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 Malian culture

• The cradle of the Sudano-Sahelian empire
• A multi-ethnic population
• A pastoral and arable farming economy
• Links with the Malian diaspora

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

• Attachment to geographical and imaginary origins
• Horon, nyamakalan, jeliw…: The importance of nobility and castes
• The impact of Islam and traditional religions
• Marriage: a sacred requirement
• A respect for age and status
• A society in which men take precedence over women
• A sense of propriety and self-control
• Direct communication, jokes and humour
• A compartmentalized society according to age, gender, class and ethnic origin
• A flexible vision of time

4. The Malian corporate world

• Working methods and the notion of quality
• A highly adaptable workforce
• Professional relationships

Module 2 : Succeeding in work with the Malians

1. Effective communication with the Malians

• The decisive nature of greetings
• The subtleties of non-verbal communication
• Eye contact and pitfalls to be avoided
• The French language and regional dialects

2. Adapting your working methods

• Effective management: firmness, frankness and diplomacy
• Building trust and confidence: an ability to listen and personal empathy
• A crystal clear working environment: fairness, impartiality and transparency
• Anticipating and eliminating jealousy
• The temptation to simply "go with the flow": overcoming  Musahala
• Motivation and praise: the importance of horizontal participation

3. Successful meetings and negotiations with the Malians

• Building successful relationships
• Reciprocal commitments
• Appointing mediators
• Time, priority and deadline management
• Understanding written contracts, their interpretation and implications 
• Organising 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