Algeria faces the Mediterranean to the north and a mountainous region, the Ahaggar Moutains, to the south bordering the Sahara Desert. The country has a long history linking it with its European neighbours across the sea. The Phoenecians, Romans, Arabs and the French have all left their mark on Algeria giving it a rich cultural heritage.
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Algeria Today
Approximately 99% of Algerians are of Berber origin while a smaller number of Algerians identify themselves as Arabs. The majority of the population are Sunni Muslims. Arabic is the state language of Algeria, although French and various Berber dialects are widely spoken. Doing business successfully in Algeria requires a comprehensive understanding of Algerian cultural values and attitudes and their impact on working practices.
Algerian Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Ethnic Diversity – Algeria is home to both Arab and Berber populations. The Berber population tends to be in a number of distinct clan bases while the Arab population can be found throughout the country. Despite the ethnic diversity, there is a feeling of unity in the country particularly around specific historical events such as the struggle for independence from France in the 1950s and 1960s.
Religion – The majority of Algerians are Sunni Muslim. A century old, but now rather depleted, the Jewish population is mainly in the capital Algiers. There are also around 400,000 Protestants and Catholics in the country. In the clan regions of Algeria a small number of Berbers still practise the ancient Berber religion. Islam plays a fundamental part in the life of Algerians, and is present in most aspects of their lives.
Time – Punctuality is not viewed as being as important in Algeria as in other countries. In the work place the most senior member of staff will set the standard with regards to time. This being so, absenteeism is still viewed as being counter-productive. Patience is a valued attribute within Algerian society and especially within business settings.
Doing Business in Algeria
Algeria has two key industries producing the majority of its income – oil and natural gas. Due to the nature of its climate, the country has a small agricultural sector and relies greatly on food imports. The turbulent post-independence years saw civil unrest in the 1980s and then finally civil war and periods of terrorist activity throughout the 1990s. As a result of these crises the Algerian economy has suffered considerably. Since 2002, the situation has begun to improve with closer economic links to the European Union and a substantial boost in trade in and out of the country. Algeria’s large reserves of natural gas brought macroeconomic stability and its external debt is extremely low. After the Arab Spring, the government introduced political reforms in 2011 by cutting the food prices and lifting the 19-year-old state of emergency restrictions. However, reducing high youth unemployment rates and diversifying its economy still remain challenges.
Commerce in Algeria still centres mainly on the ‘Souk’, an open-air market place, where one will find the staples for everyday life. It is a growing and fast-improving country with a unique culture that must be understood before doing business in Algeria.
Part 1 – Working in Algeria: Working practices in Algeria
Structure and hierarchy in Algerian companies
Working relationships in Algeria
Part 2 – Doing Business in Algeria: Business practices in Algeria
Algerian Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO shake hands with your colleague or guest before commencing a discussion or meeting. Ask about a colleague and their family’s health.
DO respect an Algerian colleague’s position and title. On first meeting them, use their full title if they have one.
DO give gifts as a way of forming a better relationship with Algerian colleagues.
DON’T use your left hand when accepting a business card. The left hand is seen as only being fit for dishonourable activities.
DON’T refuse hospitality when it is shown to you. Algerians place a great deal of importance on hospitality and if you are offered coffee or a small pastry, you should always accept.
DON’T use your finger to point. This is viewed as highly uncourteous by Algerians.
Algerian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. Using your left hand to accept business cards is the accepted way in Algeria.
2. Women should not wear short skirts or low-cut blouses.
3. Titles have little importance in Algerian business culture.
4. An appointment should be made in advance.
5. Asking after an Algerian colleague’s health is frowned upon.
Algerian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. False. Like much of the Arab world, the left hand is seen as being only for dishonourable activities.
2. True. As a woman in Algeria, you are expected to dress modestly and not show too much.
3. False. Algerians place a lot of importance on one’s title and seniority.
4. True. Appointments should be made in advance and confirmed 1-2 days before.
5. False. On greeting an Algerian colleague you should ask after their health. However do not ask them about any female members of their family as this could be considered disrespectful.
Algeria Today
Approximately 99% of Algerians are of Berber origin while a smaller number of Algerians identify themselves as Arabs. The majority of the population are Sunni Muslims. Arabic is the state language of Algeria, although French and various Berber dialects are widely spoken. Doing business successfully in Algeria requires a comprehensive understanding of Algerian cultural values and attitudes and their impact on working practices.
Algerian Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Ethnic Diversity – Algeria is home to both Arab and Berber populations. The Berber population tends to be in a number of distinct clan bases while the Arab population can be found throughout the country. Despite the ethnic diversity, there is a feeling of unity in the country particularly around specific historical events such as the struggle for independence from France in the 1950s and 1960s.
Religion – The majority of Algerians are Sunni Muslim. A century old, but now rather depleted, the Jewish population is mainly in the capital Algiers. There are also around 400,000 Protestants and Catholics in the country. In the clan regions of Algeria a small number of Berbers still practise the ancient Berber religion. Islam plays a fundamental part in the life of Algerians, and is present in most aspects of their lives.
Time – Punctuality is not viewed as being as important in Algeria as in other countries. In the work place the most senior member of staff will set the standard with regards to time. This being so, absenteeism is still viewed as being counter-productive. Patience is a valued attribute within Algerian society and especially within business settings.
Doing Business in Algeria
Algeria has two key industries producing the majority of its income – oil and natural gas. Due to the nature of its climate, the country has a small agricultural sector and relies greatly on food imports. The turbulent post-independence years saw civil unrest in the 1980s and then finally civil war and periods of terrorist activity throughout the 1990s. As a result of these crises the Algerian economy has suffered considerably. Since 2002, the situation has begun to improve with closer economic links to the European Union and a substantial boost in trade in and out of the country. Algeria’s large reserves of natural gas brought macroeconomic stability and its external debt is extremely low. After the Arab Spring, the government introduced political reforms in 2011 by cutting the food prices and lifting the 19-year-old state of emergency restrictions. However, reducing high youth unemployment rates and diversifying its economy still remain challenges.
Commerce in Algeria still centres mainly on the ‘Souk’, an open-air market place, where one will find the staples for everyday life. It is a growing and fast-improving country with a unique culture that must be understood before doing business in Algeria.
Part 1 – Working in Algeria: Working practices in Algeria
Structure and hierarchy in Algerian companies
Working relationships in Algeria
Part 2 – Doing Business in Algeria: Business practices in Algeria
Algerian Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO shake hands with your colleague or guest before commencing a discussion or meeting. Ask about a colleague and their family’s health.
DO respect an Algerian colleague’s position and title. On first meeting them, use their full title if they have one.
DO give gifts as a way of forming a better relationship with Algerian colleagues.
DON’T use your left hand when accepting a business card. The left hand is seen as only being fit for dishonourable activities.
DON’T refuse hospitality when it is shown to you. Algerians place a great deal of importance on hospitality and if you are offered coffee or a small pastry, you should always accept.
DON’T use your finger to point. This is viewed as highly uncourteous by Algerians.
Algerian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. Using your left hand to accept business cards is the accepted way in Algeria.
2. Women should not wear short skirts or low-cut blouses.
3. Titles have little importance in Algerian business culture.
4. An appointment should be made in advance.
5. Asking after an Algerian colleague’s health is frowned upon.
Algerian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. False. Like much of the Arab world, the left hand is seen as being only for dishonourable activities.
2. True. As a woman in Algeria, you are expected to dress modestly and not show too much.
3. False. Algerians place a lot of importance on one’s title and seniority.
4. True. Appointments should be made in advance and confirmed 1-2 days before.
5. False. On greeting an Algerian colleague you should ask after their health. However do not ask them about any female members of their family as this could be considered disrespectful.
