I have worked with Geert Hofestede's cultural dimensions a lot in the business school. Last year in my International Accounting Issues class, I did my final project on Malaysia and how a company's financial statements are reflective of the country's cultural differences (it's not as boring as it sounds). From the diagram below, you can see that Iran has a higher power distance rating and uncertainty avoidance compared to the United States. With a higher uncertainty avoidance comes more laws and stricter rules. However, it is important to note that the survey was taken in 1972 and the shah was overthrown in 1979. The subsequent re-emergence into Islamic fundamentalism would probably bring the current levels of uncertainty avoidance and power distance higher than what is shown below.
When I was looking up Iranian culture I found this interesting list:
Iranian Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
- DO try to get to know your Iranian business partner personally in your first
- meeting. Establishing trust and a good personal relationship is important in Iranian business culture.
- DO avoid topics of conversation like Iranian foreign policy and politics and also avoid criticising Islam as this can cause offense. Also avoid talking about the female relatives of your Iranian colleagues, and if they introduce the subject avoid asking too many personal questions.
- DO be aware that typical physical distance maintained when communicating in Iran is closer than in many western countries. Though you may not be comfortable with this close distance, it can be perceived as impolite if you back away.
- DO show respect towards your Iranian business associates by taking a sensitive approach to behaviour and cultural gestures. Avoid using the left hand when passing something, drinking alcohol or eating pork while in the presence of your Iranian colleagues.
- DON’T criticise your Iranian counterparts in front of other business colleagues, as this may cause a loss of face and harm their sense of honour.
- DON’T schedule business meetings during the holy month of Ramadan if at all possible as business activity tends to be reduced. Ramadan is a major Islamic tradition that includes fasting for an entire month. Although foreigners are not required to fast, it is considered impolite to eat or drink in front of others during this time.
- DON’T give the “thumbs up” sign while in Iran as this is considered to be an offensive gesture.
- DON’T display emotions or affectionate behavior to people of the opposite gender in public. This is very uncommon in Iran and can cause offense. In contrast people of the same gender often display affection in public and it is not rare to see two men holding hands
As far as the textbook readings go, I found it very interesting when Crystal was talking about a chain of dialects. It makes sense! But I have never thought about it. At one point in the chain, speakers of a dialect can understand the speakers of another dialect in areas close to them. However, as the people more farther apart in the chain, and eventually are at the two ends of the chain, they will not be able to understand each other. I don't know why I found this so fascinating! It made me think of the telephone game.
Comments
meeting etiquette: When Iranians greet each other they take their time and converse about general things. Greetings tend to be affectionate. Men kiss other men and women kiss other women at social events. If they meet on the street, a handshake is the more common greeting
Gift Giving: If you are invited to an Iranian's house, bring flowers, or pastry to the hosts. When giving a gift, always apologize for its inadequacy. Gifts are not generally opened when received. In fact, they may be put on a table and not mentioned.
Taarof (Iranian Politeness)
. Taarof is a system of politeness that includes both verbal and non-verbal communication.
. Iranians protest compliments and attempt to appear vulnerable in public.
. They will belittle their own accomplishments in an attempt to appear humble, although other Iranians understand that this is merely courtesy and do not take the words at face value.
. In adherence to taarof, if you are ever offered something, like a tea or sweet, even if you want it, at first decline it until their insistence becomes greater.
Business Meeting Etiquette (Monochronic v. Polychronic)
. Appointments are necessary and should be made 4 to 6 weeks in advance.
. Confirm the meeting one week in advance and when you arrive in the country.
. It is a good idea to avoid scheduling meetings during Ramazan (Ramadan) as the need to fast would preclude your business colleagues from offering you hospitality.
. Arrive at meetings on time, since punctuality is seen as a virtue.
. The first meeting with an Iranian company is generally not business-focused. Expect your colleagues to spend time getting to know you as a person over tea and snacks.
. Be patient - meetings are frequently interrupted.
. Written materials should be available in both Farsi and English.
. Do not remove your suit jacket without permission.
. Do not look at your watch or try to rush the meeting. If you appear fixated on the amount of time the meeting is taking, you will not be trusted.
Lifestyles (Collectivist Culture)
Extended families were the dominant household model in Iran, composed of up to three generations, living together in the same house. After the sons' marriage, according to the household economic conditions, the house would expand or be sub-divided to create new living spaces. In this case, the house, like a living organism, would grow and adapt to the new situation.