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 yet focus little on the future. They tend to be more cynical or pessimistic and indulge little; focusing rather on conforming to social norms and restraints (Iraq, 2016). The United States is a relative new born, having been discovered by European explorers a mere 500 years ago. Though Native American history stretches back thousands of years, their cultural influence has largely been over-shadowed or assimilated by the descendants of European colonization. The United States is characterized as a competitive hierarchical, loose-knit society that is generally receptive to new ideas and innovation. Americans tend to practical and idealistic with a work hard, play hard attitude. They are and indulgent country that can exhibit dichotomy of traits such as appearing prudish while being immoral (United States, 2016). Both Iraq and The United States share similar traits to serve as a starting point for business relations. In recent years, Iraq has moved to transition from a command economy to a more market based economy and has slowly expanded its international trade in both import and export. The U.S. and Iraq have established bilateral cooperation in economic, political and diplomatic issues. In 2011, the U.S. exported $2.4 billion in goods and service to Iraq while importing $16.9 billion, mostly consisting of crude oil …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 yet focus little on the future. They tend to be more cynical or pessimistic and indulge little; focusing rather on conforming to social norms and restraints (Iraq, 2016). The United States is a relative new born, having been discovered by European explorers a mere 500 years ago. Though Native American history stretches back thousands of years, their cultural influence has largely been over-shadowed or assimilated by the descendants of European colonization. The United States is characterized as a competitive hierarchical, loose-knit society that is generally receptive to new ideas and innovation. Americans tend to practical and idealistic with a work hard, play hard attitude. They are and indulgent country that can exhibit dichotomy of traits such as appearing prudish while being immoral (United States, 2016). Both Iraq and The United States share similar traits to serve as a starting point for business relations. In recent years, Iraq has moved to transition from a command economy to a more market based economy and has slowly expanded its international trade in both import and export. The U.S. and Iraq have established bilateral cooperation in economic, political and diplomatic issues. In 2011, the U.S. exported $2.4 billion in goods and service to Iraq while importing $16.9 billion, mostly consisting of crude oil …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