Instant Access To 100,000+ Essays!

The West and The Middle East This report examines differences in the business cultures of the US and the Middle East, specifically the Arab nations. The language differences are obvious and have not been mentioned except where English is common. Such the case in many of the Arab nations, and foreigners' inability to speak the local language is not viewed as disrespectful. The basic tenets of business are the same between cultures. Each wants honest dealings with honest representatives, but Western and Arab approaches to accomplishing these ends can be very different. Many Arab businessmen understand that much of the West is unfamiliar with the traditions of Islam and are willing to overlook Westerners' ignorance of certain nuances, but there are some aspects of the religion that Arabs will not put aside. More liberal Arab nations such as Jordan, Oman and Morocco allow women to hold various positions in business; conservative Saudi Arabia still bans women from legally driving a car. Arabs appear to be less forgiving of less obvious matters. It is seen as vulgar in nearly every Arab nation for a business meeting to open without at least several minutes of greeting and non-business conversation. While Arabs will forgive Wes