behavioural rules

• Hi Sam,
  
  there are a few important behavioural rules:
  
  Arab meeting settings in Qatar vary but it is best to be prepared. In many instances, you may be meeting with an expatriate executive and the meeting will follow standard international practice.
  
  Some of the characteristics of Arab meetings in Qatar are:
  
  * Your host may interrupt the meeting at any time to answer any one of a number of phones, fixed and mobile, or respond to an assistant seeking a signature or advice
  * Other people may enter the meeting—often quite unrelated to your business. This is part of the accessible nature of Arab society. Adopt a passive role, unless you are invited into the conversation
  * Remain unaffected by what you perceive to be interruptions—be patient and await an appropriate opportunity to resume your presentation
  * Other interruptions may occur—a call to prayer or a side conversation with another visitor
  * Arabs place a great deal of emphasis on words—sometimes as a substitute for action. Be prepared for expansive conversations
  * Avoid comments on politics
  * Never exhibit impatience or tension if the meeting is not following your expectations
  * Do not look for western style structure in meetings—particularly a direct flow of discussion topics
  * Make sure you keep your three ‘must win’ points in play during the meeting. Do not get distracted from your objectives by what, in the Arab world, are standard meeting dynamics
  * Develop a negotiating style that is calm but firm
  * Sincerity and trust are the primary factors your host will be looking for when assessing your company as a business partner.
  

  Chester 28 May 2007, 09:36 - Report

business etiquette in Qatar