How Arabic Cross-Cultural Training Aids International Success

Arabic cross-cultural training is essential to the smooth operation of your international business – it ensures your team are well informed and fully prepared for key interactions anywhere in the Arab world.

Understanding what cross-cultural training is and why it is so important will help you choose the right training provider and the best course(s) for your team and overall business objectives.

 

What is Arabic Cross-Cultural Training?

Arabic cross-cultural training is an effective and valuable method for educating individuals, or groups, within an organisation, in preparation for international business operations.

It is a necessity for firms that operate overseas, for those who have a diverse workforce in their home territory, or for firms that have overseas customers/suppliers as it promotes intercultural communication and understanding.

The main purpose of Arabic cross-cultural training is to ensure that employees who are working with Arabic colleagues and clients are able to conduct business within a flexible framework based on situational appropriateness.

Arabic cross-cultural training varies depending on provider, but should include the following:

• Arabic Communication – trainees should learn how to deconstruct Arabic communication styles and tailor their own communication style to suit

• Arabic Culture – trainees should learn the key values of the Arabic people and culture, and understand how this shapes collective, and individuals’ outlooks

• Arabic Business Culture – trainees should gain an understanding of Arabic business culture, learning hierarchical structures, business etiquette, and expected behaviours

Cross-cultural training might also include:

• Managing Conflict

• Cultural Intelligence

• Unconscious Bias

• Managing Successful Client Relationships

 

 

When to Use Arabic Cross-Cultural Training

There are many instances when Arabic cross-cultural training is beneficial to your business, but it is especially advantageous in the following situations:

• For employees required to relocate in an Arabic country

• For employees who have interactions with Arabic clients, customers, or consumers

• For a diverse and multicultural workforce

• For an organisation looking to diversify into a predominantly Arabic country

Arabic cross-cultural training should be used well in advance of employee relocation for the best chance of success for expats and their families.

Similarly, if your organisation is considering diversifying into an Arabic country, the sooner your employees are trained to understand and appreciate the Arabic culture and people, the better, as they’ll gain valuable insights into the new market which can inform and advise any decisions.

 

How Arabic Cross-cultural Training Aids International Success

Arabic cross-cultural training will guarantee your employees are able to fully understand the differences between themselves and their Arabic clients, or counterparts, ensuring appropriate behaviour, increasing mutual respect, and producing efficient business dealings.

Those company representatives who have not completed Arabic cross-cultural training, may well misinterpret body language signs, or behaviours, of clients and colleagues leading to confusion, misunderstanding, and annoyance.

This isn’t good for anyone, and it certainly isn’t good for your business!

International success depends upon your employees’ ability to understand their host country’s culture and expected norms, and their willingness to adapt their communication style and behaviour to suit.

Arabic cross-cultural training minimises the type of misunderstandings which often cause disastrous business meetings, a loss of revenue, or a ruined reputation.

Your organisation relies upon the affability, adaptability, and knowledge of your employees for successful business interactions – give them the tools they need to perform their role to the best of their ability.

Employers and employees benefit from Arabic cross-cultural training as it:

• Promotes Business Performance

• Increases Customer Satisfaction

• Improves Employee Retention

• Gives Strategic Market Insight for Arabic Countries

• Improves Working Relationships (this applies to cross-culture and same culture relationships)

• Increased Innovation and Creativity through Cultural Exchange

 

At Creative Word, we have specialised in Arabic cross-cultural training for two decades, and with offices in the UAE and the UK, you can be sure that wherever your employees are based, they’ll receive first-class training on our courses.

We offer E-Learning and in-person training options through our dedicated training site, or you can contact us to find out more.