Saudi Arabia

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how following Saudi customs and avoiding unintended social slights is an important component of establishing productive business relationships there because doing so demonstrates awareness of and respect for foreign cultures. The paper explains that Saudis will overlook accidental mistakes in this regard, provided they are clearly the result of innocent ignorance about the culture rather than intentional slights. Nevertheless,
the paper contends that adapting to customs and social expectations always facilitates business relationships, particularly in cultures that emphasize personal interactions and rituals in a business environment.

Outline:
Social Customs in Saudi Arabia:
Conducting Business in Saudi Arabia:

From the Paper:

"In general, as regards women, Saudi culture requires a much higher degree of modesty: Saudi women dress in garments that cover them from head to toe, and they do not expose their hair in public. Foreigners are not expected to wear Arab clothes, but they are expected to dress modestly, and women, in particular, are expected to cover themselves in clothes that do not expose any skin. Foreigners should also be aware of local holidays such as Ramadan, during which all Muslim fast during daylight hours. While foreigners are not expected to fast, it is nevertheless important to avoid eating or drinking publicly, in the presence of Muslim, during the holiday."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hughes, R., Chesters, G. (2003) Living and Working in Gulf States & Saudi Arabia. Survival Books: London
• Parker, N. (2006) Your Guide to Saudi Arabia. Accessed October 6, 2007, at: http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Saudi_Arabia
• Virgilia Moran, S., Harris, P., Moran, R. (2007) Managing Cultural Differences: Global Leadership Strategies for the 21st Century

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