The doing business in Egypt SATs.
I recently stumbled across an online ‘cross-cultural training’ website for globe-trotting business execs about to enter the frothy world of Egyptian business.
I’ve put together a short True/False quiz based on the informative cross-cultural training I just absorbed. The answers are below the fold, along with a link to the font of wisdom from wence they were gleaned.
________________________________
1: Arabic is a language of exaggeration and Egyptians love to be flowery in their speech. True or false?
2: It’s a good idea to attempt to learn at least a few words or phrases of Egyptian Arabic, such as thank you, hello, good-bye, and please. True or false?
3. Unlike whatever place you come from, the exotic concept of honour governs all interpersonal relationships in Egypt. True or false?
4: Egyptians prefer to do business with those they know and trust. Therefore you should go find somebody else who is Egyptian to act as a go-between with your Egyptian counterparts. True or false?
5: Islam is a religion of fatalism. The fatalistic approach to life is often significant in the decision-making process of many Egyptians. As a result it takes Egyptians longer to make a decision. True or false?
1. True
2: True
3: True
4: True
5: True
cbarwa 3:11 am on December 15, 2009 Permalink |
As opposed to the rest of the world outside Egypt where people prefer to business with those they don’t know and don’t trust!
PMSL!!!
but seriously, that was an awful site, don’t know what the authors were thinking!
Willow 10:31 am on December 15, 2009 Permalink |
This reminds me of the “explanation” of the shoe-throwing incident in Iraq…you know, the whole ‘in Arab culture, throwing shoes is extremely insulting’ thing. As opposed to our culture, in which throwing shoes signals a sexual proposition.
Buzz 11:53 am on December 15, 2009 Permalink |
I believe Judith Martin would say, in this social situation, that it really depends on the type of shoe and how hard it was thrown.