Israel has experienced significant change since its creation in 1948. Founded as the only Jewish state, Israel has accommodated large numbers of Jews emigrating from all over the world in successive waves. These newcomers are not only from different nations, but also range from secular to ultra-Orthodox Jews.
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Israel Today
Israeli culture is also influenced by the large Arab (both Christian and Muslim) and Bedouin minorities present within its borders. The on-going search for a stable agreement with Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip adds to the troubles of creating a common identity within Israel.
Parallels are often drawn between Israeli and American culture. This is unsurprising because of the large immigrant population from the US and the very close relationship shared between Israel and the US. An understanding of this unique business and social culture is essential in order to do business effectively with Israeli counterparts.
Israeli Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Individualism vs. Collectivism – Though originally based on Zionism, a collectivistic idea of creating a Jewish homeland, Israeli culture has become increasingly individualistic in recent years as the country has become more westernised. Although some collectivist tendencies are still found, the emphasis lies more and more on individual initiative and achievement and on an independent decision making.
Directness – From the outside, Israelis might seem aggressive and pushy. This is partly because Israelis do not feel the need for formality and indirectness due to their common trait of being part of a large family, where formality can be dismissed and members can act in a direct, immediate and honest way. Israelis may be regarded as direct and impatient in business matters since they look for quick and easy solutions.
Polychronic – Israelis are flexible with time and they tend to prefer doing many tasks at the same time. They will often reprioritise tasks based on the importance of the relationship.
Doing Business in Israel
Israel is situated at the junction of Europe, Asia and Africa and is the largest export market in the Middle East with exports including high-technology, pharmaceutical products and cut diamonds. Natural gas fields have recently been discovered off Israel’s coast providing Israel with more energy security and a possible source to generate export income. With strong economic links to the US combined with European influences, Israel’s impact on the world market is likely to increase in the future. Israel has a technically advanced market economy with highly skilled and well-educated, professional workers. Before doing business with Israel, it is essential to be aware of the unique Israeli business culture.
Israeli Business Part 1 – Working in Israel: Working practices in Israel
Structure and hierarchy in Israeli companies
Working relationships in Israel
Israeli Business Part 2 - Doing Business in Israel: Business practices in Israel
Israeli Business Etiquette (Do's and Don'ts)
DO address your Israeli partner by their first name and ask them to do the same. This will create a comfortable and informal business environment which is typical of Israeli business culture.
DO respect the religious background of your business partner. For example, if doing business with Orthodox Jews, it’s a good idea to choose a kosher restaurant for a business dinner. Ask your partner about his eating habits beforehand to make sure you choose the right place to prevent embarrassing moments.
DO address your colleagues and business partners directly in private if you have any concerns. This way, misunderstandings will not grow and conflicts can be solved more easily.
DON’T discuss Israeli government, politics or religious issues during a business meeting. However, listen carefully if your Israeli partner starts talking about these topics and try to remain neutral on the subject to avoid causing offense.
DON’T be offended if Israelis interrupt you while you are speaking. This is not a rude gesture but simply a reflection of their communication style which often involves debate and passionate discussions.
DON’T come late to appointments and business meetings. Even though punctuality is favoured, Israelis tend to be a little late sometimes.
Israeli Culture Quiz – True or False
1. Modern Hebrew is spoken by the seven million people in Israel.
2. On the national Election Day everybody has the day off.
3. During a business dinner, Israelis love to talk about their culture, history, family and sports. However, you should not ask too many personal questions.
4. Arriving an hour late or more is considered rude in Israel.
5. Israelis value their personal space and therefore you should always keep an arm’s length distance between you and your Israeli counterpart.
Israeli Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True. Israeli Jews and most Israeli Arabs both speak Hebrew.
2. True.
3. True.
4. True. The definition of being late varies from a couple of minutes to about half an hour. Coming more than half an hour late tends to be considered rude.
5. False. It is normal and acceptable to stand close and taking a step back may not be well received.
Israel Today
Israeli culture is also influenced by the large Arab (both Christian and Muslim) and Bedouin minorities present within its borders. The on-going search for a stable agreement with Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip adds to the troubles of creating a common identity within Israel.
Parallels are often drawn between Israeli and American culture. This is unsurprising because of the large immigrant population from the US and the very close relationship shared between Israel and the US. An understanding of this unique business and social culture is essential in order to do business effectively with Israeli counterparts.
Israeli Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Individualism vs. Collectivism – Though originally based on Zionism, a collectivistic idea of creating a Jewish homeland, Israeli culture has become increasingly individualistic in recent years as the country has become more westernised. Although some collectivist tendencies are still found, the emphasis lies more and more on individual initiative and achievement and on an independent decision making.
Directness – From the outside, Israelis might seem aggressive and pushy. This is partly because Israelis do not feel the need for formality and indirectness due to their common trait of being part of a large family, where formality can be dismissed and members can act in a direct, immediate and honest way. Israelis may be regarded as direct and impatient in business matters since they look for quick and easy solutions.
Polychronic – Israelis are flexible with time and they tend to prefer doing many tasks at the same time. They will often reprioritise tasks based on the importance of the relationship.
Doing Business in Israel
Israel is situated at the junction of Europe, Asia and Africa and is the largest export market in the Middle East with exports including high-technology, pharmaceutical products and cut diamonds. Natural gas fields have recently been discovered off Israel’s coast providing Israel with more energy security and a possible source to generate export income. With strong economic links to the US combined with European influences, Israel’s impact on the world market is likely to increase in the future. Israel has a technically advanced market economy with highly skilled and well-educated, professional workers. Before doing business with Israel, it is essential to be aware of the unique Israeli business culture.
Israeli Business Part 1 – Working in Israel: Working practices in Israel
Structure and hierarchy in Israeli companies
Working relationships in Israel
Israeli Business Part 2 - Doing Business in Israel: Business practices in Israel
Israeli Business Etiquette (Do's and Don'ts)
DO address your Israeli partner by their first name and ask them to do the same. This will create a comfortable and informal business environment which is typical of Israeli business culture.
DO respect the religious background of your business partner. For example, if doing business with Orthodox Jews, it’s a good idea to choose a kosher restaurant for a business dinner. Ask your partner about his eating habits beforehand to make sure you choose the right place to prevent embarrassing moments.
DO address your colleagues and business partners directly in private if you have any concerns. This way, misunderstandings will not grow and conflicts can be solved more easily.
DON’T discuss Israeli government, politics or religious issues during a business meeting. However, listen carefully if your Israeli partner starts talking about these topics and try to remain neutral on the subject to avoid causing offense.
DON’T be offended if Israelis interrupt you while you are speaking. This is not a rude gesture but simply a reflection of their communication style which often involves debate and passionate discussions.
DON’T come late to appointments and business meetings. Even though punctuality is favoured, Israelis tend to be a little late sometimes.
Israeli Culture Quiz – True or False
1. Modern Hebrew is spoken by the seven million people in Israel.
2. On the national Election Day everybody has the day off.
3. During a business dinner, Israelis love to talk about their culture, history, family and sports. However, you should not ask too many personal questions.
4. Arriving an hour late or more is considered rude in Israel.
5. Israelis value their personal space and therefore you should always keep an arm’s length distance between you and your Israeli counterpart.
Israeli Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True. Israeli Jews and most Israeli Arabs both speak Hebrew.
2. True.
3. True.
4. True. The definition of being late varies from a couple of minutes to about half an hour. Coming more than half an hour late tends to be considered rude.
5. False. It is normal and acceptable to stand close and taking a step back may not be well received.
