Cultural incident: America & Saudi Arabia The American business man Denzel Bush works for an American

oil company called Exxon and flies to Saudi Arabia for a business meeting. He arranged a meeting with the Saudi Arabian Sheikh Mohammed Abdulek in order to make an oil deal for his company. After he was picked up by the Sheikhs assistant, he was taken to the Sheikh residence. When they arrived at the residence the Sheikh welcomed him with a long handshake, but also attempted to kiss Denzels cheeks. Denzel was not prepared and took a step back. First, the Sheikh was puzzled but then he invited the American business man to go for a walk in the Sheikhs garden. He agreed and they went outside. Soon Denzel started a conversation relating to the oil deal, yet the Sheikh did not show interest in the business talk, and was rather concerned with Denzels personal life. While talking and walking through the garden the Sheikh took Denzels hand and Denzel pulled back. There was an awkward atmosphere between the two of them. Finally, they went inside to eat dinner. Denzel was in a hurry because he only had the night to finish the business deal. The Sheikhs assistant offered Denzel a cup of coffee, which is a traditional habit before every meal. Since it was already evening Denzel rejected the coffee, which clearly upset the Sheikh. A few minutes later the dinner was served and Denzel decided to make another attempt and started business talk. Everyone else at the table was quiet and did not interact with Denzel. After dinner the Sheikh wished him a good night and went to bed.

(George Bush and King Abdullah holding hands)

6. Cultural detective analysis: America & Saudi Arabia

Facts & Actions of Denzel Bush Facts & Actions of Mohammed Abdulek - Wants to arrange a business deal - Greets Denzel with a long with a Saudi Arabian Sheikh handshake and a kiss on the cheek - Steps back when the Sheikh tries to - Invits Denzel for a walk through his kiss his cheeks garden - Goes for a walk with the Sheikh - Wants to kno w more about Denzels personal life - Starts talking about the oil deal - Takes Denzels hand - Pulls his hand back - Does not react towards Denzels - Rejects cup of coffee second attempt for business talk - Makes a second attempt for business talk Values & Beliefs of Denzel Bush Values & Beliefs of Mohammed Abdulek - Result-oriented - Relationship-oriented - Individualistic - Collectivistic - Directness - Rather small personal space - Rather large personal space - High context - Low context - Values tradition high Cultural Bridge First of all, if both parties want to come to a consensus it is important that they inform themselves about the other ones culture. In order to behave appropriate they have to know about the other cultures values, norms and typical behaviour. For instance , when the Sheikh kisses Denzel on the cheek he should have reacted more friendly and open. Instead of taking a step back, he could have said Oh, sorry, that is new for me. I did not know that this is how you great each other in Saudi Arabia. This way the Sheikh would have known that Denzel did not step back because he is unpolite, solely because he was not aware of this tradition. Next, Denzel should have waited with the business talk until he got to know the Sheikh more since that is important to Saudi Arabians. When Denzel was offered a cup of coffee he should not have rejected it. If he would have done research he knew that is a typical tradition in Saudi Arabia and that rejecting it would hurt the Sheikhs hospitality. After Denzels second attempt of starting business talk, the Sheikh should have told Denzel that he wants to get to know Denzel more before signing any contracts. In conclusion, I think in this case it is more important for the American guy to be informed about the Saudi Arabian culture since they really stick to their traditions and often do not want to adjust to Western ways of doing business. Also, the American
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is the one travelling into the others country, which is another reason why he should adapt to the Saudi Arabian country. For the next meeting, I suggest that the American behave rather reserved in the first place, so he can observe the Sheikh and acts according to his expectations and traditions. Hence, he would avoid starting the business talk although the Sheikh is not interested in the business part yet.