Middle Eastern Business Culture

Summary

The video script explores cultural differences between American and Middle Eastern business practices. It highlights key misunderstandings, such as punctuality, long handshakes, and the tendency to cancel meetings without prior notice. The script also discusses how Middle Eastern cultures emphasize relationship-building, often with interruptions during meetings, and avoid discussing personal matters like family. The script contrasts these norms with American business etiquette, where directness and efficiency are valued. It concludes by showcasing a clash over scheduling and restaurant choices, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness in business.

Takeaways

• 🤝 The American man was waiting for a meeting to start with Middle Eastern associates, who often keep foreigners waiting.
• 📅 It's common for Middle Eastern meetings to be canceled even if scheduled weeks in advance, so confirming on the day is important.
• 👋 Handshakes in Middle Eastern culture can last longer than Westerners expect, which surprised the American man.
• 🚫 Asking about someone's wife is considered inappropriate in Middle Eastern culture, but asking about politics is more acceptable.
• 📉 The business conversation included a discussion about hiding expenses to improve the income statement.
• 💼 Middle Eastern business meetings often include lengthy interruptions, which is part of their culture to maintain relationships.
• 🙅‍♂️ Women usually have limited interaction in business meetings with men in Middle Eastern culture.
• 🍽️ The American man invited his Middle Eastern associate to a bacon restaurant, unaware that pork is typically avoided in their culture.
• ⏳ Middle Eastern culture values taking time to make decisions, so they don’t like being pressured into quick commitments.
• 🤔 Staying professional during unpredictable and chaotic business meetings in the Middle East is important, as interruptions and delays are normal.

Q & A

What cultural practice is mentioned in the script regarding waiting times for meetings?

In Middle Eastern cultures, it is customary to keep foreigners waiting for extended periods, even if everyone is expected to be on time.

Why is it advised to call on the same day of a scheduled meeting in Middle Eastern cultures?

It is advised because meetings can be canceled on the same day, and calling ensures that the meeting is still scheduled, preventing unnecessary waiting.

What is the significance of the handshake duration in Middle Eastern cultures as depicted in the script?

The handshake in Middle Eastern cultures is common to last for several moments, indicating a warm greeting and respect.

Why did the Middle Eastern man react negatively when asked about his wife by the American?

Asking about his wife is frowned upon in Middle Eastern culture as it is considered impolite to inquire about personal matters, especially about family.

What is the typical approach to building trust in Middle Eastern business interactions?

In Middle Eastern cultures, it is important to get to know associates better by engaging in personal conversations to build trust before conducting business.

Why did the American have to cancel his Pilates class during the business meeting?

The American had to cancel his Pilates class due to a lengthy interruption, which is common in Middle Eastern culture to maintain relationships.

What does the script suggest about the role of women in Middle Eastern business meetings?

The script suggests that women are not typically involved in business meetings with men in Middle Eastern cultures, or if they are, there is limited interaction.

What does the script imply about the American man's suggestion to hide expenses and losses?

The script implies that the American man is considering unethical practices by suggesting to hide expenses and losses to make the income statement look nicer.

Why is the Middle Eastern man hesitant to set a time for the next meeting in the script?

The Middle Eastern man is hesitant because Middle Eastern cultures do not like to be pressured into making decisions quickly; they prefer to take their time.

What cultural faux pas does the American man commit by suggesting a dinner at a bacon restaurant?

The American man commits a cultural faux pas by not considering that Middle Eastern cultures often avoid certain types of meat, like pork, due to religious and cultural reasons.

What is the overall message regarding professional conduct during international business meetings as portrayed in the script?

The script emphasizes the importance of being prepared for cultural differences, staying professional, and adapting to the pace of decision-making in international business meetings.