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 Mauritanian culture

• A country of the Maghreb region, an Islamic civilization, the impact of colonization
• A multifaceted society: black Africans, Moors and Tuaregs
• An outstanding cultural heritage
• A country experiencing major difficulties despite its massive resources
• The challenges of development and the fight against poverty

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

• The values of Sunni Islam and the sharia system
• The influence of primitive beliefs
• The family and the community: cornerstones of society
• Ethnic origin, tribes and castes: community influences
• A reverence for religion and spiritual guides
• Meals and tea: a sign of integration. Respect for age and status
• Women in Mauritania: wives, mothers and men’s “other halves”.
• Attitudes to risk and uncertainty

4. The Mauritanian corporate world

• Sunni Islam and the business world
• Hierarchical and collective decision making
• The influence of the state, of the army and of foreign investment
• Professional relationships

Module 2 : Succeeding in work with the Mauritanians

1. Effective communication with the Mauritanians

• Paying care and attention to protocol and greetings
• Hassaniya Arabic, dialects and the French language
• Understanding spoken language
• Successfully joining networks

2. Adapting your working methods

• Effective management: giving, listening and observing
• Operational skills: patience, respect and empathy
• Building trust and confidence
• Motivating, delegating, providing feedback, boosting self-esteem and handling conflicts
• Pitfalls to be avoided

3. Successful meetings and negotiations with the Mauritanians

• Identifying decision makers and showing respect for rank
• Time, priority and deadline management
• Understanding written contracts, their interpretation and 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