EGYPTDoing Business in Egypt

culture, customs and etiquette

Background to Business in Egypt

• Has both a secular and religious state • The past couple of decades have seen the

proliferation of larger-scale private companies

• Companies fall into the category of either Islamic or non-Islamic in orientation

 Business Mentality

• It is useful to have an Egyptian agent do to business• The social side of business is very important• Business is hierarchical• Decisions are reached after great deliberation• Negotiating techniques - no high-pressure tactics• Business moves at a slow pace• A typical business day is usually from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

in the summer and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm with an extra 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the winter.

• No business is conducted on Friday

Greetings and The Art of Conversation

• There are plenty greeting styles in Egypt - safest to wait for your counterpart to initiate the greeting

• When addressing you should use their title followed by their surname until invited to do otherwise

• Advisable to have an Egyptian representative to explain the major points of your business in Arabic

• If voices are raised - it is not an argument• Welcomed topics of conversation include Egyptian

achievements • Arabic conversation can be very hyperbolic • Avoid inquiring about the female members of their family

Business meetings and meals

• Punctuality in Egypt is not considered the main priority

• Business cards should be printed in English on one side and in Arabic on the other

• Presents are welcomed - give or receive them using the right hand or with both hands – never with the left.

• Business meals: string Muslims will not touch alcohol or pork

Body Language

• Make eye-contact when meeting with your Egyptian business associates – sign of honesty and trust

• Arab men usually walk hand in hand • The left hand is considered unclean in Egypt• Do not cross your legs when sitting, also,

showing the bottom of your foot is considered offensive.

Egyptian Management Style

• The approach -'managing authority consultatively‘, the need for discussion without any loss of perceived status or power.

• Egyptian managers will consult widely with colleagues but will make the final, firm authoritative decision

• Decision will rarely, if ever, be delegated to a subordinate • Subordinates are expected to follow decisions to the

letter. Dispute or criticism are not expected or appreciated.

• Cautious without taking too many risks – decision making can seem slow

Egyptian Team working

• Teams revolve around a strong leader who usually allocates tasks rather than specific roles or functions

• Individuals expect direct access to and feedback from the leader

• Teams are more a grouping of individuals working independently towards a common objective

• Many private companies are family-run and owned

Women in Business anddress code

• Women play a much less significant role in business life

• Dealing with women in business – a respectful, professional distance is required

• Business attire - conservative, modest and formal

• No native attire - might be considered offensive.

Geert Hofstede Analysis for Egypt

• Identical to other Arab countries - Muslim faith plays a significant role in the people’s lives.

• Large power distance and uncertainty avoidance - the predominant characteristics for this region:–More likely to follow a caste system–Highly rule-oriented in order to reduce the

amount of uncertainty– Inequalities of power and wealth

Geert Hofstede Analysis for Egypt

Geert Hofstede Analysis for Egypt

• Power Distance (PDI) – high level of inequality of power and wealth– expectation and acceptance that leaders will separate

themselves from the group • Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI)– society’s low level of tolerance for uncertainty – The ultimate goal is to control everything

• Masculinity index (MAS)– women in the Arab World are limited in their rights, due

more to Muslim religion rather than a cultural paradigm• Individualism (IDV) – Collectivist society – loyality

Arabic and English Comparisons

• High-context and low context: – Arab culture is high-context - burden of meaning

falls on the listener– American culture is low-context - burden of

meaning falls on the speaker• Indirect and direct :– Arabic culture is indirect – American is direct

• Doing and being :– Arab culture is being-focused– American culture is doing-oriented

Bibliography

1. http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/Business-Facts-and-Figures-on-Egypt.html

2. http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/egypt-country-profile.html

3. http://www.todaytranslations.com/countries/doing-business-in-egypt/

4. http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/egypt.htm5. Zaharna, R.S. (1995), Bridging cultural differences:

American public relations practices and Arab communication patterns. In Public Relations Review, 21, 241-255

Thank you!