Egyptian Business Tips

Tip 1
It is important to research any company before approaching it in order to determine whether it is state-owned or private and secular or Islamic in orientation.

Tip 2
When doing business with an Islamic oriented organisation, do not overlook the potential impact of religious issues on any decision- making process.

Tip 3
Business is driven by relationships and therefore a great deal of resource and time should be allocated to the development of key contacts.

Tip 4
Who you are and who you know are important issues in Egypt; therefore it can be difficult to break into business without access to the right initial contacts.

Tip 5
In order to help develop the all-important initial contacts it is often necessary to appoint a go-between who can arrange meetings and act as a bridge into the culture.

Tip 6
It may be necessary to appoint a number of different go-betweens who know the locality (i.e. one for Cairo and one for Alexandria).

Tip 7
Egyptian companies tend to be hierarchical and power usually rests in the hands of a small number of key senior managers who make all the major decisions.

Tip 8
Managers tend to give direct instructions and subordinates are not expected to show initiative. If something is not specifically requested, it may not get done.

Tip 9
Meetings can involve sitting in rooms with unknown people who are simultaneously meeting your contact. In effect, several meetings may take place at the same time.

Tip 10
Initial meetings can be very time-consuming and appear to deliver very little in terms of tangible returns.

Tip 11
Time is very flexible and meetings may start very late (if at all) and last for many hours. It is difficult to schedule a series of meetings on the same day.

Tip 12
Meetings may start with coffee and a great deal of non-business related small talk. Do not try to rush this process.

Tip 13
It is important to offer lavish compliments to your host – and be prepared to receive them in return.

Tip 14
Do not try to do anything on Thursday or Friday and avoid key issues during the month of Ramadan.

Tip 15
People may stand much closer to you than you are comfortable with. Try not to back away as this can seem stand-offish.

Tip 16
Levels of eye contact are very strong as it denotes sincerity and trustworthiness.

Tip 17
Avoid touching anybody with your left hand or pointing feet at people as both of these are seen as extremely rude behaviour.

Tip 18
Do not comment on the political situation in the Middle East or make any adverse comments about the influence of Islam.

Tip 19
Women are less prominent in business than in the West but play a more prominent role than in some other Middle Eastern countries (i.e. Saudi).

Tip 20
Dress conservatively, but very smartly. You will be judged partly on your appearance.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture.  Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Australia only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Egypt only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.