Relationships & Communication
• Thais prefer doing business with people they respect.
• Relationships develop slowly and do not flourish after one meeting; it may take several meetings.
• Always be respectful and courteous when dealing with others as this leads to the harmonious relationships necessary within business.
• Thai communication is formal and non-verbal communication is often more important than verbal communication.
• Rank is always respected. The eldest person in the group is revered.
• It is difficult for most Thais to say no, so you must be cognizant of their non- verbal communication.
• Watch your body language and facial expressions, as these will be believed over your words.
Business Meeting Etiquette
• Appointments are necessary and should be made one month in advance.
• It is good idea to send a list of who will be attending the meeting and their credentials so that Thais know the relative status of the people attending the meeting and can plan properly.
• You should arrive at meetings on time as it signifies respect for the person you are meeting.
• Although most Thais will try to be on time, punctuality is a personal trait.
• Always send an agenda and material about your company as well as data to substantiate your position prior to the meeting. Allow sufficient time for the material to be reviewed and digested.
• Remain standing until told where to sit. The hierarchical culture has strict rules about rank and position in the group.
• Written material should be available in both English and Thai.
• You must be patient.
Business Cards
• Business cards are given out after the initial handshake and greeting. In theory, you should give your card to the most senior person first. . It is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into Thai.
• Using your right hand, deliver your business card so the Thai side faces the recipient.
• Look at a business card for a few seconds before placing it on the table or in a business card case. As in most Asian countries, it is polite to make some comment about the card, even if it is only to acknowledge the address.
In this short guide to doing business in the Middle East, business culture and etiquette are explored. These are in no way meant to represent a comprehensive summation of tips on doing business in the Middle East, but a highlighting of some main areas one may consider.
Islam
One cannot talk about the Middle East in a cultural sense without mentioning Islam. Islam permeates all levels of society. It provides guidance, values and rules for personal life, community relations and ways of doing business.
Within the confines of this short introduction, justice cannot be served to such a highly complex faith. Therefore, it is advisable that one conducts their own research on Islam before doing business in the Middle East.
However, we can look at a few examples of the manifestations of Islam and the way in which these may impact your business trip.
Muslims are obliged to pray five times a day. Prayer times are announced by the mosques using the call to prayer (azan). Not all Muslims go to the mosque. Some pray at home or in the office. Daily routines, appointments and meetings must be fitted in appropriately around prayer times. Friday is the day for congregational prayers and it is obligatory for all males to attend.
Avoid trying to do business in the Middle East during the month of Ramadan. Muslims fast from dawn till dusk which involves refraining from eating, drinking or smoking. During business hours general activity is reduced depending on the nature of the company or organisation.
There are two major festivals of note. Eid al-Fitr follows Ramadan and Eid al-Adha follows the annual pilgrimage. These holidays last approximately three days although it is not uncommon for the government to extend these. It is best to avoid doing business on or near the two Eids.
Doing Business - Meeting and Greeting
The traditional Islamic greeting you will hear is 'Asalamu alaykum' (peace be with you). As a non-Muslim you would not be expected to use it, but if you did you would receive the reply 'wa alaykum salam' (and peace be with you).
When doing business in the Middle East, handshakes are always used and can last a long time. Islamic etiquette recommends that one waits for the other to withdraw their hand first before doing the same. Always use the right hand. Do not be surprised if your hand is held while you are led somewhere. Holding hands among men is common and does not carry the same connotations as it does in the West.
Arabs are fairly informal with names when doing business and generally address people by their first names. John Smith will be addressed as Mr. John. Arab titles of note are: Sheikh (an old man, scholar, leader), Sayyid (descendant of the Prophet Muhammad) and Hajji (one who has performed the pilgrimage).
Doing Business - Gender
The roles of men and women are far more defined in the Arab culture. Interaction between the sexes is still frowned upon in certain arenas. However, when doing business in the Middle East it is not uncommon to come across women.
If you are introduced to a woman as a male, it is advisable to wait and see if a hand is extended. If it is not, then do not try to shake hands. Avoid touching and prolonged eye contact with women.
Doing Business - Business is Personal
Many Westerners that have lived or worked in the Middle East might use the words chaotic, disorganised and frustrating when discussing doing business there. Although this is a matter of perception, it is true that business runs on very different tracks to business in the West.
The Arabs do not separate professional and personal life. Doing business revolves much more around personal relationships, family ties, trust and honour. There is a tendency to prioritise personal matters above all else. It is therefore crucial that business relationships are built on mutual friendship and trust.
A consequence of this mentality is the system known as 'wasta'. If you have friends or contacts in the right places then rules can be bent or things done more quickly. The system works on the basis that favours are reciprocated and never forgotten. Although it may seem biased, it is something that should be exploited when doing business in the Middle East.
Doing Business - The Spoken Word
The Middle Eastern culture places more value on someone's word as opposed to a written agreement. A person's word is connected to their honour. Contracts are viewed as memorandums of understanding rather than binding, fixed agreements. Be sure to promise only things you can deliver. Failure to do so will result in loss of honour.
Doing Business - Meetings & Negotiations
Meetings should not be made too far in advance as changes in personal circumstances may impact your appointment. Once an appointment has been made, confirm it verbally with the person you will meet a few days before.
Initial meetings are all about relationship building. Building trust and establishing compatibility are key requisites for doing business in the Middle East. One should engage in conversation and try to get to know the 'person' you are doing business with.
Meetings can be chaotic. Always be prepared to exercise patience. Phone calls are taken during meetings and people may enter the meeting room unannounced and proceed to discuss their own agendas.
Meetings are circular in nature. They do not follow a linear pattern and are not structured upon agendas or targets. Issues are raised as and when.
Punctuality is expected of foreigners. Although the Arabs place a high emphasis on punctuality they rarely practice it themselves. In fact, if Arabs want to stress that a set time must be adhered to they use the term 'mow'id inglizee' - literally, 'English meeting'. However, if you are running late do not panic as polite excuses will be accepted.
If negotiating, remember the Arabs were a trading people and are excellent negotiators. Haggling takes places everywhere, whether at the shop or in the board room. Decisions are made slowly. Bureaucratic formalities tend to add to delays. Do not use high pressure tactics as they will be counter-productive.
Doing Business in the Middle East
The above few examples of cross cultural differences in business practice and culture highlight the areas where business people can face challenges when doing business in the Middle East. Cross cultural understanding is an important tool for any international business person, company or organisation to acquire when doing business abroad.
Relationships & Communication
• Thais prefer doing business with people they respect.
• Relationships develop slowly and do not flourish after one meeting; it may take several meetings.
• Always be respectful and courteous when dealing with others as this leads to the harmonious relationships necessary within business.
• Thai communication is formal and non-verbal communication is often more important than verbal communication.
• Rank is always respected. The eldest person in the group is revered.
• It is difficult for most Thais to say no, so you must be cognizant of their non- verbal communication.
• Watch your body language and facial expressions, as these will be believed over your words.
Business Meeting Etiquette
• Appointments are necessary and should be made one month in advance.
• It is good idea to send a list of who will be attending the meeting and their credentials so that Thais know the relative status of the people attending the meeting and can plan properly.
• You should arrive at meetings on time as it signifies respect for the person you are meeting.
• Although most Thais will try to be on time, punctuality is a personal trait.
• Always send an agenda and material about your company as well as data to substantiate your position prior to the meeting. Allow sufficient time for the material to be reviewed and digested.
• Remain standing until told where to sit. The hierarchical culture has strict rules about rank and position in the group.
• Written material should be available in both English and Thai.
• You must be patient.
Business Cards
• Business cards are given out after the initial handshake and greeting. In theory, you should give your card to the most senior person first. . It is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into Thai.
• Using your right hand, deliver your business card so the Thai side faces the recipient.
• Look at a business card for a few seconds before placing it on the table or in a business card case. As in most Asian countries, it is polite to make some comment about the card, even if it is only to acknowledge the address.
In this short guide to doing business in the Middle East, business culture and etiquette are explored. These are in no way meant to represent a comprehensive summation of tips on doing business in the Middle East, but a highlighting of some main areas one may consider.
Islam
One cannot talk about the Middle East in a cultural sense without mentioning Islam. Islam permeates all levels of society. It provides guidance, values and rules for personal life, community relations and ways of doing business.
Within the confines of this short introduction, justice cannot be served to such a highly complex faith. Therefore, it is advisable that one conducts their own research on Islam before doing business in the Middle East.
However, we can look at a few examples of the manifestations of Islam and the way in which these may impact your business trip.
Muslims are obliged to pray five times a day. Prayer times are announced by the mosques using the call to prayer (azan). Not all Muslims go to the mosque. Some pray at home or in the office. Daily routines, appointments and meetings must be fitted in appropriately around prayer times. Friday is the day for congregational prayers and it is obligatory for all males to attend.
Avoid trying to do business in the Middle East during the month of Ramadan. Muslims fast from dawn till dusk which involves refraining from eating, drinking or smoking. During business hours general activity is reduced depending on the nature of the company or organisation.
There are two major festivals of note. Eid al-Fitr follows Ramadan and Eid al-Adha follows the annual pilgrimage. These holidays last approximately three days although it is not uncommon for the government to extend these. It is best to avoid doing business on or near the two Eids.
Doing Business - Meeting and Greeting
The traditional Islamic greeting you will hear is 'Asalamu alaykum' (peace be with you). As a non-Muslim you would not be expected to use it, but if you did you would receive the reply 'wa alaykum salam' (and peace be with you).
When doing business in the Middle East, handshakes are always used and can last a long time. Islamic etiquette recommends that one waits for the other to withdraw their hand first before doing the same. Always use the right hand. Do not be surprised if your hand is held while you are led somewhere. Holding hands among men is common and does not carry the same connotations as it does in the West.
Arabs are fairly informal with names when doing business and generally address people by their first names. John Smith will be addressed as Mr. John. Arab titles of note are: Sheikh (an old man, scholar, leader), Sayyid (descendant of the Prophet Muhammad) and Hajji (one who has performed the pilgrimage).
Doing Business - Gender
The roles of men and women are far more defined in the Arab culture. Interaction between the sexes is still frowned upon in certain arenas. However, when doing business in the Middle East it is not uncommon to come across women.
If you are introduced to a woman as a male, it is advisable to wait and see if a hand is extended. If it is not, then do not try to shake hands. Avoid touching and prolonged eye contact with women.
Doing Business - Business is Personal
Many Westerners that have lived or worked in the Middle East might use the words chaotic, disorganised and frustrating when discussing doing business there. Although this is a matter of perception, it is true that business runs on very different tracks to business in the West.
The Arabs do not separate professional and personal life. Doing business revolves much more around personal relationships, family ties, trust and honour. There is a tendency to prioritise personal matters above all else. It is therefore crucial that business relationships are built on mutual friendship and trust.
A consequence of this mentality is the system known as 'wasta'. If you have friends or contacts in the right places then rules can be bent or things done more quickly. The system works on the basis that favours are reciprocated and never forgotten. Although it may seem biased, it is something that should be exploited when doing business in the Middle East.
Doing Business - The Spoken Word
The Middle Eastern culture places more value on someone's word as opposed to a written agreement. A person's word is connected to their honour. Contracts are viewed as memorandums of understanding rather than binding, fixed agreements. Be sure to promise only things you can deliver. Failure to do so will result in loss of honour.
Doing Business - Meetings & Negotiations
Meetings should not be made too far in advance as changes in personal circumstances may impact your appointment. Once an appointment has been made, confirm it verbally with the person you will meet a few days before.
Initial meetings are all about relationship building. Building trust and establishing compatibility are key requisites for doing business in the Middle East. One should engage in conversation and try to get to know the 'person' you are doing business with.
Meetings can be chaotic. Always be prepared to exercise patience. Phone calls are taken during meetings and people may enter the meeting room unannounced and proceed to discuss their own agendas.
Meetings are circular in nature. They do not follow a linear pattern and are not structured upon agendas or targets. Issues are raised as and when.
Punctuality is expected of foreigners. Although the Arabs place a high emphasis on punctuality they rarely practice it themselves. In fact, if Arabs want to stress that a set time must be adhered to they use the term 'mow'id inglizee' - literally, 'English meeting'. However, if you are running late do not panic as polite excuses will be accepted.
If negotiating, remember the Arabs were a trading people and are excellent negotiators. Haggling takes places everywhere, whether at the shop or in the board room. Decisions are made slowly. Bureaucratic formalities tend to add to delays. Do not use high pressure tactics as they will be counter-productive.
Doing Business in the Middle East
The above few examples of cross cultural differences in business practice and culture highlight the areas where business people can face challenges when doing business in the Middle East. Cross cultural understanding is an important tool for any international business person, company or organisation to acquire when doing business abroad.
การแปล กรุณารอสักครู่..

Relationships & Communication
• Thais prefer doing business with people they respect.
• Relationships develop slowly and do not flourish after one meeting; it may take several meetings.
• Always be respectful and courteous when dealing with others as this leads to the harmonious relationships necessary within business.
บริการการสื่อสารแบบเป็นทางการ และการสื่อสารที่ไม่ใช่วาจาไทยมักสำคัญกว่าการสื่อสารด้วยวาจา
- ยศเสมอด้วย คนที่อายุมากที่สุดในกลุ่มเป็นที่เคารพ .
- มันเป็นเรื่องยากสำหรับคนไทยส่วนใหญ่จะตอบว่าไม่ ดังนั้นคุณต้องรู้ทันของที่ไม่ใช่ของการสื่อสารด้วยวาจา
- ดูภาษากายและการแสดงออกทางสีหน้าเป็นเหล่านี้จะเชื่อมากกว่านะ
คำพูดของคุณBusiness Meeting Etiquette
• Appointments are necessary and should be made one month in advance.
• It is good idea to send a list of who will be attending the meeting and their credentials so that Thais know the relative status of the people attending the meeting and can plan properly.
• You should arrive at meetings on time as it signifies respect for the person you are meeting.
• Although most Thais will try to be on time, punctuality is a personal trait.
• Always send an agenda and material about your company as well as data to substantiate your position prior to the meeting. Allow sufficient time for the material to be reviewed and digested.
• Remain standing until told where to sit. The hierarchical culture has strict rules about rank and position in the group.
• Written material should be available in both English and Thai.
• You must be patient.
Business Cards
• Business cards are given out after the initial handshake and greeting. In theory, you should give your card to the most senior person first. . It is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into Thai.
• Using your right hand, deliver your business card so the Thai side faces the recipient.
• Look at a business card for a few seconds before placing it on the table or in a business card case. As in most Asian countries, it is polite to make some comment about the card, even if it is only to acknowledge the address.
In this short guide to doing business in the Middle East, business culture and etiquette are explored.เหล่านี้จะไม่หมายถึงการเป็นตัวแทนของการรวมที่ครอบคลุมของเคล็ดลับในการทําธุรกิจในตะวันออกกลาง แต่ที่เป็นไฮไลต์ของบางหลักพื้นที่หนึ่งอาจพิจารณา .
ศาสนาอิสลาม
หนึ่งไม่สามารถพูดเกี่ยวกับตะวันออกกลางในความรู้สึกทางวัฒนธรรม โดยไม่พูดถึงศาสนาอิสลาม ศาสนาอิสลาม permeates ในทุกระดับของสังคม มันให้คำแนะนำ ค่านิยม และกฎสำหรับชีวิตส่วนตัวชุมชนสัมพันธ์และวิธีในการทำธุรกิจ
ภายในขอบเขตของแนะนำสั้น ๆนี้ ความยุติธรรมจะทำหน้าที่เช่นความเชื่อสูงซับซ้อน ดังนั้น ขอแนะนําว่า งานวิจัยของตนเองในศาสนาอิสลามก่อนที่ธุรกิจในตะวันออกกลาง .
แต่เราสามารถดู ตัวอย่างของ manifestations ของศาสนาอิสลามและวิธีการที่เหล่านี้อาจส่งผลกระทบต่อการเดินทางธุรกิจของคุณ .
Muslims are obliged to pray five times a day. Prayer times are announced by the mosques using the call to prayer (azan). Not all Muslims go to the mosque. Some pray at home or in the office. Daily routines, appointments and meetings must be fitted in appropriately around prayer times. Friday is the day for congregational prayers and it is obligatory for all males to attend.
Avoid trying to do business in the Middle East during the month of Ramadan. Muslims fast from dawn till dusk which involves refraining from eating, drinking or smoking. During business hours general activity is reduced depending on the nature of the company or organisation.
There are two major festivals of note. Eid al-Fitr follows Ramadan and Eid al-Adha follows the annual pilgrimage.วันหยุดเหล่านี้ใช้เวลาประมาณ 3 วัน แม้ว่าจะไม่ใช่เรื่องแปลกสำหรับรัฐบาลที่จะขยายเหล่านี้ มันเป็นที่ดีที่สุดเพื่อหลีกเลี่ยงการทำธุรกิจบนหรือใกล้สอง eids
ทำธุรกิจ - ห้องประชุม และทักทาย
แบบอิสลามทักทายคุณจะได้ยินคือ ' ' ( asalamu alaykum สันติภาพจะอยู่กับคุณ ) ที่ไม่ใช่มุสลิมก็ไม่อาจคาดหวังที่จะใช้มัน but if you did you would receive the reply 'wa alaykum salam' (and peace be with you).
When doing business in the Middle East, handshakes are always used and can last a long time. Islamic etiquette recommends that one waits for the other to withdraw their hand first before doing the same. Always use the right hand. Do not be surprised if your hand is held while you are led somewhere.การจับมือระหว่างผู้ชายทั่วไป และไม่ได้ถือความหมายเดียวกับมันในตะวันตก .
ชาวอาหรับจะค่อนข้างเป็นกันเองกับชื่อตอนการทําธุรกิจและโดยทั่วไปที่อยู่คนชื่อแรกของพวกเขา จอห์น สมิธ จะได้รับ ขณะที่นายจอห์น ชื่ออาหรับของหมายเหตุ : ชีค ( คนแก่ บัณฑิต หัวหน้า ) Sayyid (descendant of the Prophet Muhammad) and Hajji (one who has performed the pilgrimage).
Doing Business - Gender
The roles of men and women are far more defined in the Arab culture. Interaction between the sexes is still frowned upon in certain arenas. However, when doing business in the Middle East it is not uncommon to come across women.
If you are introduced to a woman as a male, it is advisable to wait and see if a hand is extended. If it is not, then do not try to shake hands. Avoid touching and prolonged eye contact with women.
Doing Business - Business is Personal
Many Westerners that have lived or worked in the Middle East might use the words chaotic, disorganised and frustrating when discussing doing business there. Although this is a matter of perception,มันเป็นความจริงว่าธุรกิจวิ่งบนแทร็คที่แตกต่างกันมากกับธุรกิจในตะวันตก .
ชาวอาหรับไม่ได้แยกอาชีพและชีวิตส่วนตัว การทําธุรกิจ revolves รอบความสัมพันธ์มากขึ้นส่วนบุคคล ครอบครัว ไว้ใจและให้เกียรติ มีแนวโน้มที่จะจัดลำดับความสำคัญเรื่องส่วนตัวอื่นข้างต้นทั้งหมด มันจึงเป็นสิ่งสำคัญที่ความสัมพันธ์ทางธุรกิจที่ถูกสร้างขึ้นในมิตรภาพซึ่งกันและกันและความไว้วางใจ .
ผลของจิตนี้ เป็นระบบที่รู้จักกันเป็น ' wasta ' ถ้าคุณมีเพื่อนหรือผู้ติดต่อในสถานที่ที่เหมาะสม แล้วกฎสามารถงอ หรือสิ่งที่กระทำได้อย่างรวดเร็ว ระบบทำงานบนพื้นฐานที่โปรดปรานจะเสียกับและไม่มีวันลืม แม้ว่ามันอาจดูเหมือนลำเอียง มันเป็นสิ่งที่ควรจะใช้เมื่อการทำธุรกิจในตะวันออกกลาง การทำธุรกิจ - คำพูด
วัฒนธรรมตะวันออกกลางสถานที่ค่ามากขึ้น บางคนว่าเป็นนอกคอกเขียนข้อตกลง คำพูดของคนที่เชื่อมต่อเกียรติของพวกเขา สัญญาจะดูเป็นบันทึกช่วยจำของความเข้าใจมากกว่าข้อตกลงคงผูกพัน . ให้แน่ใจว่าได้ให้สัญญาเพียงคุณเท่านั้นที่สามารถส่งมอบ ความล้มเหลวที่จะทำเช่นนั้นจะส่งผลในการสูญเสียของเกียรติ
ทําธุรกิจ - การประชุม&การเจรจา
การประชุมไม่ควรทำไกลล่วงหน้า การเปลี่ยนแปลงในสถานการณ์ที่บุคคลอาจส่งผลกระทบต่อการนัดหมายของคุณ เมื่อนัดได้ยืนยันด้วยวาจากับคนที่คุณจะพบ ไม่กี่วันก่อน .
การประชุมเริ่มต้นเป็นทั้งหมดเกี่ยวกับการสร้างความสัมพันธ์ สร้างความเชื่อมั่นและสร้างความเข้ากันได้เป็นปัจจัยสําคัญสําหรับการทําธุรกิจในตะวันออกกลางควรมีส่วนร่วมในการสนทนาและพยายามที่จะได้รับรู้คนที่คุณกำลังทำธุรกิจกับ
ประชุมสามารถวุ่นวาย เตรียมพร้อมไว้เสมอ เพื่อฝึกความอดทน โทรศัพท์จะได้รับในระหว่างการประชุมและคนอาจเข้าไปในห้องประชุมเงียบและดำเนินการเพื่อหารือเกี่ยวกับวาระการประชุมของพวกเขาเอง .
ประชุมเป็นวงกลมในธรรมชาติพวกเขาไม่ปฏิบัติตามรูปแบบเชิงเส้นและไม่มีโครงสร้างตามวาระหรือเป้าหมาย ประเด็นที่ถูกยกเป็นและเมื่อ .
ตรงต่อเวลาคาดว่าของชาวต่างชาติ ถึงแม้ว่าชาวอาหรับที่เน้นสูง ตรงต่อเวลา พวกเขาไม่ค่อยฝึกตัวเอง ในความเป็นจริง หากชาวอาหรับต้องการความเครียดเวลาที่กำหนดจะต้องปฏิบัติตามพวกเขาใช้คำว่า ' mow'id inglizee ' แท้จริง ' ห้องประชุม ' ภาษาอังกฤษ อย่างไรก็ตาม if you are running late do not panic as polite excuses will be accepted.
If negotiating, remember the Arabs were a trading people and are excellent negotiators. Haggling takes places everywhere, whether at the shop or in the board room. Decisions are made slowly. Bureaucratic formalities tend to add to delays. Do not use high pressure tactics as they will be counter-productive.
Doing Business in the Middle East
The above few examples of cross cultural differences in business practice and culture highlight the areas where business people can face challenges when doing business in the Middle East. Cross cultural understanding is an important tool for any international business person, company or organisation to acquire when doing business abroad.
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