Israeli Business Communication Although Geographically

Israeli Business Communication

Although geographically "tiny," Israel purports clout in historical and contemporary business arenas. Economically and geographically, this nation presents unique contrasts in the world's nations and cultures. Israel consists of more than half desert land, yet by irrigating with water pumped from the Sea of Galilee and released over plans in small amounts, crops such as is flowers are inches and avocados are produced. "Snow covered mountains and tropical sea resorts, technology hotbeds and Byzantine churches, socialist-style settlements and free market corporations, Ethiopian traditions and Polish cuisines, Beemers and camels all exist together in a bustling, hyper-energetic, egalitarian, extroverted and impassioned caldron a mere 262 miles long and, in some areas, 10 miles wide." (Gu)

Desert nights, year round can be cold." (Gu) During the summers, Israel temperatures are hot and dry, and particularly hot in the eastern and southern desert areas. At night, the temperature cools and heavier wear may be required for evenings. In Israel's northern and mountainous areas, winter temperatures can be cold and blustery. Winters are milder along Israel's coast but hot and humid during the summer. Summers in the north and mountains are typically very hot during daytime and rather cool at night - so some heavier wear is required for evening wear.

Contrary to the "heavy" introductory quote by Melville for this paper, an appropriate, aptly administered joke in a funeral or business setting could "fit" the setting. An individual would have to be sensitive and proceed with caution, albeit, this researcher contends, with words in either setting, just as he/she would when conducting business in Israel, another "foreign" country or at home.

An observation recorded from Anais Nin depicts a primary point this paper relates regarding communication when conducting business in Israel. "We don't see things as they are... We see things as we are." (Doing Business) to effectively communicate in business settings and Israel, this writer proposes: an individual needs to be able to see things not only from the vantage point of the way he/she is, but also from educated understanding of the way others "are."

Israelis See

Israel is very 'civilized' within the framework of a struggling and pressurized Middle Eastern nation that strives very hard to be "Western."

Israelis have perceptions of time, space and values that are completely different from those of North Americans. Israelis see Americans as artificial and square, when they are actually just showing respect. Americans think Israelis are arrogant, rude and pushy, when in reality they are being direct and honest. Israel is a very small country whose population is one big family. In a family people can be as direct and honest as they want. But now that family members are selling their goods and services outside the clan, Israelis are adapting."

Joel Leyden - TIME Magazine (Doing Business)

Facts about Israel or State of Israel (long form)

Capital City:

Jerusalem (712,000)

Currency New Israeli Shekel (ILS)

Languages Hebrew (official) Arabic and English (widely spoken

National Day May 12

Religions Jewish (75%), Muslim (15%), others

Flag (Embassy of Israel)

Israel)

The following Table (1) relates Israel's population and size, along with its population density, compared to 13 other countries, out of a list of 192 countries listed in order of largest populations.

Table 1: Israel's Population

Land Area

Pop.

Density Land Area

Pop.

Density COUNTRY Population (Sq Kms) (Sq Kms)

Sq Miles) (Sq Miles) 1 China 1,306,313,800 9,596,960.00

136.12 3,705,405.45

352.54 2 India 1,080,264,400 3,287,590.00

328.59 1,269,345.07

851.04 3 United States of America 295,734,100 9,629,091.00

79.55 8 Russia 143,420,300 17,075,200.00

21.75 9 Nigeria 128,772,000 923,768.00

139.40-356,668.67

361.04-10 Japan 127,417,200 377,835.00

337.23-145,882.85

873.42-11 Mexico 106,202,900 1,972,550.00

139.45-18 Iran 68,017,900 1,648,000.00

106.90-26 South Africa 44,344,100 1,219,912.00

94.15-35 Canada 32,805,000 9,976,140.00

9.00-43 Saudi Arabia 26,417,600 1,960,582.00

34.90-44 Iraq 26,074,900 437,072.00

154.51-74 Greece 10,668,400 131,940.00

209.42-99 Israel 6,276,900 20,770.00

302.21 8,019.34

782.72 (Embassy of Israel)

Communication Challenges

For two thousand years, Hebrew was not used outside of Jewish liturgy. Recently, however, it has unified Jews from diverse countries as they have settled there. Currently, Hebrew constitutes the primary language of Jews in Israel, and has replaced Ladino, Yiddish, Russian, German and a number of other languages. Hebrew and Arabic became the official languages of the State of Israel in 1948. (Embassy of Israel) Safe subjects for business conversations include family, sport and overseas travel. Travel experiences and ideas prove positive subjects for conversation, as traveling constitutes a favorite Israeli pastime. Although controversial and intimately tied to most things, ideas regarding politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict frequently arise. During these times, politeness and sensitivity become necessary as this subject may be extremely emotional or explosive as many Israelis have lost family or friends in wars or bomb attacks. As Israelis are notably brusque, however, an Israeli might construe something an American deems cautious politesse as evasiveness or uncertainty. Since directness is prized, it is best to get straight answers when an Israeli questions, and/or ask straight questions. Before "getting down to business," an American business man/woman may be surprised that little small talk or "chit-chat" is exchanged. if/when an individual meets Palestinian Israelis, it is good to remember they value courtesy, dress and good form more. (Business Etiquette) the following reflect a number of points a businessperson needs to keep in mind when conducting business in Israel.

There may not be a correlation between a contacts' politics and his/her religious or ethnic background.

Initially, an individual should keep personal views to him/herself. When challenged for an opinion, it may be wise to "admit" one does not have a strong one.

Most individuals, on the other hand, gladly share their opionions.

An individual should not criticize the Israeli army as most Israelis have served in it and see the army as a national symbol and/or a faithful institution obliged to enforce an unjust policy.

Israelis' properly means all Israeli citizens, including the 20% or so who are Palestinian Arabs, and a small proportion of Druze and Bedouin Arabs. But when Israeli Jews say 'Israelis' they often mean just Israeli Jews, while by 'Israeli Arabs' they often mean only the Palestinian ones, and by 'Palestinians'," only the Palestinians who are not also Israelis. Meanwhile, when Palestinians say 'Jews', they often mean only Israeli Jews."

Males 45 and younger may have to serve army reserve duty (milu'im) up to one month a year. (Business Etiquette)

Meeting Points

English is spoken widely, and individuals frequently make a point to be helpful.

Although businesspeople in international dealings may wear suits, Israel is a highly informal society. Executives and politicians also conduct business in jeans and sandals. Common protocol is address individuals by first name. (Business Etiquette)

Gossip spreads quickly and secrets are regularly revealed as Israel is an open, talkative society.

Personal connections (proteksia) constitute a common way of easing bureaucracy. "...In Israel what counts is the army unit they served in, their rank in the reserves, their degree of religious observance, and -- especially if not born in Israel -- their background (those of Russian, Georgian, Central Asian, North African or Middle Eastern descent are particularly tight-knit). Money may also buy proteksia." (Business Etiquette)