Doing business in the middle east requires a deep understanding of how this part of the world works. As I researched how best to conduct business in the Middle East I came across an article that I found was quite helpful. As business West suggests, “Doing business in the Middle East is wholly reliant on building relationships. To an Arab businessman or woman, family and friends intertwine with day-to-day activity and as a foreign friend, you are an honored guest – being invited to their home is the equivalent of opening their arms to you… and trusting that you will support each other in friendship and in business – it’s all part of the mix. Business is only done with people that they like and if that means sitting for 3 hours together eating a heavy lunch, that’s all part of the fun” (Hildersley, 2014). This emphasis on relationships in business is very much intertwined with the success of conducting business in this part of the world. Therefor taking a more personal approach to obtaining business deals in a genuine and sincere way would best suit anyone looking to build a business in this part of the world.
By conducting meeting in person this is one way that a strong business relationship can be fostered. “When dealing with business people, it is important to attempt to speak with them in person. The culture is reliant on trust and friendship, and meeting in person is the only way to build that. Face-to-face interaction is also important because the process of coming to an agreement takes much longer in the region, resulting in more time needed to get to know each other personally and professionally” (Davis, 2018). As someone who values face-to-face interaction I can see why this would be so important. It is the only true way to get a good feel if the partnership is a good fit.
Additionally, understanding the deeply rooted culture in this area is incredibly important.“Peoples from ancient civilizations, like Egypt, Persia, Turkey and Arabia, are proud of their past- its history, art, poetry, literature, and cultural accomplishments” (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, 2014). With the Middle East being one of the birthplaces of civilization this rich history is a part of who they are as a people and country. Therefor understanding the pride, they take in their history carries over in to the cultural beliefs, and values instilled within them today.
It also is important to understand how they see us as Americans and how to utilize that information to build a productive relationship with them. “Currently, resentment centers on America as the only superpower capable of military intervention in the region, especially the U.S. coalitions that went to war against terrorisms twice in Iraq, support of Israel against Palestinians, as well as against the Taliban in Afghanistan” (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, 2014, p. 331). Therefor I would advise going in to the relationship with an open mind with genuine and sincere intentions. Understanding the tensions that may exist and fostering a personal relationship with anyone you are looking to go in to business with.
Works Cited
Davis, R. (2018, Februart 14). Four Tips For Successful Business In The Middle East And Asia. Retrieved from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2018/02/14/four-tips-for-successful-business-in-the-middle-east-and-asia/#2d18eef92b6e
Hildersley, S. (2014, June 18). Women Doing Business in the Middle East. Retrieved from Business West: https://www.businesswest.co.uk/blog/women-doing-business-middle-east
Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences(9 ed.). New York, NY, USA: Routledge.