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 Angolan culture

• Angola: a huge, multi-faceted country
• A multiethnic but relatively uniform population
• A substantial international community in the multiethnic urban areas
• The impact of poverty
• The post-war nation
• Exponential growth and a subsistence economy
• The educational system and its problems

3. The impact of values and behaviour patterns on professional dealings and relationships

• Community awareness and respect for age are both key aspects
• Changing traditions after 30 years of war
• The relative transformation of the role of women
• A significant musical and artistic tradition
• Time as a power-enhancing strategy
• Mediation as opposed to confrontation

4. The Angolan corporate world

• Angolan companies: a clear hierarchical structure
• The “Angolanization” of executive staff.  A work ethic to be instilled
• Women within the company and the importance of intermediaries
• The power of the state and the authorities.

Module 2 : Succeeding in work with the Angolans

1. Effective communication with the Angolans

• The emphasis on verbal communication
• Friendly and informal interpersonal relationships
• The ambiguity of life as a western manager in Angola
• The special characteristics of Angolan Portuguese

2. Adapting your working methods

• The special characteristics of corporate life in Angola
• Angolan executive staff and their relationship with expatriates
• Responsibilities and decision-making: patience and firmness
• Maintaining trust and confidence: dealing with touchy people
• Identifying cultural traits and customs
• Understanding organizational structures, procedures and decision-making processes
• Anticipating possible obstacles
• Project management, the team spirit, a sense of service
• Pitfalls to be avoided

3. Successful meetings and negotiations with Angolans

• Long term preparations
• Identifying decision makers
• The special characteristics of Angolan contracts and their implications 
• Organizing the post-negotiation phase

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