What is it most people associate with thoughts of the Islamic or Arab World? It is true, no one will forget the horrible pictures of the Gulf Wars from 1980 to 1991 or the attack of radical Muslims on the USA on September 11, 2001, but dictators like Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden do not mirror the whole of the Islamic world. These radical Muslims and terror attacks are only exceptions, and it is not fair to see only this side. There are fanatics from other religions or racial offenders in the Western World as well, and it is unfair to think they are all the same because they belong to the same religious group. There are about 1.3 billion Muslims in the world and for the most part, they want only to exercise their religion without any aggressive intentions.
When presented with the term “Arabic”, more traditional minds might think of men riding camels through the desert, wearing turbans. This is the more accurate image of the Islamic world; a very custom rich culture with an intense focus on hospitality .
While both of these images are true, what people must recognize is the enormous business power these countries possess; and this power lies in much more than oil alone. Dubai, for example, is one of the fastest growing cities in the world with investments of hundreds of billions of US-dollars each year . It seems that there are no limits set in the world of the sheiks. In Dubai they have the Burj al-arab—the only seven-star hotel in the world—and a snow dome that offers skiing, even with the temperature outside at 50 . Furthermore, in Dubai they are building the 560 metres high Burj Dubai, which will be the highest skyscraper in the world after its completion . All this considered, it is obvious that it could be profitable to have a look at the Arabic countries for businessmen and investors.
This was a short introduction to answer the question of “Why” conducting business with the Arabic world could be profitable. The following section will focus on the “How” aspect. I will explain how to cultivate a cooperative environment with Islamic business partners by describing their cultural views and customs, and what people should focus on or avoid in business transactions. It will be a general overview because Dubai is not like Bahrain, in the same way Germany is not like France, but there is one binding element for these countries – their religion.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. The basic principles
1. religion
a.) Shahâda – statement of beliefs
b.) Salat – prayer
c.) Zakat – Tax for Charity
d.) Saum – fasting
e.) Haddsch – pilgrimage
2. family
3. honour/saving face
III. Doing business
1. verbal communication
2. nonverbal communication
3. welcome
4. small talk
5. negotiations
6. networking
7. hospitality
IV. Summary/conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to provide Western business professionals with a comprehensive guide to navigating cultural differences when working in the Islamic world, emphasizing that understanding social and religious customs is essential for building successful, long-term business relationships.
- The core religious pillars of Islam and their impact on daily business conduct.
- The significance of family loyalty and hierarchy in Arabic company structures.
- Effective verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to maintain "face" and avoid misunderstandings.
- Cultural etiquette regarding greetings, hospitality, and the "Three-Times-Rule."
- Navigating negotiations through patience, relationship-building, and the strategic use of "white lies."
Excerpt from the Book
1. Verbal communication
Verbal Communication can be direct or indirect. In the Islamic countries communication is indirect, which means that people do not say things directly, rather they paraphrase or use spaces for interpretations, metaphors, and analogies. Direct communication in this culture shows someone to be impolite and uneducated. Furthermore, a direct ‘’no’’ can hurt the others or lead to the necessity of saving face in public.
This is an example of when paraphrasing should be used by the non-Islamic person: An American wants to sell cars to a business partner in Bahrain. Transport from the USA to Bahrain will take four weeks. Since this is a long time, the man from Bahrain inquires if it is possible to deliver the cars within three weeks. Now, technically it is impossible to deliver the cars in three weeks, but instead of saying “no”, the American should paraphrase to sound more like this: ‘’It would be a pleasure for me to fulfil your wishes, but under these circumstances it seems to be unrealistic’’. In this case the American relays his negative response indirectly and as politely as possible, letting the Arab know that it is really not feasible.
Summary of Chapters
I. Introduction: Highlights the economic potential of the Arab world while addressing common prejudices and emphasizing the importance of cultural competence for investors.
II. The basic principles: Details the fundamental influence of the five pillars of Islam, family values, and the concept of "saving face" on the lives of Muslims.
III. Doing business: Offers practical guidelines for communication, negotiation, and social etiquette, such as greetings and hospitality, within the Islamic business environment.
IV. Summary/conclusion: Concludes that while cultural differences exist, prior information and respectful conduct enable successful business transactions.
Keywords
Islamic World, Arab Business, Intercultural Communication, Religion, Hospitality, Negotiation, Saving Face, Verbal Communication, Nonverbal Communication, Relationship Building, Three-Times-Rule, White Lies, Cultural Etiquette, Family Loyalty, Business Conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
This work explores the cultural and religious factors that shape business practices in the Islamic world, providing practical advice for Western professionals to succeed in this region.
What are the central themes discussed?
The paper covers the pillars of Islam, family hierarchy, the importance of "saving face," verbal and non-verbal communication, and specific business rituals like bargaining and hospitality.
What is the main objective of the author?
The goal is to bridge the cultural gap between Western business norms and Islamic customs to foster cooperative and profitable relationships.
Which methodology is employed?
The author uses a qualitative approach, synthesizing cultural observations and business guidelines derived from various expert literature and practical examples.
What does the main body address?
The main body breaks down specific social situations, such as greetings, negotiating techniques, and managing interruptions during meetings, while explaining the underlying logic of these actions.
Which keywords characterize this document?
Key terms include Islamic culture, intercultural communication, negotiation, business hospitality, and cultural competence.
Why is "saving face" particularly important in this context?
In Islamic culture, direct correction or rejection in public is considered humiliating and rude. Maintaining "face" is crucial for preserving personal honor and continuing business negotiations.
How should one interpret the "Three-Times-Rule"?
The rule implies that many spoken invitations in the Arab world are only meant seriously if the host extends the invitation at least three times.
- Quote paper
- Frederik Wendisch (Author), 2007, Business Communication in the Islamic World, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/84392
