Ethiotime1
Ethiopia hasn’t been doing business with the Western world for very long, so when meeting with an Ethiopian business contact, it’s important to understand Ethiopian customs and etiquette. If you’re not familiar with the Ethiopian way of doing things, you could inadvertently come off as rude. Here are 10 essential tips for business etiquette in Ethiopia.
Sources: Kwintessential.co.uk, CultureCrossing.net
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Greet with a light handshake and eye contact
In Ethiopia, when you shake someone’s hand upon greeting, make direct eye contact — but that should be the only really assertive part of the interaction. The handshake itself should be a bit lighter than it would be in the U.S. Also, handshakes are a bit longer in duration in Ethiopia than they are in the West.
Source: Kwintessential.co.uk
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Greet someone with their proper title
Whether meeting someone in a social or business setting, address the person with his or her honorific title — Governor, Officer, Professor, Mr. Mrs. etc.), followed by the last name.
Source: CultureCrossing.net
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Bow to those in seniority
It is custom in Ethiopia to bow to someone who holds a more senior position than you do, as well as to anyone who is older than you are.
Source: Kwintessential.co.uk
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Keep gifts modest
If you do bring a business associate a gift, make sure it isn’t lavish or expensive. In Ethiopia, giving someone an expensive gift can be seen as a way to try to embarrass, manipulate or even show power over them.
Source: Kwintessential.co.uk
wikipedia.org
There’s no touching between the sexes
Generally speaking, males and females do not touch, even in a business setting. So if you’re meeting with a business associate of the opposite sex, you aren’t expected to shake hands, and could even make them uncomfortable by trying to do so.
Source: Kwintessential.co.uk
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Don’t rush the greeting
Never rush the initial greeting—be sure to ask about the other person’s family, health and personal matters as a sign of respect.
Source: CultureCrossing.net
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Business cards are given out casually
Ethiopians don’t go through the process of prefacing or formal explanation of why they’re handing over their business card: they just hand it over casually. Accept someone’s business card either with your right hand only, or both hands.
Source: CultureCrossing.net
flickr.com
Speak softly
Ethiopians generally speak in soft tones when doing business. Speaking loudly can be read as being aggressive. Ethiopians try to maintain a humble tone while doing business and respect it when others do the same.
Source: Kwintessential.co.uk
privateschoolreview.com
Have fun with your language
Ethiopians like to use elaborate terms and phrases to make a point and respect it when you use metaphor, allusion, and witty innuendos, according to Kwintessential.co.uk.
Source: Kwintessential.co.uk
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Don’t make any plans soon after
Business meetings in Ethiopia don’t usually have a set ending time. In business, Ethiopians would rather make sure all matters are thoroughly worked out, than rushed. It’s best not to make plans for shortly after your business meeting. Also, always let the person hosting the meeting begin it, lead it, and end it.
Sources: Kwintessential.co.uk, CultureCrossing.net
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