Introduction
Egypt, officially Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country in northeastern Africa and southwestern Asia with a population of approximately 106 million. Its northern border is the Mediterranean Sea, on the east lies Israel and the Red Sea, Sudan is to its south, and on the west is Libya. The land of the Nile River, Egypt is the cradle of one of the world’s greatest ancient civilizations and has a recorded history that dates from approximately 3200 BC.
Although modern day Egyptians are usually lumped together with “the Arabs” due to their language and Islamic traditions, this is not completely accurate. There is a truly Bedouin Arab grouping within Egypt, who are still largely nomadic tribal people living in isolated oases and roaming through the country’s vast desert regions. Many Bedouin Arabs reside the Sinai Peninsula and along the Red Sea coast, across from Arabia.
Egyptians often consider their country to be a bridge between the European West and the Arab East. Thus, business practices may resemble European or Arab practices or anything in between.
Featured Essay
A contributed essay by Jimmy Dunn covering the go-between, how meetings work, customs, gift giving, tipping, and Egyptian time.
Hofstede Analysis
The Geert Hofstede analysis for Egypt is similar to other Arab countries where the Muslim faith plays a large role in the people’s lives. Large power distance and uncertainty avoidance are the predominant characteristics for this region. This indicates that it is expected and accepted that leaders separate themselves from the group and issue complete and specific directives.
The Geert Hofstede analysis for the Arab World, that includes the countries of Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, demonstrates the Muslim faith plays a significant role in the people’s lives.
Large Power Distance (PDI) (70) and Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) (80) are predominant Hofstede Dimension characteristics for Egypt. These societies are more likely to follow a caste system that does not allow significant upward mobility of its citizens. They are also highly rule-oriented with laws, rules, regulations, and controls in order to reduce the amount of uncertainty, while inequalities of power and wealth have been allowed to grow within the society.
When these two Dimensions are combined, it creates a situation where leaders have virtually ultimate power and authority, and the rules, laws and regulations developed by those in power reinforce their own leadership and control. It is not unusual for new leadership to arise from armed insurrection – the ultimate power, rather than from diplomatic or democratic change.
The high Power Distance (PDI) ranking is indicative of a high level of inequality of power and wealth within the society. These populations have an expectation and acceptance that leaders will separate themselves from the group and this condition is not necessarily subverted upon the population, but rather accepted by the society as their cultural heritage.
The high Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) ranking of 80, indicates the society’s low level of tolerance for uncertainty. In an effort to minimize or reduce this level of uncertainty, strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations are adopted and implemented. The ultimate goal of these populations is to control everything in order to eliminate or avoid the unexpected. As a result of this high Uncertainty Avoidance characteristic, the society does not readily accept change and is very risk adverse.
The Masculinity index (MAS), at 45, is slightly lower than the 50.2 average for all the countries included in the Hofstede MAS Dimension. This would indicate that while women in the Arab World are limited in their rights, it may be due more to Muslim religion rather than a cultural paradigm.
The Individualism (IDV) ranking at 25, compared to a world average ranking of 64, translates into a Collectivist society as compared to Individualist culture and is manifested in a close long-term commitment to the member ‘group’, that being a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules.
Egypt’s Long-Term Orientation (7) and Indulgence (4) are among the lowest scores in the world, reflecting a strongly normative, tradition-oriented society with strict social norms regulating behavior.
Religion. The predominant religion for Egypt is Islam, the practice of the Muslim faith. Approximately 90% of the population is Sunni Muslim, with Coptic Christians comprising roughly 10% — one of the oldest Christian communities in the world.
An Imam Explains Islam
By Imam Shamshad A. Nasir
Islam is the name of the religion that was founded 1,400 years ago by the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. Islam is an Arabic word which means peace, love and complete submission and obedience to God. There is no difference between Islam and Muslims. Islam is the religion that a Muslim follows, just as Christianity is the religion which a Christian follows.
A Muslim is someone who has accepted Islam and lives his whole life according to the teachings of Islam. A true Muslim is one who is loving and caring, promotes peace, and is fully obedient and submissive to the will of God.
Islam demands from its believers that they establish peace in the world, promote love and make such examples of themselves that others, knowing that they are Muslims, feel at peace and harmony in that knowledge. This is the true Islam and what it means to be a Muslim.
The Holy Prophet of Islam has said that a true Muslim is one whose actions and words do not harm his fellow man.
Islamic Greetings. When Muslims greet each other, instead of saying “good morning” or “hello” they say “Assalamo Alaikum,” which means “May peace be upon you and may God’s blessings be with you.” This greeting makes a Muslim aware that he has to spread love and peace wherever he goes.
Attributes of God. There are many attributes of God, one being “AsSalam” meaning “the Bestower of peace and love.” Man has been created to fashion himself to the attributes of God and Muslims must try to adopt this attribute of God.
If someone calling himself a Muslim and a follower of the Holy Prophet does not promote peace and love in his actions and does not follow this teaching, he cannot be a true follower of the Holy Prophet.
A Muslim’s Prayers. Muslims pray five times a day, asking God for his love. They pray, “Oh God! You are Peace and from you, is Peace; Blessed are you, O Lord of Majesty and Bounty.”
The Religion of Islam. Islam is a religion from God for the whole of mankind and the name Islam was given to the Muslims by God himself in the Holy Quran. “This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed my favour upon you and have chosen for you Islam as religion.” The Holy Quran has been sent for the guidance of mankind. It is full of wisdom and commands.
Appearance
body language
& gestures
- Foreigners are expected to abide by local standards of modesty however, do not adopt native clothing.
- A jacket and tie are usually required for men at business meetings. Men should wear long pants and a shirt.
- Women should always wear modest clothing in public.
Behavior
meetings &
general conduct
- Space relationships among members of the same sex will be much closer than North Americans and Europeans are comfortable with. Egyptians will tend to stand close and moving away may be seen as a sign of aloofness. On the other hand, men and women stand farther apart from each other than is the custom in United States and Europe.
- Try not to sit with your legs crossed. Showing the sole of your shoe is considered an insult to another person.
- It is common to smoke in public. Be considerate to others present and offer your cigarettes.
- For more information on international gift giving, see Kimberley Taylor’s guide to international business gift giving.
Communication
introductions &
conversation
- Names are often confusing. It’s best to get the names (in English) of those you will meet, speak to, or correspond with ahead of time so that you can find out both their full names and how they are to be addressed in person.
- Arabic is read from right to left and books or magazines start at what would be the last page in the U.S. and Europe. Printed literature are preferred to have an impressive back cover, even if printed in English.
- Nearly all Egyptians speak Arabic. Most international business people will speak English, French or both.
- Frequently appointments may be interrupted by phone calls and/or visits.
- If locating in Egypt, business cards should be printed in English on one side and Arabic on the other.
Resources
Government & Data
- CIA World Factbook — EgyptDemographics, economy, government
- U.S. Commercial Service — EgyptTrade and market guidance
- U.S. State Department — EgyptTravel and bilateral relations
News & Culture
- Al JazeeraRegional news coverage
- Al-Ahram EnglishEgypt’s oldest newspaper
- Egypt Tourism AuthorityOfficial tourism portal
Cultural Framework
- Cyborlink Hofstede ExplainerThe six-dimension model explained
- Hofstede Insights — Country ComparisonCompare Egypt scores with any nation
- Cyborlink Resource PageBooks, world press, language tools
- International Gift Giving GuideKimberley Taylor’s guide to business gifts