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 Bahraini culture

• An archipelago situated at the confluence of the Persian Gulf
• The impact of the British protectorate
• A racially mixed population
• An oil-based economy

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

• A respect for privacy and family life
• An Islamic tradition
• The notion of Zakat  or solidarity
• A tradition of hospitality
• The importance of artistic values

4. The Bahraini corporate world

• A clear hierarchy
• A multicultural working environment
• Work days and working hours organized around the traditional calendar
• Attentiveness to quality

Module 2 : Succeeding in work with the Bahrainis

1. Effective communication with the Bahrainis

• The importance of small talk
• Verbal communication
• English used for business
• The meaning of gestures

2. Adapting your working methods

• Effective management: prudence, a willingness to listen and firmness
• Encouraging initiative and dealing with touchy or sensitive people
• Promoting status
• The importance of mediators
• Pitfalls to be avoided

3. Successful meetings and negotiations with the Bahrainis

• Identifying decision-makers and power chains/power conflicts
• Seeking a peaceful compromise
• Establishing your credibility
• Meeting the right people
• Learning to listen to, and to take on-board  others’ views
• 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