The Republic of Iraq, once the historic site of Mesopotamia, is home to a rich and distinct variety of social groups, cultures and religions. Although the modern state is relatively young, Iraq boasts an exceptionally long and tumultuous history spanning more than 5,000 years. Some of the world’s greatest ancient civilisations developed here and like many Arab countries, it embraces and honours the achievements of its past and maintains its strong tribal culture.
Iraq Today
Once part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq became an independent sovereign state in 1932. The Republic of Iraq was established in 1958, following the overthrow of the monarchy and later became one of the centres of Arab nationalism under the control of the Baath party. During the 1980s, the Kurdish community in Iraq sought greater autonomy and following years of internal fighting, now inhabit a region in the north of the country known as Kurdistan. Following three debilitating wars and years of economic and political sanctions, US military operations in Iraq ended in December 2011 and a democratic Iraq has now emerged as an active member of the international community. Conducting profitable business operations in Iraq can only be achieved through understanding this country’s culture, history and individual approach to life.
Iraqi Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Family – In Iraq, the family is the basis of the social structure providing a social network and assistance in times of need. This fundamental social unit regulates an individual’s political, religious and economic activities and determines all rights and obligations. Iraqis observe a mutually protective attitude among relatives and a sense of responsibility towards the extended family. Family loyalty remains at the heart of the Iraqi culture, taking priority over other social relationships. For this reason, relatives tend to be preferred as business partners since employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.
Uncertainty Avoidance – Uncertainty avoidance indicates a society’s level of tolerance for uncertainty. The omnipresent and strict rules, laws, policies and regulations in Iraqi culture exist in an attempt to minimise or reduce this sense of ambiguity and to avoid the unexpected. As a result, decisions are made gradually, change is not eagerly accepted and risks are very rarely taken. This is especially crucial when conducting business with Iraqis.
Public vs. Private – Iraqis exercise a clear division between the public and private areas of their life, creating two distinct personas and modes of behaviour. The inner and outer circles of society define behaviour with the family or tribe as the inner circle shaping a person’s social and business network and the outer offering accepted rules for public conduct. In a business context, you will generally find that your Iraqi counterparts place a great importance on friendship and developing close relationships with those they are conducting business with.
Doing Business in Iraq
Since 1980, the Iraqi economy has been adversely affected by costly militarisation, three wars and over a decade of international sanctions. However, the recent post-war transferal of sovereignty back to the Iraqi Interim Government has changed the economic and political face of the nation, bringing with it significant economic and financial reforms. An improving security environment and foreign investment are helping to drive economic growth in the energy, construction and retail sector but more reforms are necessary, especially in the area of corruption.
Nevertheless, the country’s affluent natural resource base makes it potentially one of the richest countries in the world with the production and export of petroleum continuing to set Iraq on the path to sustained economic growth and long-term prosperity. As Iraq slowly rebuilds its relations with the international community, it is extremely important for those wishing to enter into the Iraqi market to gain a thorough knowledge of the country and its particular business behaviours.
Iraq business Part 1 - Working in Iraq: Working practices in Iraq
Structure and hierarchy in Iraqi companies
Working relationships in Iraq
Iraq business Part 2 - Doing business in Iraq: Business Practices in Iraq
Iraqi business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO remain patience throughout all business dealings. Meetings are often interrupted, since Iraqis prefer to handle more than one issue at once.
DO show respect and courtesy at all times as this is the most important element of Iraqi culture and takes precedence over all other customs.
DO try to learn a few simple Arabic or Kurdish words and phrases such as ‘Hello’ (Marhaba salam alekom), ‘Thank you’ (Shukran), ‘Please’ (Men Fadlak) as they will be warmly received.
DON’T criticise or highlight simple errors or mistakes your Iraqi colleagues may make in a direct manner but try to hint or offer indirect advice and solutions. Understanding the importance of saving face is vital for successful business in Iraq.
DON’T use high-pressure tactics during business negotiations. Decisions are made slowly and this approach will only have a negative effect on your business outcome.
DON’T forget to dress in a formal and conservative manner. Women in particular should wear modest clothing and cover their hair when necessary. Iraqis tend to judge people on first appearances; therefore dressing appropriately will create a good impression with your Iraqi business colleagues.
Iraqi Culture Quiz - true or false
1. When in the presence of Iraqis, be careful not to raise or cross your legs in such a way that the sole of the foot faces others in the room.
2. It is polite and good practice to inquire about an Iraqi man’s wife or other female relatives.
3. During business dealings, it is not uncommon for your Iraqi counterparts to walk out of a meeting, express their emotions openly or threaten to terminate the relationship.
4. To create a friendly atmosphere when doing business in Iraq, address your counterparts by their first names.
5. If you are invited to an Iraqi’s house, you should take flowers or pastries or a present for the home as a gift for your hosts.
Iraqi Culture Quiz - Answers
1. True. This is considered unclean and is perceived as one of the greatest insults.
2. False. Traditional Iraqi culture states that a man’s household and family are private matters. Therefore, it is inappropriate and disrespectful to ask after another man’s wife.
3. True. Iraqis openly reveal their emotions in business settings and situations such as these may occur, at times, in an attempt to sway negotiations. They may try to win the sympathy vote by making you feel that they are telling you everything and therefore gaining your trust.
4. False. Always use the appropriate title followed by the surname to respect the hierarchy until they ask you to do otherwise.
5. True. It is a custom that will be expected when visiting an Iraqi’s home.
Iraq Today
Once part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq became an independent sovereign state in 1932. The Republic of Iraq was established in 1958, following the overthrow of the monarchy and later became one of the centres of Arab nationalism under the control of the Baath party. During the 1980s, the Kurdish community in Iraq sought greater autonomy and following years of internal fighting, now inhabit a region in the north of the country known as Kurdistan. Following three debilitating wars and years of economic and political sanctions, US military operations in Iraq ended in December 2011 and a democratic Iraq has now emerged as an active member of the international community. Conducting profitable business operations in Iraq can only be achieved through understanding this country’s culture, history and individual approach to life.
Iraqi Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Family – In Iraq, the family is the basis of the social structure providing a social network and assistance in times of need. This fundamental social unit regulates an individual’s political, religious and economic activities and determines all rights and obligations. Iraqis observe a mutually protective attitude among relatives and a sense of responsibility towards the extended family. Family loyalty remains at the heart of the Iraqi culture, taking priority over other social relationships. For this reason, relatives tend to be preferred as business partners since employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.
Uncertainty Avoidance – Uncertainty avoidance indicates a society’s level of tolerance for uncertainty. The omnipresent and strict rules, laws, policies and regulations in Iraqi culture exist in an attempt to minimise or reduce this sense of ambiguity and to avoid the unexpected. As a result, decisions are made gradually, change is not eagerly accepted and risks are very rarely taken. This is especially crucial when conducting business with Iraqis.
Public vs. Private – Iraqis exercise a clear division between the public and private areas of their life, creating two distinct personas and modes of behaviour. The inner and outer circles of society define behaviour with the family or tribe as the inner circle shaping a person’s social and business network and the outer offering accepted rules for public conduct. In a business context, you will generally find that your Iraqi counterparts place a great importance on friendship and developing close relationships with those they are conducting business with.
Doing Business in Iraq
Since 1980, the Iraqi economy has been adversely affected by costly militarisation, three wars and over a decade of international sanctions. However, the recent post-war transferal of sovereignty back to the Iraqi Interim Government has changed the economic and political face of the nation, bringing with it significant economic and financial reforms. An improving security environment and foreign investment are helping to drive economic growth in the energy, construction and retail sector but more reforms are necessary, especially in the area of corruption.
Nevertheless, the country’s affluent natural resource base makes it potentially one of the richest countries in the world with the production and export of petroleum continuing to set Iraq on the path to sustained economic growth and long-term prosperity. As Iraq slowly rebuilds its relations with the international community, it is extremely important for those wishing to enter into the Iraqi market to gain a thorough knowledge of the country and its particular business behaviours.
Iraq business Part 1 - Working in Iraq: Working practices in Iraq
Structure and hierarchy in Iraqi companies
Working relationships in Iraq
Iraq business Part 2 - Doing business in Iraq: Business Practices in Iraq
Iraqi business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO remain patience throughout all business dealings. Meetings are often interrupted, since Iraqis prefer to handle more than one issue at once.
DO show respect and courtesy at all times as this is the most important element of Iraqi culture and takes precedence over all other customs.
DO try to learn a few simple Arabic or Kurdish words and phrases such as ‘Hello’ (Marhaba salam alekom), ‘Thank you’ (Shukran), ‘Please’ (Men Fadlak) as they will be warmly received.
DON’T criticise or highlight simple errors or mistakes your Iraqi colleagues may make in a direct manner but try to hint or offer indirect advice and solutions. Understanding the importance of saving face is vital for successful business in Iraq.
DON’T use high-pressure tactics during business negotiations. Decisions are made slowly and this approach will only have a negative effect on your business outcome.
DON’T forget to dress in a formal and conservative manner. Women in particular should wear modest clothing and cover their hair when necessary. Iraqis tend to judge people on first appearances; therefore dressing appropriately will create a good impression with your Iraqi business colleagues.
Iraqi Culture Quiz - true or false
1. When in the presence of Iraqis, be careful not to raise or cross your legs in such a way that the sole of the foot faces others in the room.
2. It is polite and good practice to inquire about an Iraqi man’s wife or other female relatives.
3. During business dealings, it is not uncommon for your Iraqi counterparts to walk out of a meeting, express their emotions openly or threaten to terminate the relationship.
4. To create a friendly atmosphere when doing business in Iraq, address your counterparts by their first names.
5. If you are invited to an Iraqi’s house, you should take flowers or pastries or a present for the home as a gift for your hosts.
Iraqi Culture Quiz - Answers
1. True. This is considered unclean and is perceived as one of the greatest insults.
2. False. Traditional Iraqi culture states that a man’s household and family are private matters. Therefore, it is inappropriate and disrespectful to ask after another man’s wife.
3. True. Iraqis openly reveal their emotions in business settings and situations such as these may occur, at times, in an attempt to sway negotiations. They may try to win the sympathy vote by making you feel that they are telling you everything and therefore gaining your trust.
4. False. Always use the appropriate title followed by the surname to respect the hierarchy until they ask you to do otherwise.
5. True. It is a custom that will be expected when visiting an Iraqi’s home.
