Afghans. How to overcome communication obstacles?
There are quite many stereotypes, which may depict the behavioural pattern of business negotiations related to Afghanistan.
Education plays a rather significant role.
As at the majority of places worldwide, we could characterize the level of braveness to start any communication as influenced by an educational level and, certainly, by personality characterized as being social. Especially education plays a rather significant role when we try to understand the representatives from so-called distant countries like Afghanistan.
As more educated people from the destination were observed, we can state that if they speak any foreign language fluently, the businessmen from Afghanistan demonstrate their strong wish to express themselves even more actively.
Nevertheless, the communication itself can be entirely dependent on the level of engagement in the topic, and firstly, from a representative from Afghanistan.
Afghans can demonstrate a real stubbornness.
As an opposite from the above-mentioned, they can demonstrate a real stubbornness, when they cannot gain anything beneficial to personally them during any communication process.
If the rules of the negotiations are strict and followed, Afghans do make an effort to obey yet if there are any possibilities to avoid those – they will use such an opportunity without hesitations.
As society originally is very layered – all visible attributes of a special status such as the golden items as well as luxurious accessories can attract their attention for being initially motivated to continue after a brief introduction.
That demonstrated status can accompany the process of the negotiation in all its characteristics.
Afghan women.
What impresses me the most – is the growing courage of Afghan women. They become braver not only in resisting any pressure over gender but also in their active social self-expression.
Despite everything related to their historical survival, Afghans as a rule rather joyful than sad people. Generally observed as easy-going people. Nevertheless, and that is exactly what stereotypes are founded on – there can be “a hidden agenda” for their real intentions.
On the contrary, if participants can detect honesty and transparency at the early beginning of the negotiation process, Afghans can be very dedicated to an established bond and can surprise by their reliable and responsible attitude.
© Julia Karmaz Larsen | The Touch Points | Cross-cultural communications | How to understand each other
How to deal with Afghans in business?
There are more than needed people who are present at the negotiation very often.
When Afghans eventually can sense the trust of the counterparties, the number of their negotiators can be noticeably reduced. It indicates a good sign for a deal to be successfully concluded.
Masculine power is obvious in society, yet women get more respect with time.
© Julia Karmaz Larsen | The Touch Points | Cross-cultural communications | How to understand each other All Rights Reserved
