James Terry
BUS 275-01
3/25/14
Cultural Influences on Business Negotiations in Morocco Although one may have nationalism for their country, there are many different reasons why a company would want to buy resources from another country. In order to make an agreement, it is very important to either learn or adopt that countries culture in order to look professional. If a business person were to go into Morocco for a negotiation, these are some of the cultural influences he or she should be aware of. In order to get into Morocco, you must have a passport that is good for up to six months after arriving in the country. You will also need a letter of credit to do business. The country's embassy in Morocco can provide this. It is acceptable to contact Moroccan firms directly by sending several letters before arrival, stating the purpose of your visit and giving an account of your company's history and the scope of the business at hand. Appointments should be made well in advance. (Training Mgmt. Corp. Staff, 1999, p. 345). When first meeting anyone of any level, the practice of shaking hands when greeting or when being introduced is widely accepted. Shaking hands is with the right hand only. It is common for women or good friends (both male and female) to greet one another by kissing each other on each cheek. Less than fervent greetings are considered rude. Titles are always used in formal situations as well as when being introduced to acquaintances. French titles are used, such as, Monsieur, Madame, or Mademoiselle. Doctors and professionals (M.D. Or Ph. D.) are called by their title, followed by their last name. (Training Mgmt. Corp. Staff, 1999, p. 344). It is important to dress well and conservatively in order to gain respect. Businessmen should wear formal suits and ties, with preferences in darker colors. Businesswomen should avoid low necklines, bare shoulders, short skirts and short sleeves. They should only wear their hair up. It is also suggested that women wear long sleeves for business entertaining. (Culture Crossing, 2014). Each country has different customs and some may not make sense but it is only right to be respectful. Starting with being punctual, do not be offended if your host does not arrive on time for a meeting. This does not give you an excuse as you are expected to be punctual. Do not give a gift to someone when you first meet because it may be interpreted as a bribe. Also, be especially careful about giving alcohol because it is prohibited by the Muslim religion. (Training Mgmt. Corp. Staff, 1999, p. 345). Most Moroccans are bilingual, speaking both Arabic (in the Moroccan dialect) and French. English is widely studied and is gaining popularity, although, business is usually conducted in French. It is considered impolite to say “No” directly. Expect Moroccans to say “Yes” even when they do not mean it. Business cards should be printed both in English and Arabic when presented. (Training Mgmt. Corp. Staff, 1999, p. 347). Some common gestures include: touching all four fingers to your thumb using your right hand, meaning either “a little, slowly” or “how are you doing?”, pulling down the lower eyelid with an index finger means shame and a hand to the heart means thank you, nice to meet you, or peace be with you. (Culture Crossing, 2014). When invited to a meal by a family living in the city, it is impolite to refuse refreshments when offered. Often only men socialize in public coffeehouses, especially on weekends or in the evenings. It is common for a meal to be eaten with the fingers (of the right hand only) from a communal dish. Washing your hands in front of everybody is a must. You should eat from the section of the dish directly in front of you. Never reach beyond the closest area, and do not touch the meat until your host pushes it toward you. It is considered impolite for guests to finish eating before the host, as this can imply that the food did not taste good. Licking your fingers means