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Group Academic Paper
Intercultural strategies for successful collaboration between business
partners from USA and Saudi Arabia
AUTHORS: Dubița Dan, Piatkowska Ewelina, Sang Mai, Alsadek Leen, Harrira Omaya, Westlund
Bergquist Alexius
GROUP: 6
COURSE: Communication in a Cross-Cultural Context
WORD COUNT: 4978
RESPONSIBLE TEACHERS: Tommy Josefsson & Rida Ijaz
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Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction………………………………………………………………………….………...3
2.0 Background…………………………………………………………………………….……...4
3.0 Methods……………………………………………………………………………………….5
4.0 Theory……………..…………………………………………………………………………...5
4.1 Geert Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory………………..……………………………….6
4.2 Edward Hall High and Low Context Cultures…………………...……………………………..7
4.3 Cultural Dimensions and Time Perception……………………………………………………...7
5.0 Results ………………………………………………………………………………………….7
5.1 The United States of America………………………………………………………………...…7
5.2 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia………………………………….……………………………….9
6.0 Discussion……………………………………………………………………………………...10
7.0 Analysis………………………………………………………………………………………...11
8.0 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………..13
9.0 References……………………………………………………………………………………...15
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1.0 Introduction
In a business environment, it is important to interface and communicate with each other as partners. In
international communication, people often have to deal with cultures that are different from their own.
Since there is a difference between high and low context culture countries, people need to learn about
different cultures in order to better communicate with each other.
In today's diversified society, all parts of the world have their own special cultural backgrounds. In
culture-to-culture exchanges, it is difficult to achieve a complete fit and unity in communication
styles. And it is interesting to see how different cultures try to make a connection in the midst of
incomprehension and friction. The United States and Saudi Arabia have vastly different national
conditions, from national policies to religious beliefs. So when two countries establish a connection, a
variety of issues are bound to arise. It is essential to understand the cultural backgrounds of both sides
to solve such possible conflicts.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have been in strife throughout the 20th and 21st centuries due to
oil issues and events such as the 9/11 incident (Abdullah H. Othman, 2021). And beyond the clash of
interests, culture has also brought improvements to the relationship between the two countries. In
October 2018, the death of a Saudi Arabian journalist in Turkey rose to a religious discussion. Islam,
which advocates the primacy of life and human rights, struck a common ground with the concept of
human security, which brought harmony and progress to the relationship between Saudi Arabia and
the United States (Abdullah H. Othman, 2021).
Cross-cultural exchanges occur at various levels, involving not only elites but also ordinary citizens.
These interactions, such as student exchange programs and literary exchanges, highlight cultural
disparities. Understanding these differences is crucial for fostering harmony and integration,
necessitating a shift in thinking patterns and stereotypes, and communicating with good intentions.
The paper explores intercultural strategies for successful collaboration between business partners from
USA and Saudi Arabia, within the theoretical framework of High/Low context orientations. The thesis
will focus on the need for adaptability and intercultural sensitivity to promote successful interactions
in the globalised business world. The focus of the essay will be on two countries with contrasting
cultural contexts, and how they need to navigate intercultural sensitivities in cases of collaboration
between business partners from each country, and how to successfully adapt to find mutual
understanding and reach an agreement.
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2.0 Background
As it is one of the most developed countries in the world, the United States has close interaction with
countries from all over the world and it has different cooperative relationships with different
countries.
Saudi Arabia, a country located in the Middle East with a population of over 35 million, is largely
homogenous and influenced by its Islamic tradition, in contrast to the United States, a Western
country, which has a population of over 330 million and is sometimes praised as a melting pot of
cultures.
Religion in the United States is diverse and characterised by a wide range of beliefs, practices and
religious affiliations. Due to the First Amendment of the Constitution’s protection of religious
freedom, the USA has become known for having a diverse range of religious traditions. It is home to
individuals of many different religions, including Christianity (70,6%), Islam, Judaism, Buddhism,
Hinduism (5.9%) and Atheists(22.8%). (Religion in America: U.S Religious Data, Demographics and
Statistics, 2022). Saudi Arabia on the other hand is regarded as one of the most conservative Islamic
countries in the world and is well renowned for its deeply ingrained Islamic history. Islam has
significance to the everyday life of Saudis. A majority of the population observes 5 daily prayers
(Salah), fasting during the month of Ramadan (Sawm), almsgiving (Zakat), and the confession of
Faith(Shahada).
As far as ethnicity is concerned, the US is a highly diverse country with a population made up of
various ethnic groups and backgrounds. Ethnicity in the US is often self-identified, and individuals
may belong to one or more ethnic groups. White Americans, many of whom are of European heritage,
constitute the majority (61,6%) ethnic group in the United States. Individuals of English, Irish,
German, Italian, Polish, French, Scottish, and other European ancestry belong within this category.
African Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Arab
Americans are also present. (Massey, 1995) Saudi Arabia’s population is overwhelmingly Arab, and
the vast majority of Saudis are Arab Muslims. They are ethnically and culturally tied to the Arab
world as a whole, and they share an Arabic language and cultural history. Saudi Arabia features a tiny
population of non- Muslim minorities, including Christians and Hindus, who are mostly expatriate
workers who have come to work in the nation. These minorities make up a small proportion of the
overall population.
Regarding the freedom of speech in the United States and Saudi Arabia, it differs significantly due to
differences in legal, cultural, and political contexts. In the United States, the first Amendment protects
freedom of speech. The First Amendment was adopted on December 15, 1791 as part of the Bill of
Rights—the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. The Bill of Rights provides
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constitutional protection for certain individual liberties, including freedoms of speech, assembly and
worship. In general, the first Amendment guarantees the right to express ideas and information. On a
basic level, it means that people can express an opinion without fear of government censorship. It
protects all forms of communication, from speeches to art and other media. (First Amendment |
Contents, Freedoms, Rights, & Facts, 2023) However, Saudi Arabia lacks a constitution that
guarantees the freedom of speech as it is understood in Western democracies. Instead, the country is
controlled by Islamic law (Sharia), which can limit certain kinds of speech, especially when they
contradict Islamic norms and principles. Criticising or questioning Islamic ideas, the government, or
religious leaders may result in legal ramifications as blasphemy or heresy. The Saudi government has
considerable power over the media and communication platforms. It controls newspapers, television,
and online information, frequently limiting conversations on sensitive topics like politics, religion,
and social issues.
Saudi Arabia’s economy is the largest in the Middle East and the eighteenth largest in the world.
Saudi Arabia, a permanent and founding member of OPEC, is also a member of the G20 group as one
of the world’s major economies. The country is a major oil producer and has one of the world’s largest
proven oil reserves. Historically, oil exports have been the principal drives of the Saudi economy. The
Saudi government is actively promoting non-oil sectors, including manufacturing, finance,
technology, and tourism. Initiatives such as NEOM, a planned futuristic city, and Qiddiya, an
entertainment and tourism project, are examples of efforts to diversify the economy. Likewise, the
United States is a highly developed and advanced market economy. It is the world’s largest economy
by nominal GDP, and the second largest by purchasing power parity (PPP) behind China. It has the
world’s seventh-highest per capita GDP and the eighth-highest per capita GDP (PPP) as of 2022.
3.0 Methods
This essay will adopt a qualitative research design to examine and analyse the cultural habits and
differences between opposing cultures, with the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia taken
as an example and a main focus to further explore. The facts, theories and data presented in this essay
will be mainly derived from relevant studies and literature online regarding intercultural
communication. Another research methodology used in this essay are the insights and reflections
learned through the course lectures and materials.
4.0 Theory
In this paper, we are going to imply Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory and Edward T. Hall’s
High-Context vs Low-Context Communication theory. Those frameworks are indispensable to
understanding cultural differences and their influence on business negotiation in a cross-cultural
context. These theories give us insight into how culture influences behaviours, communication, and
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decision-making processes. With knowledge about these frameworks, individuals from different
countries can decode information properly, understand it, and apply it. Accurate and effective
communication is essential to reach agreement in business negotiations. A successful cross-cultural
agreement requires adapting to different cultural communication styles that can be gained by
understanding Hofstede’s and Edward T. Hall’s work.
4.1 Geert Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory (Hofstede, n.d.).
Hofstede is a social psychologist who is famous for contributing to the development of the
cross-cultural communication field. His pioneering work has a crucial impact on how cultural
differences are understood in the workplace and beyond. In 1960-1970 he conducted a comprehensive
study of IBM employees in different countries to see and understand how various cultural approaches
may influence work-related values and behaviour (Hofstede, n.d.). In his model, we differentiate six
criteria in a cultural dimension.
First one is Power Distance. This dimension shows the extent to which society accepts hierarchy and
expects unequal power distribution. A high score in the power distance dimension relates to the
acceptance level to power inequality while a lower score means little stress on power distribution.
The second is the measure of Individualism, which will be used later. It is a dimension that focuses on
working styles. Some cultures work independently and individually. It also means that the relations
are loose, and everybody needs to take care of himself or herself. There are some cultures that value
working together and depending on each other forming ties and strong groups. In a collectivist
country hiring or negotiating is held by the entire ingroup. Managers of these groups are responsible
for navigating work and ensuring that individuals who work together are aiming to achieve a common
goal. The higher level of individualism requires sharing opinions openly while lower score countries
are associated with indirect and subtle communication.
Uncertainty Avoidance is another part of Hofstede’s work. This dimension measures the extent to
which society avoids equivocal situations. It shows how culture affects society to the level where
individuals feel uncomfortable in unknown situations. This means that countries, where uncertainty
avoidance is high, are led by strict rules and show dislike for new changes.
The next value is Masculinity, which this paper will apply later on. This dimension examines the
distribution of the cultural values related to gender roles in society. In masculine countries, the values
are focused on assertiveness and competition while in feminine countries, different values such as
empathy, care, and cooperation are emphasised.
Indulgence is ubiquitous as well to understanding cultures. This dimension measures the extent to
which society places importance on leisure time, desires, and impulses.
The last criteria is Long versus Short-Term orientation of a culture. The long-term orientation
dimension focuses on saving and investing money in the future whereas short-term orientation
countries tend to make impulsive decisions and prioritise immediate gratification. (Hofstede Insights,
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n.d.)
4.2 Edward Hall High and Low Context Cultures
Edward T. Hall was an American anthropologist who greatly contributed to the development of
cross-cultural fields. His findings regarding high and low-context cultures changed the way different
cultures understand and interact with themselves, particularly in the business and management world.
Moreover, he made a significant contribution to the understanding of time orientation in different
cultures and identified various cultural dimensions. High-Context Cultures and Low-Context Cultures
is one of his most important works and will help us compare the two cultures we chose and make
assessments related to business.
In high-context cultures, much of the communication is embedded in the context. Non-verbal
communication plays a vital role in understanding the message. The great emphasis is put on
long-lasting relationships and indirect communication, meanwhile, low-context countries use direct,
verbal communication. Written documents and meeting time have a great value to low-context
cultures. They are often perceived as arrogant because the way they communicate is very clear and
honest (Vol. 1 No. 1 (2023): Journal of Innovation in Educational And Social Research | Journal of
Innovation in Education And Social Research, n.d.).
4.3 Cultural Dimensions and Time Perception
Hall’s research made him develop three primary dimensions that are different across cultures: context,
space, and time. Edward Hall introduced the concept of monochronic and polychronic time
orientation. This shows how time and space are used to organise activities. Monochronic cultures
perceive time as linear and put a strong emphasis on schedules and promptness. Polychronic cultures
are characterised by multiple activities occurring simultaneously. Flexibility and adaptability in
managing time are key factors in these cultures (Kaufman‐Scarborough, C. 2017).
5.0 Results
5.1 The United States of America
The United States of America is a popular spot for foreign business companies that want to expand
their opportunities, revenue and reach. Foreign investments and entrepreneurship have always existed
in the US and their apport to the economy cannot be understated. Around 7 to 8 million Americans,
about 6% of private employment, are hired by foreign-owned companies in the US and these
businesses make in total $1.3 trillion annually in sales, contributing to 6.4% of US Gross Domestic
Product. (New American Economy, n.d.) Some of the best paying foreign-owned companies are
actually from Saudi Arabia, remunerating employees with around $160,000 per year. (Kristen, 2017)
Mentioning other problems that might arise with business visas and other intricacies, which are
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commonplace in the United States for foreigners, especially people from Saudi Arabia, taking 6 or
more months before they can enter the country.
Religiousness and especially Christian identity in the US is decreasing rapidly, but it is still in a
majority of 66%. (Pew Research Center, 2022) Thus not many cultural habits are caused by their
religiousness. Some of the things that Americans find important are to respect their privacy and
personal space, to wait in line, to respect hygiene norms, to think independently, to be direct and
honest and to keep a happy look on their face all the time. (Interexchange, n.d.)
The two most relevant dimensions from Hofstede’s work that this paper will be using to present good
practices and tips for the United States are Individualism and Masculinity. The US is a very
individualistic country, scoring 91 points on the scale, more than Saudi Arabia. (Hofstede Insights,
n.d.) This might be one of the reasons why America’s biggest business partners and foreign investors
are Europeans, (Forbes, 2008) they are the most similar in this dimension to each other. Americans
love themselves, their individual rights, they do not like to be bossed around and to adapt to others
when they are home, they do not feel that much of a sense of attachment to a higher body or
organisation. They like to get competitive and like a bit of risk-taking. (Taplin, 2006) One very good
thing is that Americans are not afraid to do business with people they do not know and are not shy
about getting personal. (Hofstede Insights, n.d.) If a Saudi is considering to do business in the United
States, they should also be careful to present as good of a public and personal image of themselves as
they can, because Americans’ trust of Saudi Arabia in general might play a factor in their business
success, with 42% of Americans viewing Saudi Arabia more negatively than positively. (Frankovic,
2018) Masculinity, according to Hofstede Insights, is interestingly a dimension where the United
States gaps Saudi Arabia again. The US is a country where men, or traits specific to them, still lead
the way in business and negotiations, someone who wishes to integrate and excel in this field must be
prepared to be explicit and not fear to express/maintain their own ground. The United States is a
country where feminine traits in business communication only go so far: being sensitive and careful
will make them seem weak and easy to exploit. When it comes to Edward Hall’s Low vs High
Context cultures, the United States would be considered a low context culture. The signs that point to
such a description boil down to the direct and verbal style of communication of Americans, especially
in business, where their intentions, opinions and emotions can be understood without losing detail
from their words alone. Americans also put a lot of value into written agreements rather than verbal
promises, for example they are very flexible with their words and following through if the other side
of the negotiation does not insist on having a signed agreement in which they know exactly what they
are taking on. Meeting on time is a highly decisive factor for Americans to conclude if their partner is
serious about a business dealing or not. A Statista (2014) poll found that 48% of Americans say they
are never late for work. Managing multiple tasks at once is expected of a business partner in the US,
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this ties in with flexibility as well, which will guarantee a good result in negotiation and define the
outsider’s leadership image, in a deal or in a company. (Meyer, 2017)
5.2 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
When it comes to Saudi Arabia, learning about the value of religion and tradition for the society as
well as the individual is essential in order to understand how the Saudi Arabian culture and societal
context functions. The vast majority of the Saudi population are practising muslims, that means that
they live by a certain set of rules and principles that one must be aware of when interacting with a
Saudi, whether it is for a business collaboration or a friendly gathering. Certainly not everyone from
Saudi Arabia adheres to these rules but it is both safe and respectful to always take them into
consideration to avoid possible misunderstandings and discomfiture. Although most major religions
share the same fundamental values, such as honesty, compassion, to not harm or steal from others and
so on. Islam has an additional set of rules that a non-muslim might be unfamiliar with. Amongst these
rules is modesty in clothing and in behaviour, abstaining from the consumption of alcohol,
mind-altering drugs and pig meat, relations between men and women are rather formal, polite and
professional than intimate and open, and other rules similar to what one would foresee in a
conservative society.
Power distance and individualism are the two dimensions that will be used from Hofstede’s work to
analyse and present a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia and its norms and principles. Saudi
Arabia scores high on power distance, with a score of 72, close to double what the US scored on this
dimension (Hofstede’s insights, n.d.). Saudi Arabia has a hierarchical order and structure where power
and decision-making are distributed according to status and level of authority. The higher the position
one holds in various organisations, such as business companies, governments, and even smaller social
groups like within families, the more power one holds. This power dynamic is ingrained into the
Saudi culture due to multiple reasons. Saudi Arabia is a monarchy, the king and the royal family hold
significant authority and are responsible for most, if not all decision-making and they shall be obeyed
and never questioned, hence the restricted freedom of speech. Another factor is the family structure
which highly respects the patriarchal authority and the elders of the family. Unlike some western
cultures, in the middle east an old family member is seen as very wise and experienced, therefore they
become the head of the household and they influence a lot of family matters including decisions
regarding their grandchildren.
Saudi Arabia scored 48 on individualism which makes it a collectivistic society. (Hofstede’s insights,
n.d.). In a collectivistic society, people prioritise group harmony and the interest and well-being of
their families and community rather than their own individual interests and desires. Family ties are
very important and strong in Saudi Arabia, a family member is expected to make even the personal
decisions according to the beneficiary of the whole family as well as their own. A Saudi citizen will
feel the obligation to maintain the collective identity by sharing the same values and principles to
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achieve social harmony. People rely on each other for emotional as well as financial support, for
example, parents would never ask their children to move out after their eighteenth birthday, most
people move out of their parent’s house when they get married and start a family of their own.
Saudi Arabia falls under the high-context culture category of Edward Hall’s high and low context
culture theory. This means that communication is highly reliant on common Saudi cultural knowledge
between the citizens, and on the use of certain non-verbal cues to convey certain messages and
emotions, or to show respect. It is assumed that people living in the country will act by these social
norms and customs. It is therefore necessary to be aware of these unspoken rules and aspects of
communication to be able to interpret received messages accurately and minimise the chances of
misunderstandings. Some of the factors that influenced Saudi Arabia’s high-context communication
style are its islamic values, being a muslim country and the home to the two holiest cities in islam,
Saudi Arabia follows the islamic norms and etiquette, which emphasis respect, generosity and
tenderness amongst people, such as when interacting with neighbours or elders and so on. Another
important factor is collectivism. People have to maintain the shared values and norms, and to be
considerate of their whole family and community when communicating. The way one chooses to
express themselves and act might influence the reputation of their family or tribe. Individuals will
therefore follow a set of rules that help them be as polite and respectful as possible.
6.0 Discussion
After examining both the American and the Saudi cultures, it is safe to conclude that there is plenty of
room for misunderstanding and error in communication if two businessmen from each country were to
collaborate or join for a new business project. The big score gap in the power distance dimension
between the two countries could lead to disagreements or hinder the decision making process. The
Saudi Arabian businessman might be expecting the business negotiations and agreements to be done
between the two owners or project leaders. However, including the rest of the company staff in these
decisions, even those working below upper management, is something quite common in the United
States, which might confuse the Saudi partner. Moreover, the United States is an individualistic
culture while Saudi Arabia is a collectivist one. This would be inclined to affect mutual goals and the
decision-making processes, as the American partner’s main focus will always be to make the
decisions that benefit him and his company personally. On the other hand, the Saudi partner has to
keep his culture’s shared values and principles in mind in order to avoid causing an outrage towards
him. For example, it would definitely be frowned upon a Saudi Arabian businessman investing in the
production of alcoholic beverages. Or when it comes to seasonal campaigns, many major companies
tend to promote for the LGBTQ community during pride month, due to Saudi Arabia’s conservative
background, that might also lead to harsh criticism and possible boycotting. There are examples of
how differences in cultural norms might influence their collaboration.
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Although it certainly can be challenging to achieve effective communication between countries from
opposing cultures, there are some strategies that have proven to achieve success in such situations in
the past. The first and most important tip is cultural awareness training, also known as cross-cultural
training. This training is about investing in the other party's culture and tradition by learning about its
communication style, values and norms, cultural customs and other aspects that might be relevant to
the success of the communication. It is also important to be an active listener since cultural sensitivity
is crucial. By patiently listening, observing and being attentive to details and small gestures, one could
learn a lot. Avoiding assumptions is a vital step to a successful communication, not every country’s
cultural values and norms are universally understood, instead it is better to inform the counterpart
about the culture, and politely ask about theirs. Showing the interest in learning about the culture and
the underlying meaning of what is said and done is a sign of good notions and will be received well, it
could be as simple as with the appropriate greeting for example, Assalamu Alaikum. It would also
build a friendly and respectful ground for the relations, and set a good atmosphere where possible
misunderstandings in the future will be met with good spirit and benefit of the doubt. After learning
about the communication of the counterpart, it is beneficial for both sides to try and adapt a similar
communication style to match each other’s expectations. For example, some cultures like to lighten up
the atmosphere with humour, while others prefer to maintain a formal communication in such settings.
Communication approach should be adjusted accordingly.
One of the things that can drastically vary from one culture to another is the meaning behind certain
non-verbal cues and gestures. Some small gestures might bear big meanings, therefore it is important
to beware of possible offensive gestures when interacting with a person from a high-context culture
like Saudi Arabia. An example of this would be if the American businessman were to cross his legs
with his shoe pointing to the Saudi during a meeting, oblivious to the fact that it is a sign of disrespect
in the middle east. Or If the Saudi went to greet the American by rubbing noses, which is a common
greeting tradition in Saudi Arabia. However in the United States that is considered unnatural, and an
invasion of privacy.
Ultimately, it is important to maintain an open dialogue about possible communication obstacles, and
to give and receive feedback. Therefore it is necessary to practise the mentioned strategies and be
aware of the cultural differences in order to successfully come to an agreement.
7.0 Analysis
The paper provides a detailed exploration of the crucial role of intercultural communication in
fostering successful business collaborations, explicitly in the context of interactions between the
United States and Saudi Arabia.
Examining American and Saudi cultures highlights potential misunderstandings and communication
errors in business collaborations due to differences in Power Distance and collectivism-individualism.
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Strategies for successful cross-cultural communication include cultural awareness training, active
listening, avoiding assumptions, and adapting communication styles. Non-verbal cues and gestures
can also differ significantly, necessitating awareness. Cultivating cultural sensitivity and a willingness
to adapt are vital for effective cross-cultural interactions and successful collaborations.
Here is a coherent analysis of the key points within the text: The Significance of Intercultural
Communication: The paper underscores the essential role of intercultural communication within the
business environment, particularly when engaging with partners from diverse cultural backgrounds. It
highlights the common scenario in international communication, where people encounter cultures that
are significantly different from their own. Consequently, it emphasises the need for individuals to
embrace and understand different cultures to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
Understanding Diversity in the Modern World, the text acknowledges the rich tapestry of cultural
backgrounds that characterises today's globalised world. It emphasises the challenge of achieving a
perfect fit or unity in communication styles across different cultures due to this diversity.
Firstly looking at US-Saudi Arabia Relations, The paper briefly touches upon the historical context of
the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. It alludes to issues related to oil, the 9/11
incident, and the subsequent complications in their interactions.
Secondly looking at the Role of Religion and Tradition in Saudi Arabia, The text delves into the
importance of religion and tradition in Saudi Arabian culture. It highlights the significance of
modesty, the avoidance of alcohol and pork, and the formal nature of relations between men and
women within this conservative society.
Thirdly looking at cultural Dimensions Analysis. The paper applies Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions
Theory to both the United States and Saudi Arabia. It examines dimensions such as Individualism,
Masculinity, Power Distance, and Uncertainty Avoidance to provide insights into how cultural values
influence behaviours and communication styles.
Within High-Context vs. Low-Context Communication, the paper references Edward T. Hall's
High-Context vs. Low-Context Communication theory. It distinguishes between high-context cultures
(e.g., Saudi Arabia), where non-verbal communication plays a significant role, and low-context
cultures (e.g., the United States), characterised by direct and explicit communication.
Looking at implications for Business Collaboration. The text presents practical implications for
business collaborations between the United States and Saudi Arabia. It highlights the need for cultural
sensitivity, adaptability, and clear communication. Understanding cultural dimensions and
communication styles is crucial for achieving successful cross-cultural agreements.
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With the Economic and Trade Context. The paper briefly touches upon the economic context, noting
the significant trade relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. It emphasises the
importance of effective business deals and the need for attention to cultural customs in such
interactions.
As for Freedom of Speech and Legal Context. The text mentions the differences in freedom of speech
between the two countries, with the United States protecting it under the First Amendment, while
Saudi Arabia's legal and cultural context imposes limitations, especially regarding religious and
political topics.
Looking at Business EtiquetteThe paper provides insights into the nuances of business etiquette in
both countries. It emphasises the importance of punctuality, clear communication, and building
personal relationships in the United States. It also highlights the respect for hierarchy and family ties
in Saudi Arabia.
8.0 Conclusion
In summary, this paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the complexities and opportunities in
intercultural communication between the United States and Saudi Arabia. It provides valuable insights
into the cultural dimensions and communication styles of both nations, underscoring the need for
adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and clear communication to foster successful collaborations in a
globalised business world. The paper serves as a valuable resource for individuals and organisations
seeking to engage in cross-cultural business interactions, promoting mutual understanding and
successful outcomes.
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●
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·
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●
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·
Encyclopedia Britannica.
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