This paper is a brief comparison and contrast of Iraqi and American culture and an analysis of their cultural differences through the paradigm of American companies conducting international business in Iraq.
Modern day Iraq encompasses the area known through history as Mesopotamia, or land between the rivers, and is generally considered the cradle of civilization. With thousands upon thousands of years of history as its foundation, Iraqi culture is steeped with traditions that are indelible in business. According to research performed by Geert Hofstede, Iraq is a collective hierarchical society that is competitive and rigid; exhibiting little tolerance for ideas or behavior outside the norm. The Iraqi people have great respect for traditions …show more content…
For example, many U.S. firms offer “casual Fridays” as a way to boost moral for employees by allowing to dress down in more comfortable, less formal attire from time to time. In Iraq, business dealings are more formal and require a conservative dress code. While Iraq ranks as one of the more progressive Islamic countries with regard to women’s rights, there are customs that adhered to. Unlike some Islamic states, women are permitted to attend school, drive and engage in business in Iraq. However, women should always dress conservatively in clothing that is loose-fitting that conceal legs and arms with modest necklines (Business Customs, …show more content…
Shaking hands is common and may be accompanied by an embrace that lingers longer than in western culture; although women will generally avoid any type of contact with men. However, there are some common American gestures or areas of conversation that can be construed as offensive or improper to Iraqis. The sole of the foot is considered dirty and the lowest part of the body and thus displaying it toward your host or other guest is insulting. As mentioned previously, women are treated better in Iraq compared to other Muslim countries but it is still inappropriate to discuss another man’s wife or daughters unless you are close acquaintances; instead, ask to the health and wellbeing of his family in general (Business Customs, 2014). In sharp contrast to the American aversion to haggling; it is a way of life in the Middle East; anything and everything is up for negotiation and should be
Modern day Iraq encompasses the area known through history as Mesopotamia, or land between the rivers, and is generally considered the cradle of civilization. With thousands upon thousands of years of history as its foundation, Iraqi culture is steeped with traditions that are indelible in business. According to research performed by Geert Hofstede, Iraq is a collective hierarchical society that is competitive and rigid; exhibiting little tolerance for ideas or behavior outside the norm. The Iraqi people have great respect for traditions …show more content…
For example, many U.S. firms offer “casual Fridays” as a way to boost moral for employees by allowing to dress down in more comfortable, less formal attire from time to time. In Iraq, business dealings are more formal and require a conservative dress code. While Iraq ranks as one of the more progressive Islamic countries with regard to women’s rights, there are customs that adhered to. Unlike some Islamic states, women are permitted to attend school, drive and engage in business in Iraq. However, women should always dress conservatively in clothing that is loose-fitting that conceal legs and arms with modest necklines (Business Customs, …show more content…
Shaking hands is common and may be accompanied by an embrace that lingers longer than in western culture; although women will generally avoid any type of contact with men. However, there are some common American gestures or areas of conversation that can be construed as offensive or improper to Iraqis. The sole of the foot is considered dirty and the lowest part of the body and thus displaying it toward your host or other guest is insulting. As mentioned previously, women are treated better in Iraq compared to other Muslim countries but it is still inappropriate to discuss another man’s wife or daughters unless you are close acquaintances; instead, ask to the health and wellbeing of his family in general (Business Customs, 2014). In sharp contrast to the American aversion to haggling; it is a way of life in the Middle East; anything and everything is up for negotiation and should be