An oil rich desert land of widely scattered oases and cosmopolitan coastal cities, Libya is an ethnically diverse blend of modern urban societies and semi nomadic tribes. Over the course of its history, Libya has been the site of many ancient Mediterranean civilisations and numerous Arab settlements.
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Libya Today
After a period of uprisings and unrest during the ‘Arab Spring’ which led to the end of the Gaddafi regime in 2011, present day Libya is on its way to becoming a democratic state. Although the country still faces great economic and political challenges, it also offers significant business opportunities. Anyone looking to conduct business here should be aware of these recent developments and have a comprehensive understanding of the culture behind the social and business customs.
Libyan Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Wasta – Libyan culture involves a closely interwoven network of relationships that takes time to establish and maintain. The concept of ‘wasta’, roughly translated as ‘influence’, is a direct consequence of these personal relationships together with family ties, trust and honour. In Libya, this relates to the importance of having personal contacts in influential places so rules can be bent or things done more quickly. As a system based on the reciprocation of favours, ‘wasta’ permeates all aspects of Libyan society and is particularly prominent in business settings.
Face – The values of social status, respect and personal dignity are fundamental to Libyans. ‘Face’, although often associated with countries in the Far East, also plays a significant role in Libyan culture where protecting the honour of one’s family and the collective good is paramount. As a result, all business dealings are based on reputation and rely on the development of trust. This means your Libyan colleagues will take their time getting to know you and the company you represent.
Islam – The great majority of Libyans follow the Sunni branch of Islam and the traditions of Muslim society. Today, Libyans are in general conservative without being fundamentalist in their approach to religion. However, as a Muslim state, the heritage of Islam is deeply rooted in the character of the Libyan people and for most, is an integral part of their daily life. Islamic rule pervades Libyan customs and culture, providing the framework for the behaviour of individuals in both social and business contexts. Therefore, care must be taken to respect this, particularly in the area of dress, language and behaviour.
Doing Business in Libya
A former Roman colony, Libya was forced to endure countless invasions from external powers, before finally gaining its independence in 1951. The discovery of oil in 1959 gradually transformed the country into a wealthier monarchy. However, ten years later, the King was ousted in a successful coup led by Colonel Gaddafi and the newly named Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya began a radically new chapter in its history.
Today, Libya is one of the world’s leading petroleum producers, effecting a profound change on Libyan society and economy. Sanctions imposed on the Libyan economy by both the UN and the US were recently lifted, opening up the market for foreign investment and overseas business. With the end of Gaddafi’s dictatorship in 2011, previously restricted business and entrepreneurial activities are likely to prosper and the potential for the development of a more market-based economy is likely to increase in future years.
Libya business Part 1 - Working in Libya: Working practices in Libya
Structure and hierarchy in Libyan companies
Working relationships in Libya
Libya business Part 2 - Doing business in Libya: Business practices in Libya
Business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO shake hands when doing business with your Libyan associates. As part of Islamic etiquette, the right hand must always be used and one should wait for the other to withdraw their hand first before doing the same.
DO ensure that all documents are drawn up in Arabic as well as in your own language in order to make them official.
DO dress in a manner that shows respect for local traditions. In most cases, this entails formal and conservative business attire. Businesswomen in particular should dress modestly, covering up their arms and legs to below the knee.
DO inform yourself about the events around the ‘Arab Spring’ as they caused major transitions and changes in Libya and be sensitive about bringing them up in conversations.
DON’T schedule business appointments during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Business is rarely conducted during this time with many businesses closed for the religious observance.
DON’T offer any form of payment for a small or even large kindness as this may cause offence to your Libyan associates. The Libyan people are renowned for their generosity and hospitality toward visitors.
DON’T be surprised if your Libyan counterparts address you by your first name. Libyans are generally informal with names when doing business, therefore David Brown, for instance, will be addressed as Mr. David.
Libyan Culture Quiz – true or false
1. The non-verbal cue for ‘yes’ is a slight downward nod of the head.
2. When dining at a traditional Libyan restaurant, it is customary to eat with one’s hands, using the left hand only.
3. Making direct eye contact during business discussions should be avoided as a sign of respect for your Libyan counterparts.
4. It is considered an insult in Libyan culture to face the soles of one’s feet towards other people
5. When entering a business meeting in Libya, it is common practice for the more senior and more important people to arrive last, or even to arrive late.
Libyan Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True.
2. False. Whilst it is common practice to eat using one’s hands during a traditional Libyan meal, it is the right hand that should always be used. The left side of the body is considered unclean in Islamic society.
3. False. Libyans establish mutual trust and respect through eye-to-eye conversation.
4. True. The feet are also considered to be unclean.
5. True.
Libya Today
After a period of uprisings and unrest during the ‘Arab Spring’ which led to the end of the Gaddafi regime in 2011, present day Libya is on its way to becoming a democratic state. Although the country still faces great economic and political challenges, it also offers significant business opportunities. Anyone looking to conduct business here should be aware of these recent developments and have a comprehensive understanding of the culture behind the social and business customs.
Libyan Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Wasta – Libyan culture involves a closely interwoven network of relationships that takes time to establish and maintain. The concept of ‘wasta’, roughly translated as ‘influence’, is a direct consequence of these personal relationships together with family ties, trust and honour. In Libya, this relates to the importance of having personal contacts in influential places so rules can be bent or things done more quickly. As a system based on the reciprocation of favours, ‘wasta’ permeates all aspects of Libyan society and is particularly prominent in business settings.
Face – The values of social status, respect and personal dignity are fundamental to Libyans. ‘Face’, although often associated with countries in the Far East, also plays a significant role in Libyan culture where protecting the honour of one’s family and the collective good is paramount. As a result, all business dealings are based on reputation and rely on the development of trust. This means your Libyan colleagues will take their time getting to know you and the company you represent.
Islam – The great majority of Libyans follow the Sunni branch of Islam and the traditions of Muslim society. Today, Libyans are in general conservative without being fundamentalist in their approach to religion. However, as a Muslim state, the heritage of Islam is deeply rooted in the character of the Libyan people and for most, is an integral part of their daily life. Islamic rule pervades Libyan customs and culture, providing the framework for the behaviour of individuals in both social and business contexts. Therefore, care must be taken to respect this, particularly in the area of dress, language and behaviour.
Doing Business in Libya
A former Roman colony, Libya was forced to endure countless invasions from external powers, before finally gaining its independence in 1951. The discovery of oil in 1959 gradually transformed the country into a wealthier monarchy. However, ten years later, the King was ousted in a successful coup led by Colonel Gaddafi and the newly named Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya began a radically new chapter in its history.
Today, Libya is one of the world’s leading petroleum producers, effecting a profound change on Libyan society and economy. Sanctions imposed on the Libyan economy by both the UN and the US were recently lifted, opening up the market for foreign investment and overseas business. With the end of Gaddafi’s dictatorship in 2011, previously restricted business and entrepreneurial activities are likely to prosper and the potential for the development of a more market-based economy is likely to increase in future years.
Libya business Part 1 - Working in Libya: Working practices in Libya
Structure and hierarchy in Libyan companies
Working relationships in Libya
Libya business Part 2 - Doing business in Libya: Business practices in Libya
Business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO shake hands when doing business with your Libyan associates. As part of Islamic etiquette, the right hand must always be used and one should wait for the other to withdraw their hand first before doing the same.
DO ensure that all documents are drawn up in Arabic as well as in your own language in order to make them official.
DO dress in a manner that shows respect for local traditions. In most cases, this entails formal and conservative business attire. Businesswomen in particular should dress modestly, covering up their arms and legs to below the knee.
DO inform yourself about the events around the ‘Arab Spring’ as they caused major transitions and changes in Libya and be sensitive about bringing them up in conversations.
DON’T schedule business appointments during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Business is rarely conducted during this time with many businesses closed for the religious observance.
DON’T offer any form of payment for a small or even large kindness as this may cause offence to your Libyan associates. The Libyan people are renowned for their generosity and hospitality toward visitors.
DON’T be surprised if your Libyan counterparts address you by your first name. Libyans are generally informal with names when doing business, therefore David Brown, for instance, will be addressed as Mr. David.
Libyan Culture Quiz – true or false
1. The non-verbal cue for ‘yes’ is a slight downward nod of the head.
2. When dining at a traditional Libyan restaurant, it is customary to eat with one’s hands, using the left hand only.
3. Making direct eye contact during business discussions should be avoided as a sign of respect for your Libyan counterparts.
4. It is considered an insult in Libyan culture to face the soles of one’s feet towards other people
5. When entering a business meeting in Libya, it is common practice for the more senior and more important people to arrive last, or even to arrive late.
Libyan Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True.
2. False. Whilst it is common practice to eat using one’s hands during a traditional Libyan meal, it is the right hand that should always be used. The left side of the body is considered unclean in Islamic society.
3. False. Libyans establish mutual trust and respect through eye-to-eye conversation.
4. True. The feet are also considered to be unclean.
5. True.
