifically contrasting Western and Arab managerial styles. It addresses the research question of why cultural awareness is essential for international business success and provides actionable guidance for managers to navigate these complex intercultural dynamics.
- The impact of Islamic culture on business ethics and economic systems.
- Cultural model frameworks (Hofstede and Hall) applied to the Arab business environment.
- Specific challenges in intercultural communication, including stereotyping and ethnocentrism.
- A typology of the modern Arab individual and its implications for leadership.
- The importance of personal relationships and nonverbal behavior in Arab negotiations.
Excerpt from the Book
8.1.1. Strangeness of the culture and environment
People’s norms, values and beliefs are strongly shaped by their own culture. Much of the behavior can be associated with the religion of a culture. Religion can have a profound impact on societies and relates to all aspects of life. It helps determine attitudes toward social structure and economic development. In addition, to date, tradition is a very important aspect of culture that may be expressed in unwritten customs, taboos, and sanctions. Traditions and rules may dictate what goods and services are purchased, when they are purchased, and by whom. Alcohol beverages for example are banned in Saudi Arabia on religious principles.
Another crucial point to be mentioned is that visual behavior plays an important role as social interaction and relationships will be regulated. To take an example, eye contact can cause a variety of interpersonal reactions and can reflect both dominance and deference. Another cultural habit in Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist cultures is the use of the left hand which is considered unclean. Avoiding touching people or handing them objects such as a business card with the left hand is highly advisable for international businessmen. Cultural differences can cause misunderstandings and misinterpretations. An example would be the calendar, which can be seen as one cultural universal. In Moslem countries Friday is the weekend and the usual day off.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the research scope, specifically the definitions of "Western" and "Arab/Islamic" worlds, and sets the objectives for studying intercultural business behavior.
2. INTRODUCTION TO THE ARAB WORLD: Provides a historical and economic overview of the Arab world, detailing the birth of Islamic states and the influence of oil wealth.
3. ISLAM: Explores the tenets, practices, and influence of Islam on societal norms and economic systems.
4. CULTURE: Discusses the theoretical foundations of culture, including intercultural communication, language barriers, and nonverbal communication nuances.
5. CULTURAL MODELS: Analyzes behavioral differences using frameworks like Hofstede’s dimensions and Edward T. Hall’s high-context versus low-context models.
6. THE ARAB SOCIETY: Details Arab values, the social classification of individuals (typologies), and the role of women within the societal framework.
7. ARAB EXECUTIVES: Examines managerial behavior, negotiation styles, and ethical issues including the concept of wasta in the context of business.
8. BUSINESS ATTITUDES: Discusses risks and differences in business behavior, highlighting the distinction between relationship-focused and deal-focused cultures.
9. CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the findings and emphasizes the necessity of cultural sensitivity for successful international business relationships.
Keywords
Arab Business, Islamic Culture, Intercultural Communication, Hofstede, High-Context Culture, Management Styles, Business Ethics, Wasta, Nonverbal Communication, Global Manager, Negotiation, Cultural Sensitivity, Relationship-Focused, Typology, Cross-Cultural Management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores how history, religion, and cultural values influence business behavior, specifically aiming to help Western managers understand and interact effectively with Arab executives.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Central themes include the role of Islam in society and commerce, the distinction between high-context and low-context cultures, the importance of social relationships (wasta) in business, and the specific challenges of intercultural communication.
What is the main objective of the thesis?
The goal is to provide a guideline for Westerners doing business with Arabs, focusing on reducing culture shock and enhancing the speed of adaptation through a deeper understanding of core cultural beliefs.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The work utilizes a review of existing literature and empirical studies to analyze cultural differences and provide a typology of Arab individuals in a business context.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the historical roots of the Arab world, the influence of Islamic law, cultural models like Hofstede's, communication styles, and the specific behaviors of Arab executives.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Arab business, intercultural communication, high-context culture, business ethics, wasta, and global management.
How does the concept of 'wasta' impact Arab business?
Wasta is described as a social mechanism for mediation or intercession, which is key to understanding decision-making in the Middle East and reflects the importance of family networks.
What does the author conclude about the "Arab mentality"?
The author concludes that the Arab mentality is not solely influenced by religion, but rather by evolved cultural values and beliefs that are deeply rooted in history and social structure.
- Quote paper
- MMag, MBA Andrea Baumann (Author), 2006, Influences of culture on the style of business behavior between Western and Arab managers, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/82889
