INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Assignment 1: Cultural Differences
Country selected: Afghanistan
GONG YUWEI (Sophia)

• Physical or spatial distances ( during conversation)
In Afghanistan, it is always wise and more acceptable that you keep a proper distance, which means be as close to the person as he or she can hear you and you can hear them. • Greeting protocol (method)
In Afghanistan, the most common form is handshake on greeting. Afghans also place their hands over their hearts and nod slightly.
When talking, they always talk about things like a person's health, business, family, etc. • Gift giving
a. Choose gift:
In Afghanistan, first rule of gift giving is to never give alcohol, unless you know from first hand experience that the receiver drinks you may do so.
If you go to someone's house for tea for the first time, it is appropriate to bring a small gift. If you are invited to lunch or dinner, bring fruit, sweets or pastries. Make sure the box is wrapped nicely.
b. Give gift:
When bringing a gift to someone’s house, do not immediately give the present but rather discreetly place it near the door or where you sit down.
c. Open gift:
There is no special protocol when it comes to wrapping gifts • Attitude toward timeliness
Afghans adherence to Islamic law, paid great attention to courtesy. They always arrive on time. • Attitude toward relationship building
a. Not showing pride and arrogance.
b. Not addressing people with undesirable titles.
c. Resolving differences with people.
d. Giving the benefit of doubt – Attributing positive motives to others’ actions.
e. Being kind, gentle, caring and concerned. Smiling at others is charity. • Two other interesting things a visitor needs to know about the culture in order not to insult their host/hostess
a. Mixing Between Genders
Eye contact should be avoided between men and women. Between men eye contact is acceptable as long as it is not prolonged - it is best to only occasionally look someone in the eyes.
In professional situations such as at businesses or universities, males and females may be co-workers, but are nevertheless cautious to maintain each other's honour.
Women must always dress properly to avoid unwanted attention. Always wear loose fitting pants under your skirts and be sure the definition of your legs is undistinguishable.
Men and women should never be alone in the same room. If this happens you should ensure a door is left open.
b. Dining Etiquette
If eating at someone's home, you will be seated on the floor, usually on cushions.
Food is served on plastic or vinyl tablecloths spread on the floor.
Food is generally served communally and everyone will share from the same dish.
Do not eat with the left hand. Always pass and receive things using your right hand too. o Food is eaten with the hands. It will be a case of watch and learn. Food is usually scooped up into a ball at the tip of the fingers, then eaten.
Leave food on your plate otherwise it will keep getting filled up again.

References

◆ "Mapping the Global Muslim Population: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World's Muslim Population". Pew Research Center. 7 October 2009. Archived from the original on 30 August 2010. Retrieved 3 September 2010.

Kwintessential, Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/afghanistan.html

◆ G.V. Brandolini. Afghanistan cultural heritage. Orizzonte terra, Bergamo. 2007. p. 64. ◆ The Islamic Etiquette of dealing with people, http://www.iqrasense.com/muslim -character/the-islamic-etiquette-of-dealing-with-people.html ◆ From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghanistan ◆ "CIA Factbook – Area: 41". CIA. 26 November 1991. Archived from the original on 2014-01-31. Retrieved 4 February 2012.

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