Cultural Analysis Saudi Arabia and France Saudi

Cultural Analysis

Saudi Arabia and France

Saudi Arabia and France are two entirely different cultures that have many cultural barriers between them; most notably language. Saudi culture has a less rigid concept of time and schedule compared to the West and meetings are often loosely scheduled around set prayer times; it is common for them to be interrupted; sometimes, there may be multiple people in the same office discussing multiple business matters (Li). Saudi businessmen do not discuss hard details of business deals immediately in a meeting; instead, they first chitchat and inquire about the each other's welfare.

Life and business as an important aspect of life are governed by the prescriptive tenets of a religion which forms the backdrop to society. Nothing happens which has not been willed by God (World Business Culture). To do business with a Saudi businessman, trust must first be established; it may be a while before he will feel comfortable discussing serious business matters. Thus it is important to not rush a Saudi businessman into a business agreement or appear impatient. Furthermore, when finally discussing business deals, nothing is final until both parties have parted with a verbal understanding, according to Communicaid.

Though English is often used for the international business language in most countries, this is not the case in France. The French are extremely proud of their language, and there may not be another culture that so regards the language it speaks as such a symbol of the country itself (Jones). Furthermore, when first doing business in France, the formality of the proceedings and almost obsessive adhesion to hierarchy and the meeting is often well-structure and stiff. French companies follow a very clear, vertical line of command, with upper management always having the final decision that is then delegated to subordinates in information-disseminating meetings (Jones). Status in society and in organizations is obtained by education, politics, the position one holds in the organization as well as family background. Thus the following patterns occur (Inter Cultural Communications):

Working cross-level is not favored.

It is best is to have people of the same level approaching each other when meeting for the first time.

A large network of connections in business and in politics is required to sustain your status and may help to make rules and regulations more flexible.

First names are only used when invited to do so. One can work for 10 years with the same colleague and still address her with Madame Chevalier.

Academic titles are used when addressing people; "Professor Lefevre how are you today."