Algeria - Working and dealing with the Algerians
Objectives
The aim of this seminar is to significantly improve the participants’ effectiveness in their professional relationships with the Algerians, enabling them to be operational right from the start.
At the end of this training, participants will have acquired insights and techniques to:
- Be aware of their own cultural baggage
- Fully understand Algerian context and culture
- Analyse possible situations in which misunderstandings may arise and identify ways of communicating
- Reduce stress and misunderstandings
- Decipher and understand decision-making and negotiation processes
Programme outline
Module 1 : Understanding cultural differences
1. Intercultural awareness: the key to success in international business
- Taking stock of one's own cultural baggage
- The basics of effective intercultural management
- Identifying and going beyond cultural stereotypes
2. Key aspects of Algerian culture
- The second largest country in Africa
- A young, urban population of ethnic Arab and Berber origin
- A tragic history
- The specific characteristics of Islam in Algeria
- A delicate political situation
- Economic riches waiting to be fully exploited
- Local rivalry
- A country in the international spotlight
3. The impact of values and behaviour patterns on professionnal dealings and relationships
- The family group, the role of women in Algerian society
- A transitional perception of time
- Private space and public areas
- The Algerian mindset
4. The Algerian corporate world
- Keys to understanding how companies operate in Algeria
- Differences in working methods and the notion of quality
- The marketplace, employment and staff turnover
- The role of national and local authorities
Module 2 : Succeeding in work with the Algerians
1. Effective communication with the Algerians
- The circulation of information, professional networks
- Communication styles and practices
- The working language, the role of the interpreter
2. Adapting your working methods
- Local management and company culture
- Identifying cultural traits and customs
- Anticipating possible obstacles
- Project management, the team spirit, a sense of service
- Pitfalls to be avoided
3. Successful meetings and negotiations with the Algerians
- The preparation phase
- Identifying decision-makers
- Time and deadline management
- Written contracts, their interpretation and implications
4. Final handy tips
- Caution, patience and humility
- Protocol and etiquette
- Social standards, gifts, business cards, dress code, etc
- Sensitive subjects: politics, history, religion
- Humour: a double-edged sword
