Jordan is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and understanding its key cultural values is crucial for businesses looking to establish themselves in the Jordanian market. These cultural values significantly impact how Jordanians conduct business and approach their work, making it essential for foreign companies to unpack these values to succeed in the local market. In this blog post, we will examine some of the critical Jordanian cultural values that foreign businesses should know.
Respect for Hierarchy
One of the most important Jordanian cultural values is the respect for hierarchy. Jordanians value order and hierarchy, and it is essential to understand how these relate to their business practices. The culture places a significant emphasis on personal relationships and respect based on age and status. This means that businesspeople should be careful about how they interact with their Jordanian counterparts and ensure that they show the proper respect.
Family Ties and Community
Family is an integral part of Jordanian culture, and maintaining strong family ties is a top priority for many Jordanians. In the business context, it is common for family members to work together, with nepotism being a common practice. At the same time, building relationships and connections within the local community is essential, and foreign businesses looking to succeed in Jordan should be prepared to invest in building such relationships and demonstrate their commitment to the community.
Consensus Building
In Jordanian culture, decision-making is often done through consensus building. Decisions are often made after consulting with all stakeholders, and meetings are usually long and detailed, with everyone’s opinions being heard and respected. This is a vital aspect of Jordanian culture that foreign businesses must understand when doing business in the country. Making decisions quickly and unilaterally can create misunderstandings and harm relationships with local partners.
Importance of Communication
Jordanians value clear communication and directness in business interactions. However, foreigners should remember that Jordanians may not be as blunt or direct as people from other cultures, and communication may be more indirect and subtle. It’s important to listen carefully and read between the lines, paying attention not only to what people say but also to how they say it.
Conclusion
As a foreign business operating in Jordan, it is essential to understand the country’s cultural values to establish strong relationships with local partners and make sound business decisions. The core cultural values of respect for hierarchy, family ties and community, consensus building, and clear communication are just some of the key elements that foreign businesses should understand to succeed in the Jordanian market. By taking the time to learn about and respect these values, foreign companies can build strong relationships and create long-term success in Jordan.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)