By:

Ratan Lal Deb

PGDM – “D”
Roll No: 221

Cross Culture (India & Saudi Arabia)

Institute for Technology & Management
Date: 17/09/2010
 CROSS CULTURE (INDIA & SAUDI AR

By: Ratan Lal Deb

For:

DR.SHAMIRA MALEKAR
Approved By :
Dr.Shamira Malekar

Institute for Technology &

Management
Date: 17/09/2010
 ACKNOWLEDEMENT

I am over helmed in all humbleness and gratefulness to acknowledge my depth to all those who
have helped me to put these ideas, well above the level of simplicity and into something concrete.

I am very thankful to our Prof. Dr. Shamira Malekar for her valuable inputs. She was always there
to show the right track when I needed her help. With the help of her valuable suggestions, guidance and
encouragement, I was able to perform this Assignment.

I offer our sincere gratitude to Dr. Shamira Malekar to have given us this opportunity which we
consider a stepping stone in our journey towards being successful leaders in the near future.
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CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the Ratan Lal Deb ID.No.Khr42010221 a student

of PGDM batch “D” from Institute for Technology & Management has
done his report entitled Cross Culture on India & Saud Arabia under my
supervision.

Dr. Shamira Malekar

Date: 17/09/2010
Place: Navi Mumbai
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TABLE OF CONTENT
10 INTRODUCTION
20 Trading relationship between India & Saudi Arabia
2.1 Revived relations
2.2 Trade flows
2.3 Investment ties
30 Geographical information of Saudi Arabia
40 Language in Saudi Arabia
50 Saudi society & culture
5.1 Islam
5.2 Family Values
60 Etiquettes & customs in Saudi Arabia
6.1 Meeting Etiquette
6.2 Gift giving etiquette
6.3 Dining Etiquette
6.4 Table manners
70 Business Etiquettes & protocol(Saudi Arabia)
7.1 Relationship & Communication
7.2 Business meeting etiquette
7.3 Business negotiating
7.4 Dress etiquette
7.5 Business cards
80 Geographical information of India
90 Languages in India
100Indian society & culture
10.1Heirarchy
10.2Role of family
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110Etiquettes & customs in India

11.1meeting etiquettes
11.2Naming conventions
11.3Gift giving etiquettes
11.4Dining etiquettes

120Business etiquettes & protocols(India)

12.1relationship & communication
12.2business meeting etiquette
12.3business etiquettes
12.4dress etiquettes
12.5titles
12.6business cards

130cultural comparison between Saudi Arabia & India

140graph showing cultural differences of saudi Arabia & india

150conclusion
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was officially established on the 21 Jamada Al-Awwal 1351 A.H.
corresponding to 22 September 1932 A.D. but its roots go back to the year 1157 A.H. (1744 A.D.) when
the first Saudi State was established by its Prince Mohammad Ben Saoud and has lasted around 75
years. Saudi Arabia is known for its enormous reserves of oil and gas, but an export-led economic
diversification effort will soon help the Kingdom become a significant global producer of value-added
industrial components and manufacturing inputs — from aluminum and fertilizer to high-tech fiber-optic
cables.The population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is estimated at around twenty million distributed
according to the gender and nationality as per the date of the population’s general consensus held in the
year 1993 A.D. In 1902, ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al Saud captured Riyadh and set out on a
30-year campaign to unify the Arabian Peninsula. Today, the monarchy is ruled by a son of ABD AL-
AZIZ, and the country's Basic Law stipulates that the throne shall remain in the hands of the aging sons
and grandsons of the kingdom's founder. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia
accepted the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees while allowing Western and Arab troops to
deploy on its soil for the liberation of Kuwait the following year.

The Kingdom of India:

Set apart from the rest of Asia by the supreme continental wall of the Himalayas, the Indian
subcontinent touches three large bodies of water and is immediately recognizable on any world map. It
is the huge, terrestrial beak between Africa and Indonesia. This thick, roughly triangular peninsula
defines the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Arabian sea to the west, and the India Ocean to the south. With
nearly 1 billion citizens, India is the second most populous nation in the world. It is impossible to speak
of any one Indian culture, although there are deep cultural continuities that tie its people together. India's
puzzleboard of 26 states holds virtually every kind of landscape imaginable. An abundance of mountain
ranges and national parks provide ample opportunity for eco-tourism and trekking, and its sheer size
promises something for everyone. The largest democracy in the world India has gleaned the best from
its association with world through the course of history. Much sought after for its spices right from the
days of Christopher Columbus, India is still a star tourist destination.Hindi is the national language but
English is commonly used for official purposes and is offered as subject in most schools. As against
2820 languages in the entire world, as many as 325 languages are spoken in India alone. It is said that
dialect changes every 8-10 kilomete
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2.0 TRADING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDIA & SAUDI
ARABIA:
The trading relationship between Saudi Arabia and India is among the most-strategic bilateral bonds for
either country. As India's largest supplier of crude oil, Saudi Arabia is favorably positioned to benefit
from burgeoning demand for energy in Asia's third-largest economy, set to experience annual economic
growth rate of 7-8 percent for the foreseeable future. The balance of trade between the two states has
consistently swung in favor of Kingdom, its trade surplus standing at SR67.3 billion in 2008, up almost
seven-fold from 2000 levels.India's geographic dependence on Gulf oil is likely to become amplified in
the coming years due to limited prospects for enhancing domestic energy production.
Aside from trade, Saudi Arabia is a major source of income for India as a result of workers remittances.
Foreign workers accounted for 27 percent of Saudi Arabia's population of 25 million in 2008 - and
Indians form the Kingdom's largest expatriate work force, working in fields from information
technology to construction, with most employed as blue-collar workers. Given this varied web of
economic and diplomatic interests, Banque Saudi Fransi regards Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh's historic visit to Saudi Arabia this month as decisive to deepening ties between two countries
poised to take a greater role in the world economy.
2.1 Revived relations:
The importance of long-standing trading ties between Saudi Arabia and India has become pronounced
this decade, with India's share of total Saudi exports and imports gaining ground since 1990. In 2008,
India accounted for 7.3 percent of total Saudi exports, compared with 2.5 percent in 1990, SAMA data
show. Over the same period, the ratio of Saudi imports from India rose to 4.2 percent from 1.1 percent.
The two countries have worked to improve bilateral ties since the 1990s, prior to which time their
relationship was constrained by Cold War politics and Saudi Arabia's support for Pakistan. Saudi Arabia
and India had established diplomatic ties shortly after the latter's independence in 1947. But during the
Cold War period, Indian-Saudi relations were confined to energy and labor as a result of India's
proximate ties with the Soviet Union and Saudi Arabia's close links with the United States.
The countries also agreed to form public and private joint ventures to develop oil and natural gas. Since
that visit, a reciprocal trip by Singh has been anticipated. Prior to Singh, it was Indira Gandhi who last
visited the Kingdom as prime minister in 1982.
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2.2 Trade flows:

While trade volumes between Saudi Arabia and India have risen quickly in recent years, export and
import flows have centered on only a limited number of goods. The Kingdom mainly exports crude oil
(and some petrochemicals) to India, while its main imports are spices, used largely to meet the
consumption demands of its large Indian expatriate population.
Saudi exports to India rose almost seven-fold between 2000 and 2008, making India its fourth-biggest
export destination in Asia following Japan, China and South Korea. The Kingdom's importance to
Indian trade flows is also significant. Saudi Arabia was India's fourth-biggest trading partner in the
2007- 2008 fiscal year, data of India's Ministry of Commerce & Industry show. India is the fourth-
largest importer of Saudi oil after China, the United States and Japan, according to a study by the Gulf
Research Center (GRC).
The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia has in many ways been redefined as a result of
growing appetite among Asian emerging markets for oil and refined products. To cater to heightened
energy demand from Asia, Saudi Arabia is diversifying away from its traditional focus on the West. As
it strives to build its nonoil sector, particularly in the petrochemical and fertilizer space, Saudi Arabia
increasingly seeks to gain stronghold in Asian countries. A majority of Saudi crude is now exported to
Asia, while Asian labor, goods and services are gaining greater market presence in the Kingdom.
Still, India's exports to the Gulf are heavily dependent on the consumption patterns of the estimated 4.5
million Indian expatriates living and working in the region. For India to improve its market share in
merchandise exports in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, it must diversify its export profile. The bank regards
progress toward free trade negotiations as the best avenue toward enhancing bilateral trade between
India, Saudi Arabia as well as the rest of the Gulf. A move toward more liberal trade could help India
gain greater market share for its manufactured goods - including engineering products, textiles and
jewelry - which account for roughly 63 percent of India's total exports to the world.

2.3 Investment ties:

Developing bilateral economic ties is natural given the cultural links already in place between the two
countries. India is home to about 170 million Muslims, the world's second-biggest Muslim population
after Indonesia. Meanwhile, about 20 percent of Saudi Arabia's expatriate population is of Indian
nationality, contributing to the Kingdom's economic development for decades. Dating back to the late
1930s, Indians were recruited for employment in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, while former Saudi King
Abdul Aziz insisted on Indians being paid on par with Arabs employed by Saudi oil giant Aramco.
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Indian workers have also formed an integral part of Gulf work forces during the most-recent rally in oil
prices, which supported a regional economic boom. According to the World Bank, Saudi Arabia was the
world's fourth-biggest remittance-sending country in 2008 after United States, Russia and Switzerland.
In November, personal remittances from Saudi Arabia rose 7.9 percent year-on-year, according to
SAMA data. India was the largest recipient of global remittances in 2009, World Bank estimates show,
although remittance flows fell 8.9 percent from the year earlier largely due to an economic downturn in
Dubai and currency fluctuations.

Gulf countries accounted for nearly 27 percent of total remittances to India, according to a study
published last year by the GRC and the Nixon Center on India's role in the Gulf. Remittances are crucial
for the roughly 65 percent of low-skilled laborers, whose families at home rely almost entirely on money
they send. In the 2008-2009 fiscal year, inward remittances to India amounted to $23.1 billion, up 5.5
percent from the year earlier and more than double levels in 2005-2006, according to the latest data of
the Reserve Bank of India.
While labor has been a long-standing link between Saudi Arabia and India, given fast and sustainable
growth in India, fewer Indian professionals are moving to the Gulf for work than a decade ago. The
slowdown in India's brain drain has obvious repercussions, good and bad, for both sides.
Data of India's Consulate General in Jeddah show about 5 percent of expatriates are professionally
qualified, working as doctors, engineers, accountants and other skilled positions. About 10 percent of
Indian expatriates are employed in Saudi Arabia as white collar staff and 85 percent are laborers and
technicians.
An extension of established trading ties and cultural affinity has been the growing investment
relationship between Saudi and Indian companies. More than 220 Indian companies received licenses to
set up full-owned or joint-venture projects in Saudi Arabia in the past two years, according to the Saudi
Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA). These companies have pumped more than SR4 billion
into the Saudi economy. Gulf countries have also drawn on human resources from India to help them
develop many sectors, including information technology, construction, transportation and services.
India, meanwhile, is vying for Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman, to participate in its
infrastructure expansion plans. A new Saudi-India business council was set up to provide a framework
for building bilateral economic ties, allowing Saudi Arabia to tap Indian expertise in fields ranging from
information technology and biotechnology to education and small business development. Saudi Arabia
also plans to establish an India investment fund primarily to invest in Indian infrastructure projects
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3.0 Geographical information of Saudi Arabia:

Location: The Middle East, bordering Iraq 814 km, Jordan 744 km, Kuwait 222 km,
Oman 676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km
Capital: Riyadh
Climate: harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes
Population: 25,795,938 including 5,576,076 non-nationals (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%
Religions: Muslims 100%
Government: Monarchy
4.0 Language in Saudi Arabia
Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, but English is widely spoken. It is used in business and
is a compulsory second language in schools. Among the non-Saudi population, many people speak
Urdu, the official language of Pakistan, and other Asian languages such as Farsi and Turkish.
Arabic is spoken by almost 200 million people in more than 22 countries. It is the language of the
Qur'an, the Holy Book of Islam, and of Arab poetry and literature. While spoken Arabic varies from
country to country, classical Arabic has remained unchanged for centuries. In Saudi, there are
differences between the dialects spoken in urban areas and those spoken in rural areas.
5.0 Saudi Society & Culture
5.1 Islam
Islam is practiced by all Saudis and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Islam
was born in Saudi Arabia and thus is visited by millions of Muslims every year. The Prophet
Muhammad is seen as the last of God's emissaries (following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham,
etc) to bring revelation to mankind. He was distinguished with bringing a message for the whole of
mankind, rather than just to a certain peoples.

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Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset,
and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day. Friday is the Muslim holy day.
Everything is closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and
Friday.
During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to
work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing.
Expatriates are not required to fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public.
Each night at sunset, families and friends gather together to celebrate the breaking of the fast (iftar). The
festivities often continue well into the night. In general, things happen more slowly during Ramadan.
Many businesses operate on a reduced schedule. Shops may be open and closed at unusual times.

5.2 Family Values

• The family and tribe are the basis of the social structure.
• As is seen in their naming conventions, Saudis are cognizant of their heritage, their clan, and
their extended family, as well as their nuclear family.
• Saudis take their responsibilities to their family quite seriously.
• Families tend to be large and the extended family is quite close.
• The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family.
• Nepotism is considered a good thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and
trusts is of primary importance.
6.0Etiquette and Customs in Saudi
6.1 Meeting Etiquette
• Men shake hands. Good friends may greet each other with a handshake and a kiss on each cheek.
• Women generally hug and kiss close friends.
• Men and women would not greet each other in public I from outside the family.
• When Saudis greet each other they take their time and converse about general things.
6.2 Gift Giving Etiquette
• If you are invited to a Saudi's house bring something small as a thank you.
• Flowers do not make good gifts from a man, although a woman could give them to her hostess.
• Never give alcohol unless you are positive they partake.
• Gifts are not opened when receive

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6.3 Dining Etiquette
Saudis socialize primarily in restaurants and international hotels when entertaining expatriates whom
they do not know well. After some time you will be invited to the home.
Entertainment will generally be same-sex only. If both sexes are included, they will be in separate
rooms.
If you are invited to a Saudi's house:
 • You would usually remove your shoes.
• Dress conservatively.
• Try to arrive at the invited time. Punctuality is appreciated but not crucial.
• Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
• Accept the offer of Arabian coffee and dates even if you do not normally drink coffee.
• If you are invited for a meal, understand that there will be a great deal of socializing and small
talk before the meal is served.
6.4 Table manners
• If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee..
• Eat only with the right hand as the left is considered unclean.
• Try a bit of everything that is served.
• Meals are generally served family-style.
• Honoured guests are often offered the most prized pieces such as a sheep's head so be prepared!
• There is often more food than you can eat. Part of Saudi hospitality and generosity is to shower
guests with abundance.
• There is little conversation during meals so that diners may relish the food.
7.0 Business Etiquette and Protocol
7.1 Relationships & Communication
• You will need a Saudi sponsor (wakeel) to enter the country. The sponsor acts as an intermediary
and arranges appointments with appropriate individuals.
• Saudis do not require as much personal space as most western cultures. As such, they will stand
close to you while conversing and you may feel as if your personal space has been violated.
• Saudis prefer to work with people they know and trust and will spend a great deal of time on the
getting-to-know-you part of relationship building.
• You must be patient.
Since Saudis will most likely judge you on appearances, dress and present yourself well.

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7.2 Business Meeting Etiquette
• Appointments are necessary and should be made several weeks to one month in advance if at all
possible.
• When meeting with government officials, a firm date will not be settled upon until you are
physically in the country.
• Try to schedule meetings in the morning.
• You should arrive at meetings on time, although it is an accepted custom to keep foreigners
waiting.
• It is not uncommon to have a meeting cancelled once you arrive.
• Meetings are generally not private until after a relationship of trust has been developed. This
means you may expect frequent interruptions. Others may wander into the room and start a
different discussion. You may join in, but do not try to bring the topic back to the original
discussion until the new person leaves.
 • Business meetings start after prolonged inquiries about health, family, etc. Never inquire about a
Saudi's wife.
7.3 Business Negotiating
• Decisions are made slowly. Do not try to rush the process.
• The society is extremely bureaucratic. Most decisions require several layers of approval. It takes
several visits to accomplish simple tasks.
• Saudis are tough negotiators.
• Business is hierarchical. Decisions are made by the highest-ranking person.
• Repeat your main points since it will be interpreted as meaning you are telling the truth.
• Do not use high-pressure tactics.
• Decisions are easily overturned.
• When discussing price, Saudis will often make an initial offer that is extremely low when they
are buying. Conversely, when they are selling, their initial offer will be extremely high.
• You may need to compromise on a point if someone's dignity is at stake.
• There is a tendency to avoid giving bad news and to give effusive acceptances, which may only
mean 'perhaps'.
7.4 Dress Etiquette
• Most Saudis wear long white thobes. You would be expected to wear a suit.
• Dress well if you want to make a good impression.
• Business women should make certain that their collarbones and knees are covered and that their
clothes are not form-fitting.

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7.5 Business Cards
• Business cards are given to everyone you meet, although it may be an idea to be selective if you
have few in your possession.
• Have one side of your card translated into Arabic. Be sure to check the translation carefully as
there is often confusion with the order of western names.
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8.0 Geographical Information of India:

Location: Southern Asia, bordering Bangladesh 4,053 km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463 km,
China 3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan 2,912 km
Capital: New Delhi
Climate: varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north
Population: 1,065,070,607 (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3% (2000)
Religions: Hindu 81.3%, Muslim 12%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other groups including Buddhist,
Jain, Parsi 2.5% (2000)
Government: federal republic
9.0 Languages in India
The different states of India have different official languages, some of them not recognized by the
central government. Some states have more then one official language. Bihar in east India has three
official languages - Hindi, Urdu and Bengali - which are all recognized by the central government. But
Sikkim, also in east India, has four official languages of which only Nepali is recognized by the central
government. Besides the languages officially recognized by central or state governments, there are other
languages which don't have this recognition and their speakers are running political struggles to get this
recognition. Central government decided that Hindi was to be the official language of India and
therefore it also has the status of official language in the states.
10.0 Indian Society & Culture:
10.1 Hierarchy
• The influences of Hinduism and the tradition of the caste system have created a culture that
emphasizes established hierarchical relationships.
• Indians are always conscious of social order and their status relative to other people, be they
family, friends, or strangers.
All relationships involve hierarchies. In schools, teachers are called gurus and are viewed as the source
of all knowledge. The patriarch, usually the father, is considered the leader of the family..

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10.2 The Role of the Family

• People typically define themselves by the groups to which they belong rather than by their status
as individuals. Someone is deemed to be affiliated to a specific state, region, city, family, career
path, religion, etc.
• This group orientation stems from the close personal ties Indians maintain with their family,
including the extended family.
• The extended family creates a myriad of interrelationships, rules, and structures. Along with
these mutual obligations comes a deep-rooted trust among relatives.
11.0 Etiquette and Customs in India:
11.1 Meeting Etiquette
• Religion, education and social class all influence greetings in India.
• This is a hierarchical culture, so greet the eldest or most senior person first.
• When leaving a group, each person must be bid farewell individually.
• Shaking hands is common, especially in the large cities among the more educated who are
accustomed to dealing with westerners.
• Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands with other women; however
there are seldom handshakes between men and women because of religious beliefs. If you are
uncertain, wait for them to extend their hand.
11.2 Naming Conventions
Indian names vary based upon religion, social class, and region of the country. The following are some
basic guidelines to understanding the naming conventions:
Hindus:
• In the north, many people have both a given name and a surname.
• In the south, surnames are less common and a person generally uses the initial of their
father's name in front of their own name.
• The man's formal name is their name "s/o" (son of) and the father's name. Women use
"d/o" to refer to themselves as the daughter of their father.
• At marriage, women drop their father's name and use their first name with their
husband's first name as a sort of surname.
Muslims:
 • Many Muslims do not have surnames. Instead, men add the father's name
to their own name with the connector 'bin'. So, Abdullah bin Ahmed is Abdullah the
son of Ahmad

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• Women use the connector 'binti'.

• The title Hajji (m) or Hajjah (f) before the name indicates the person has made their pilgrimage
to Mecca.
Sikhs:
• Sikhs all use the name Singh. It is either adopted as a surname or as a connector name to
the surname.
11.3 Gift Giving Etiquette
• Indians believe that giving gifts eases the transition into the next life.
• Gifts of cash are given to friends and members of the extended family to celebrate life
events such as birth, death and marriage.
• It is not the value of the gift, but the sincerity with which it is given, that is important to
the recipient.
• If invited to an Indian's home for a meal, it is not necessary to bring a gift, although one
will not be turned down.
• Do not give frangipani or white flowers as they are used at funerals.
• Yellow, green and red are lucky colours, so try to use them to wrap gifts.
• A gift from a man should be said to come from both he and his wife/mother/sister or
some other female relative.
• Hindus should not be given gifts made of leather.
• Muslims should not be given gifts made of pigskin or alcoholic products.
• Gifts are not opened when received.
11.4 Dining Etiquette
• Indians entertain in their homes, restaurants, private clubs, or other public venues, depending
upon the occasion and circumstances.
• Although Indians are not always punctual themselves, they expect foreigners to arrive close to
the appointed time.
• Take off your shoes before entering the house.
• Dress modestly and conservatively.
• Politely turn down the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks. You will be asked again and again.
Saying no to the first invitation is part of the protocol.

There are diverse dietary restrictions in India, and these may affect the foods that are served:
• Hindus do not eat beef and many are vegetarians.
• Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol..
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• Sikhs do not eat beef.
• Lamb, chicken, and fish are the most commonly served main courses for non-vegetarian meals as
they avoid the meat restrictions of the religious groups.

Table manners are somewhat formal, but this formality is tempered by the religious beliefs of
the various groups.
• Much Indian food is eaten with the fingers.
• Wait to be told where to sit.
• If utensils are used, they are generally a tablespoon and a fork.
• Guests are often served in a particular order: the guest of honour is served first, followed by the
men, and the children are served last. Women typically serve the men and eat later.
• You may be asked to wash your hands before and after sitting down to a meal.
• Always use your right hand to eat, whether you are using utensils or your fingers.
• In some situations food may be put on your plate for you, while in other situations you may be
allowed to serve yourself from a communal bowl.
• Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that you are satisfied. Finishing all your
food means that you are still hungry.
12.0 Business Etiquette and Protocol in India
12.1 Relationships & Communication
• Indians prefer to do business with those they know.
• Relationships are built upon mutual trust and respect.
• In general, Indians prefer to have long-standing personal relationships prior to doing business.
• It may be a good idea to go through a third party introduction. This gives you immediate
credibility.
12.2 Business Meeting Etiquette
• If you will be travelling to India from abroad, it is advisable to make appointments by letter, at
least one month and preferably two months in advance.
• It is a good idea to confirm your appointment as they do get cancelled at short notice.
• The best time for a meeting is late morning or early afternoon. Reconfirm your meeting the
week before and call again that morning, since it is common for meetings to be cancelled at the
last minute.
• Keep your schedule flexible so that it can be adjusted for last minute rescheduling of meetings.
• You should arrive at meetings on time since Indians are impressed with punctuality.
• Meetings will start with a great deal of getting-to- know-you talk. In fact, it is quite possible that
no business will be discussed at the first meeting.
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• Always send a detailed agenda in advance. Send back-up materials and charts and other data as
well. This allows everyone to review and become comfortable with the material prior to the
meeting.
• Follow up a meeting with an overview of what was discussed and the next steps.
12.3 Business Negotiating
• Indians are non-confrontational. It is rare for them to overtly disagree, although this is beginning
to change in the managerial ranks.
• Decisions are reached by the person with the most authority.
• Decision making is a slow process.
• If you lose your temper you lose face and prove you are unworthy of respect and trust.
• Delays are to be expected, especially when dealing with the government.
• Most Indians expect concessions in both price and terms. It is acceptable to expect concessions
in return for those you grant.
• Never appear overly legalistic during negotiations. In general, Indians do not trust the legal
system and someone's word is sufficient to reach an agreement.
• Do not disagree publicly with members of your negotiating team.
• Successful negotiations are often celebrated by a meal.
12.4 Dress Etiquette
• Business attire is conservative.
• Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits.
• Women should dress conservatively in suits or dresses.
• The weather often determines clothing. In the hotter parts of the country, dress is less formal,
although dressing as suggested above for the first meeting will indicate respect.
12.5 Titles
• Indians revere titles such as Professor, Doctor and Engineer.
• Status is determined by age, university degree, caste and profession.
• If someone does not have a professional title, use the honorific title "Sir" or "Madam".
• Titles are used with the person's name or the surname, depending upon the person's name. (See
Social Etiquette for more information on Indian naming conventions.)
• Wait to be invited before using someone's first name without the title.
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12.6 Business Cards
• Business cards are exchanged after the initial handshake and greeting.
• If you have a university degree or any honour, put it on your business card.
• Use the right hand to give and receive business cards.
• Business cards need not be translated into Hindi.
• Always present your business card so the recipient may read the card as it is handed to them.

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 13.0 CULTURAL COMPARISION BETWEEN SAUDI ARABIA &
INDIA:
13.1 PDI (Power Distance Index) - the PDI score relates to the degree of equality or inequality
between people in a country's society. A high PDI score indicates that inequalities of power and wealth exist in a
country where as in low scoring countries there is more social equality. For tips on how to communicate and
interact with people from the target country please visit Power Distance.

13.2 IDV (Individualism) - the individualism score focuses on the degree to which a culture values and
reinforces the importance of the individual as opposed to the group. A high scoring country will view
individuality and individual rights as critical. Low scoring countries will value the group, i.e. family, tribe, etc.
For tips on how to communicate and interact with people from the target country please visit Individualism.

13.3 MAS (Masculinity) - masculinity focuses on the degree to which a culture reinforces the traditional
role of males vs females. A high scoring country will have a more accute degree of gender differentiation whereas
in low scoring countries there is less differentiation and discrimination between genders. For tips on how to
communicate and interact with people from the target country please visit Masculinity.

13.4 VAI (Uncertainty Avoidance) - uncertainty avoidance looks at the level of

tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity within a culture. Cultures with a high uncertainty
avoidance score will have a low tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity. This is seen
through it being a more rule-oriented society that institutes laws, rules, regulations. A low
scoring country is less concerned about ambiguity and uncertainty and is less rule-
oriented, more ready to accept change, consider new ideas and take more and greater
risks. For tips on how to communicate and interact with people from the target country
please visit

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 Date: 17/09/2010
14.0 GRAPH SHOWING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
SAUDI ARABIA & INDIA:

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 Date: 17/09/2010

15.0 CONCLUSION

The advent of the global economy is changing the fundamental nature of our governments, businesses,
organisations and populations. In short, we are no longer constrained by state boundaries but have all
become part of an interdependent international network.
One of the key changes this has triggered is the need to communicate effectively with different people in
different languages and from different cultures.
It is now recognised that linguistic and cultural knowledge are two of the most vital areas of knowledge
that organisations must come to acquire if they are to integrate, progress and succeed in the marketplace.
Effective cross cultural communication is concerned with overcoming cultural differences across
nationality, religion, borders, culture and behaviour
Institute for Technology & Management
Date: 17/09/2010