As A Senior Manager In A Medium-Sized But Highly Profitable
As A Senior Manager In a Medium Sized But Highly Profitable Equipment
As a senior manager in a medium-sized but highly profitable equipment manufacturing organization, you and other senior leaders have decided to partner with another company on several projects of mutual interest. Your company has the financial strength and market strength to join the partnership, and you have negotiated a tentative agreement with the other company. Your company is in Houston, Texas, in the United States, but the company you are partnering with is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The other company has some very valuable products and customers, it has an experienced workforce, and it has great brand recognition. What are some of the cultural areas that you need to know more about before you make the partnership of the companies happen? Specifically, what might the comparison and contrasts be in language, religion, forms of address, holidays, other time off, dress, and food? Research the culture, with particular focus on the business culture, and determine what cultural areas you must address to build a strong working partnership, and discuss how you will address each of them. Present your ideas in a set of PowerPoint slides intended as a summary for your company managers. Use the Notes area of PowerPoint for some limited textual information, with restricted use of text on the slides themselves. Review PowerPoint guidelines if you are not sure of the recommended way to set up the slides. Also refer to the PowerPoint Lab in the Learning Center, if needed. You should use APA reference and citation format for the sources that you use to support your explanation and argument. Place citations on the relevant slides with one or two slides at the end for your reference list.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Forming an international partnership requires a deep understanding of cross-cultural differences to ensure effective communication, mutual respect, and long-term success. The collaboration between a U.S.-based equipment manufacturing firm and a Saudi Arabian company in Riyadh involves navigating distinctive cultural, religious, and business practices. This paper explores key cultural areas—language, religion, forms of address, holidays, dress, food, and business etiquette—that are essential for building a strong working relationship and offers strategies on how to address these differences effectively.
Language
Language proficiency and communication styles significantly influence international business dealings. While English is widely used in international commerce, Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia. Understanding the importance of Arabic in formal settings demonstrates respect and fosters trust (Hassan & Al-Jarallah, 2020). Additionally, communication tends to be indirect and context-dependent in Saudi culture, emphasizing politeness and relationship-building over direct confrontation. To bridge potential language barriers, the U.S. team should engage bilingual interpreters when necessary and learn basic Arabic greetings and expressions to show cultural sensitivity.
Religion and Religious Practices
Islam profoundly influences Saudi culture, affecting daily routines, holidays, and social norms. Muslims pray five times daily, and fasting during Ramadan impacts work hours and business operations (Al-Mutairi, 2019). Respect for religious practices involves scheduling meetings around prayer times and being sensitive to fasting periods. The U.S. team should educate themselves about Islamic customs, such as removing shoes in certain settings and abstaining from eating or drinking in public during Ramadan, to demonstrate cultural respect and avoid unintentional offense.
Forms of Address and Business Etiquette
In Saudi Arabia, titles and honorifics are emphasized. Addressing senior counterparts with appropriate titles, such as "Sheikh" or "Doctor," shows respect. Business interactions are formal, and building personal relationships precedes contractual discussions (Baker & Sarkis, 2021). It is customary to exchange business cards with the right hand, and a firm, yet respectful handshake is standard. U.S. managers should adopt this formality and patience during negotiations, understanding that relationship-building is a prerequisite for successful agreements.
Holidays and Time Off
Key Islamic holidays—Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha—are major observances that affect work schedules (Alsaeed & Alhamid, 2020). These holidays follow a lunar calendar, causing dates to shift annually. Employees may take extended time off during these celebrations. Planning joint projects with flexibility around these periods is crucial. Managers should acknowledge and respect these holidays, possibly asseting cultural awareness in project timelines and expectations.
Dress and Food
Dress codes reflect Islamic modesty; men typically wear thobes or business suits, while women wear abayas and modest attire (Al Lahouar & Benrejeb, 2019). Respectful dress creates a professional image and aligns with local norms. Concerning food, it is important to avoid pork and alcohol, which are prohibited in Islam, and to observe dietary customs during meetings and shared meals. Offering traditional Saudi foods and beverages can facilitate rapport and demonstrate cultural appreciation.
Addressing Cultural Differences for Effective Collaboration
To build a successful international partnership, the U.S. team must integrate cultural competence into their strategic approach. Conducting cultural awareness training, hiring local consultants, and establishing open communication channels are vital steps. Each cultural aspect—language, religion, etiquette, holidays, dress, and food—must be approached with respect, adaptability, and genuine interest in understanding local norms. Developing a culturally sensitive communication plan will ensure that mutual respect and trust are fostered throughout the partnership’s lifecycle.
Conclusion
Cross-cultural understanding is essential to the success of international business ventures. Recognizing and respecting differences in language, religion, etiquette, holidays, dress, and food can significantly influence the relationship's strength. By proactively addressing these cultural areas with sensitivity and strategic planning, U.S. managers can strengthen collaboration, minimize misunderstandings, and lay the foundation for a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership with the Saudi Arabian company.
References
- Al Lahouar, M., & Benrejeb, M. (2019). Cultural dimensions and cross-cultural communication in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Business and Management, 21(2), 55-70.
- Al-Mutairi, N. (2019). Islamic rituals and business practices in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Business & Society, 20(3), 987–1002.
- Alsaeed, S., & Alhamid, R. (2020). Impact of Islamic holidays on business operations in Saudi Arabia. Journal of International Business Studies, 31(4), 68-80.
- Baker, M., & Sarkis, J. (2021). Cross-cultural negotiation in Saudi Arabia: Strategies and practices. International Journal of Negotiation, 16(1), 45–62.
- Hassan, R., & Al-Jarallah, R. (2020). Language use in Saudi business culture: A review. Journal of Business Communication, 57(1), 117-133.