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Effects of Egyptian Culture on Business Effects of Egyptian Culture on Business Every firm should ensure that employees know the culture of different regions to increase the chances of success in these regions. Culture is an essential factor in business since its effects extend to the behaviors, beliefs, standards and mannerisms of the local people, and if a business does not align with these beliefs, then the chances of failure are elevated. This essay analyses the cultural differences between Egypt and United States in relation to their effects on business, suggests modifications to advertisement photos, and recommends strategic considerations in regards to pricing policy.

Cultural Differences In Egypt, there are women at the workplace, but their role at the workplace is different in that they are usually present as secretaries and other lower rank positions in the business. For instance, it is uncommon for a woman to play a decision-making role in a firm. The other aspect in the Egyptian culture is greetings and communication; people converse at close ranges that would be considered interfering with personal space in the United States. Shaking of hands is frail and prolonged, especially among the members of the same sex; however, it is advisable to let the Egyptian offer the handshake since there are other factors they consider before shaking hands (Commuicaid, 2009).

Tea sessions are a common occurrence, accompanied by small talk and lengthy discussions; one should tolerate these discussions and participate zealously to avoid being mistaken for lack of interest (CDA Media, 2012). Adapting Brand Ad Photos The top photo shows two people, probably men, shaking hands at a considerable distance between them. In Egypt, hands should be shaken at a close range since doing otherwise is indicative of disgust and disinterest in the other party. Moreover, the greeting would be prolonged, which would be uncomfortable at a long range between the two parties.

Therefore, the top photo should be modified to show people greeting at close range, probably with faces close to each other. Keeping such long distance could be interpreted to indicate that the firm finds the Egyptian people to be disagreeable (CDA Media, 2012a). The bottom photo should be modified to increase the distance between the woman and men to maintain professional distance. Moreover, some men should be added to the photo to reduce the perception of gender equality in management teams (CDA Media, 2012b).

The models in the photo should not hold pens with their left hands as the left is considered unclean, and should only handle unclean items. Approach to Pricing Policy in Egypt Egyptians value simplicity and honesty in business transactions; the firm should consider these two cultural values in its pricing policy. For instance, in hard economic times, the business should be fair to Egyptians and offer quality services at fair prices. Moreover, fair pricing should be accompanied by effective CSR as business etiquette in Egypt demands businesses to give back to the community that offers them the opportunity to make profits.

Therefore, prices should be consistent and in line with the market situation, mainly in order to reflect the caring side of the firm and responsibility to the community (Shehata, 2010). Conclusion Knowledge of cultural values and expectations is essential for a firm to ensure productive interaction with prospective customers and business partners. Interacting in a culturally acceptable manner could mean the difference between success and failure, which is why the firm should approach this matter with due diligence and caution.

References CDA Media (2012). Egyptian meetings. Retrieved from http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/Business-Meetings-in-Egypt.html CDA Media (2012a). Egyptian communication styles. Retrieved from http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/Egyptian-Business-Communication-Style.html CDA Media (2012b). Women in business in Egypt. Retrieved from http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/Women-in-Business-in-Egypt.html Commuicaid (2009). Egyptian social and business culture. Doing Business in Egypt. Communicaid Group Ltd.

Retrieved from http://www.communicaid.com/access/pdf/library/culture/doing-business-in/Doing%20Business%20in%20Egypt.pdf Shehata, S. S. (2010). Shop floor culture and politics in Egypt. SUNY Press.