Country Navigator: Egypt
The Ten Essentials For Doing Business With The Egyptians
In the Arab world, business is relationship-based. It is absolutely essential to take the time to build a relationship with your Egyptian counterpart before trying to start negotiations.- Family and kinship are very important to Egyptians. Nepotism is considered a positive and you'll often find several members of the same family at high levels within one company.
- Personal introductions are by far the best way to get to know Egyptians. Always engage a local representative to set up appointments and help you get a foot on the business ladder.
- Egyptians have very complex social networks and you'll often find one individual sitting on the board of or acting as consultant to several companies. This is why it is so important to cultivate personal relationships; you never know where a relationship may lead.
- Foreign women are generally treated with respect in Egypt and many Egyptian women hold high-ranking jobs, though still far fewer than men. It is, however, important to dress modestly and understand that you are operating within the limitations of a Muslim society.
- Business entertaining plays a very strong part in any deal. Egyptians are extremely hospitable, as are most Arabs, and it would be considered very rude to decline an invitation.
- Egyptians have a strong sense of honour and a man's word is his bond. They also have a strong sense of face and will go to great lengths to preserve this.
- Many Westerners working in Egypt have difficulty coping with the Egyptian concept of time. Meetings will start late and will often run over time, and it is considered rude to cut somebody off during a discussion just because another appointment is due. Deadlines may or may not be met; Egyptians believe that everything is ultimately the will of God.
- Egyptians are high context communicators and it is important to learn to read between the lines of what they are saying as well as to study their body language to find out what they really mean. Because saying 'no' to somebody may cause them to lose face, Egyptians will go to great lengths to avoid giving a negative answer.
- Egypt is located in the very heart of the Middle East and although it has very strong ties with the West, is still essentially an Arab country and has a strong affinity with most of its neighbours. Discussing or criticising Egyptian politics and foreign policy is a bad idea.
The Egyptian Mindset Map
The TMA Mindset Maps provide a simple framework to deepen your knowledge and understanding of different cultures. Download below an easy reference guide on the key elements of the Egyptian personality for you to print off and keep to hand.
Free Online Demonstration
Try Country Navigator for yourself; visit http://www.countrynavigator.com for an online demonstration today or email us at enquiries@countrynavigator.com. Combining in-depth information on over 40 countries, a personal cultural assessment and networking tools, Country Navigator ensures you are able to adjust your approach to be immediately effective in different cultural contexts.