Top Culture and Business Etiquettes in Afghanistan

Kabul the Economic Center of Afghanistan

Salaam!

Welcome to the intriguing world of Afghan business culture, where hospitality, respect, and traditions shape professional interactions. Afghanistan, with its rich history, diverse ethnicities, and breathtaking landscapes, offers a unique business landscape that blends traditional values with modern practices. To thrive in the Afghan business environment, it’s essential to grasp the nuances of Afghan etiquette and business customs.

In this article, I’ll be your guide, providing insights and tips on business culture and etiquettes in Afghanistan.

Respect for Culture and Traditions

Afghanistan is a country deeply rooted in cultural traditions and Islamic values.

• It is very important to approach business interactions with respect for Afghan customs and traditions.
• Dress modestly, especially for formal meetings, and be mindful of conservative norms.
• Greet others with a warm “Salaam Alaikum”, which means “peace be upon you”, and show genuine respect for elders and those in positions of authority.
• It is obligatory for Muslims to pray five times a day, at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and in the evening, so be prepared to work around these prayer times.
• The weekend in Afghanistan consists of Thursday and Friday, with Friday being the Muslim holy day and as such, most businesses and offices will be closed.
• It is extremely important to only use your right hand when passing or receiving something, handing or receiving a business card, and eating. Never use your left hand.
• Understanding and appreciating Afghan culture will help foster positive connections.

Mixing of Genders

It is very important to learn, understand, and live by Afghanistan’s rules around this subject, because undermining them or dismissing them will damage trust and relationships and could incur punitive repercussions!

• Mixing of genders only occurs within families. However, in professional situations, males and females can be co-workers but must maintain each other’s honor.
• Women must not speak to men in social settings or on the street. They should avoid looking a man in the eyes and it is best to keep their eyes lowered when walking down the street.
• Men should never try to make conversation with a woman in a public setting. They should avoid eye contact with women and should never offer their hand when meeting but instead, should place their right hand over their heart and offer a small bow.

Building Trust and Relationships

Afghan business culture places a strong emphasis on personal relationships and trust.

• Building trust takes time and requires patience.
• Invest time in getting to know your Afghan professional counterparts on a personal level, showing genuine interest in their culture, families, and backgrounds.
• Take the opportunity and be open and willing to share your own background as well.
• Establishing a foundation of trust will lay the groundwork for successful business relationships.

Communication Style

• Communication in Afghanistan is often indirect and relies on subtle nuances.
• It is important to phrase questions intelligently. Asking someone, “Can you complete a job on time?”, will NOT invoke a “no” — even if “no” is the truth.
• Politeness and diplomacy are highly valued.
• It is important to speak respectfully and avoid confrontational or aggressive tones.
• Be patient and listen attentively, as Afghans may take their time to express their thoughts.
• Silence may be a sign of contemplation rather than disagreement–be patient and quiet while they contemplate.
• Cultivate good listening skills to understand the underlying messages.

Punctuality and Flexibility

While punctuality is very important in Afghan business culture, it is common for meetings to start later than scheduled.

• However, arriving on time demonstrates respect for others’ time, but don’t be surprised if the meeting starts late.
• Show patience and adaptability to their cultural norms, and avoid pressuring others to adhere strictly to time constraints.
• Flexibility and understanding are key to navigating Afghan business meetings successfully.

Business Meetings

• You should greet and shake hands with everyone present during the introductions, then wait to be seated.
• Business cards are not used a lot in Afghanistan, and if you are given one, be sure to study it, and comment on it and any credentials the person may hold. Then place it in a holder or somewhere respectful, not your pocket!
• Men need to wear conservative suits and shoes.
• Women have to dress modestly and not show any flesh from the neck downwards. A good choice would be a knee-length, loose-fitting business-style skirt over a pair of loose-fitting professional trousers coupled with a headscarf.
• During a meeting, expect people to walk in and out of the meeting and also take calls! So don’t be surprised or offended–just keep going with the flow!
• Meetings are run by the designated leader and agendas are not very structured at all, so expect a lot of “going off on tangents” during a meeting.
• Always consider honor and shame and never make accusations, indirectly or directly pin the blame on someone, or speak down to anyone. The consequences are just not worth it — just bite your lip if you have to!

Negotiating

Negotiating can be frustrating but if you follow these tips, it can be an enjoyable event.

• Always negotiate with the senior-most person because they are the decision-makers.
• Afghans negotiate with a win–lose mentality, and their goal is to get the best deal for themselves at all costs!
• In the beginning, give really high prices. This allows you to slowly reduce the price and at each reduction, explain how much damage it is causing you personally to reduce the price.
• Appealing to an Afghan’s sense of fairness and justice works wonders. Emphasize that you are looking to build a strong relationship with them and want it to be a long-term one.
• If price reductions aren’t working, try pressing the idea of how much prestige, honor, and respect they will gain by making a deal with you.

Hospitality and Gift-Giving

Hospitality is an integral part of Afghan culture, and this extends to business settings.

• Expect to be welcomed with warm hospitality and offered tea or refreshments, and accept these gestures graciously as a sign of goodwill.
• When attending a meeting or visiting someone’s home, it is customary to bring a small, neatly wrapped gift, such as chocolates, sweets, pastries, or flowers (obviously you are not going to wrap these), as a token of appreciation.
• Respect local customs and traditions when selecting gifts (e.g. no alcohol! Never ever!).
• It is important to be discreet and place the gift near the door or where you are sitting.
• If you are eating a meal, normally everyone sits on the ground cross-legged. If you can’t, sit as comfortably as you can but do NOT stretch your legs out with your feet facing people.
• Food is generally served as a communal meal and everyone shares from the same dish.
• Pass things around the table and ONLY use your right hand to do so.
• Food is eaten with your right hand by scooping it up by the tip of your fingers and then putting it in your mouth. Do NOT eat with your left hand!
• Tip: Take the time to learn a little about the food you will encounter in Afghanistan, such as Afghan breakfast dishes, Afghan seafood dishes, Afghan meat dishes, Afghan vegetarian dishes, and their amazing Afghan desserts and sweets.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have embarked on a journey through the etiquette and business culture of Afghanistan. By embracing respect for culture and traditions, building trust and relationships, adapting to the communication style, practicing punctuality with flexibility, and appreciating Afghan hospitality, you will navigate the Afghan business landscape with grace and success.

Remember, Afghan business culture values personal connections, patience, and respect. Incorporating these insights into your interactions will not only enhance your professional relationships but also deepen your understanding of this rich and vibrant culture.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of Afghan cultural and business etiquette tips. So if you have any great points to add, just include them in your comments!

Ahale kajâ hastêd! (Good luck!)