Iranian business culture

Iranian culture, which has a long history, is characterized by the presence of a large number of features that distinguish this people from others, including this applies to business culture. The Iranian people attach special importance to politeness and etiquette.

Greeting and address

As a greeting, Iranians shake hands and then press their own right hand to their hearts. It is not customary to shake hands with women, it is also forbidden to touch women and look them straight in the eye.

It is very important for every Iranian to show their politeness and literacy to the interlocutor, because this is not only a sign of good taste, but also a kind of "calling card" speaker. Therefore, it is important to correctly use the forms of address in relation to the interlocutor, taking into account the specific situation and the social status of each other. In Iran, it is not customary to say simply "hello", as we do. In addition to the welcoming speech, you must definitely inquire about the health of the interlocutor and his family.

When meeting with an Iranian, it is important to know his full name and title in advance. If there is no title, then the address to the Iranian is "Mr." and so on. Go to "you" you can only do it when you are asked to.

Most often, business cards in Iran are exchanged only by high-ranking officials. Business cards should be done in English and Persian.

National features

In Iran, family ties are very important. A family, as a rule, consists not only of a husband, wife and children, it is a group united by family ties through the male line. At its head are a husband and wife, their married children, possibly married grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family ties place a great responsibility on the Iranians, caring for each other. But, on the other hand, they provide clan support. In getting a job and promotion, it is not personal merits that are important, but family contacts. The traditional patriarchy of the Iranian family also affects the attitude of parents and children. Even today, children rarely openly violate the will of their fathers. Marriage is still in most cases the prerogative of the parents.

Hospitality and feast

The Iranians are very hospitable, open and friendly people. They consider it their duty to treat their guests with respect. Every Iranian is taught from childhood clear rules of politeness, which include, for example, modesty in communication, respectful treatment of people of different ages and status, refusing to take something first until several offers follow, and also in the tradition of giving the guest something what he likes, etc.

In Iran, it is customary to invite guests at the first meeting and greet guests with the words: “Peace be with you!”, To which you should answer: “May the peace and mercy of Allah be with you, and his blessing!”.

Bringing a gift for the host is optional, but desirable, as the guest is considered "God's favorite" in Iranian culture; and brings with it grace to the owner's house.

As a gift, it is customary for Iranians to give sweets (chocolate, dates, fruits), figurines, crystal dishes, books, etc., less often – flowers, which are mainly bought to decorate the house for some kind of celebration or, conversely, a commemoration. Alcohol should not be given.

A guest should not sit down or start a meal before the host's invitation. After the invitation, the guest should also politely refuse, and the host, in turn, politely insist. Only after observing this exchange of courtesies can you start a meal or any other action.

Clothes

Recommended dress code for men in Iran — dark suit. Iranian men pay attention to their appearance and try to dress elegantly. Iranian men do not wear a tie and expect this from their foreign business partners.

Women in Iran wear traditional Islamic clothing: a manto (cloak, long shirt or blouse with three-quarter sleeves), a headscarf or maknae (a headscarf with rounded ends sewn together), a hijab (a wide, loose cloak worn over) and knee socks. Usually all these clothes are black, the color of mourning for the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad who were martyred at the hands of enemies. But, sometimes, most often young girls, they like to diversify the colors of their outfits, as well as materials and styles, especially coats. Manto can be of two types — very long, to the heels and just below the knee. Short coats are always worn with trousers or jeans, and, mostly, girls and girls. Women wear hijabs very rarely, and more often this is done by older women and at official events. Basically, the head is covered with scarves and stoles of any color. They can be removed indoors.

It is very important to remember that not only local residents, but also all female tourists and business guests of Iran, without exception, must cover their heads, arms and shoulders.

Business etiquette

Iranian businessmen are very polite, accommodating and hospitable people who are accustomed to following the traditional protocol. In particular, at the beginning of a business meeting, you will always be shown your place at the negotiating table. Many Iranian business people received their education in other countries. With representatives of the administration and enterprises of Iran, all meetings should be agreed in advance. Iranians express any gratitude in an emphatically polite manner and expect the same from other people.

Local etiquette requires the Iranian to let the guest go first, giving him the opportunity to always be the first to enter the meeting room, elevator, etc. In business life, Iranians observe European table etiquette, in other cases, options are possible, for example, a meal sitting on the floor on a carpet.

Smoking is not customary in Iran. If you have the opportunity, it is better to observe this local tradition. Iran is dominated by a bureaucratic leadership style with religious characteristics.

Your Iranian partners will most likely not expect representative gifts from you, but they will appreciate it if they are presented with a small souvenir. The main thing is that it should not be alcohol and not what Islam forbids.

Interesting facts

Local hotels for foreigners are notable for the fact that they guarantee Internet access with a good Wi-Fi signal, as well as good security — supervision: guests are not allowed into the room, meetings can only be held in the hotel restaurant or lobby.

Iran — absolutely safe country, both for tourists and business people. This is noted by almost all travelers in the world, so you should not be afraid for your personal safety or the safety of your belongings in Iran. The Qur'an says not to cheat, steal and cheat, and many people try to follow these principles. An interesting fact: the punishment for theft and robbery in Iran is cruel — criminals are cut off the hand.

It's a bit unusual in Iran to write down the address a person needs; first they name the largest street, then those that are smaller, until they reach the desired street. This is worth considering if the Iranian will indicate the address of the meeting in the letter.

Also, in Iran, don't give a thumbs up. This gesture has the opposite meaning than ours.

It should be taken into account that Iran has its own calendar, which is very different from the European one. Iranian calendar or Solar Hijra— the astronomical solar calendar, which is used as the official calendar in the country. The Iranian year begins on the day of the vernal equinox, celebrated as Navruz — the most significant folk festival in Iran. Iranian calendar week starts on Saturday and ends on Friday — official day off. In 2023, according to the Gregorian style — in Iran, the year is 1402 (chronology is from the Hijri — the resettlement of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina).