As understanding develops, business, diplomatic, and humanitarian relationships will develop more clarity on the complex issues. Please note, these are generalizations of Middle Eastern culture, so some variation and extremes are apparent within the geographical area known as the Middle East.
There are several characteristics of culture impacting the interactions between Middle Eastern and Western peoples. One of the most important ones is the issue of Collectivist vs. Individualistic Societies, described by Hofstede.
Hofstede's research on these general characteristics has generally been applied within the Middle Eastern and Asian context.
Collectivist vs. Individualist Societies
The Western cultures may be described as Individualist Societies, and the Middle Eastern cultures are generally Collectivist. An Individualist Society is one in which people live in their nuclear families - no extended relatives. "Others," or "outsiders," are individuals, not families or groups.
Ideally, this type of society expects children to take care of themselves as soon as possible - independence is encouraged. A child learns to refer to him/herself as "I," not "we."
As compared to Collectivist Societies, the family ties are much weaker, and extended relatives are typically seen rarely. The distinction of family and friendship lines is much more blurred in the West. Blood ties are much more important in the Middle East.
The divorce rate is higher in the Individualist Society, often because women have more resources at their disposal and the stigma of divorce for women is less in the Western cultures. For those who stay married, choosing to not have children is socially acceptable.
Aged relatives often have to care for themselves or in a group home. It is considered acceptable for business persons to live separately from family, even if single. Privacy is normal and expected. Personal opinions should be shared, and speaking one's mind is characteristic of an honest person. Because of the mobility of western cultures, lasting friendships are much harder to achieve. Loyalty does not go as far.
Middle Eastern Collectivist Societies
People live in extended family systems, which means decisions are often made with the approval of the elders. "Others" are those not in the family, so there is a great deal of loyalty to the family. The family provides the protection for all persons in the family, so singles will continue to live in the family.
There are extremely strong family ties, resulting in continual requirements to meet family obligations, even if at the detriment to some business duties. This may be frustrating to Western counterparts, who often put business ahead of family.
There are fewer divorces, and marriage is seen for the purpose of having children. Not to do results in social stigma. There is little privacy, even in the work environment - no one is ever alone. Harmony is essential, as is the maintaining of honor of the family. If a business or relational decision would bring dishonor to the family, it will be subordinated to the will of the male elders. Younger generations often find family relationships as oppressive.
These characterizations influence all of life. According to Hofstede, especially in business or international projects, a Middle Eastern person will not just act individually, but with his or her role in the group in mind. There is a tension existing between the group as family and the group as competitors.
Honor is a key value in Middle Eastern Societies, compared to the value of honesty in Western Societies. When honesty may diminish one's honor, especially honor to the group or family, a Middle Eastern individual may act or respond in a way unexpected to the Western mind. Lying is not uncommon, but is not seen as a negative.
Keep in mind these differences. Recognize that none of these differences are necessarily right or wrong...they just are.
Rachel Schaus - Rachel Schaus, contributing writer,Minnesota-based freelance writer who has written hundreds of articles relating to classical education, ...
