“Iranian Culture and Custom”
Islam and Shi'ism:
Islam is practiced by the majority of Iranians and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Islam emanated from what is today Saudi Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad is seen as the last of God's emissaries (following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham) to bring revelation to mankind.
Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday.
During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from sunrise to sunset and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. Expatriates are not required to fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public. Each night at sunset, families and friends gather together to celebrate the breaking of the fast (Iftar).
Iran is the only country of all Muslim countries that is officially a Shi'ite state. The others being considered Sunni states.
Family Values:
In Iran, the family is the basis of the social structure.
The concept of family is more private than in many other cultures. Female relatives must be protected from outside influences and are taken care of at all times. It is inappropriate to ask questions about an Iranian's wife or other female relatives.
Iranians take their responsibilities to their family quite seriously.
Families tend to be small, only 1 or 2 children, but the extended family is quite close.
The individual stems a social network and assistance in times of need from the family.
Elderly relatives are kept at home, not placed in a nursing home.
Loyalty to the family comes before other social relationship, even business.
Nepotism is considered a good thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.
Public vs. Private:
Iranians see themselves as having two distinct identities: public and private.
When they are in public, they must obey to accepted modes of behavior. It is only within their homes among their inner circle that they feel free to be themselves. Family members are always part of the inner circle.
The inner circle forms the basis of a person's social and business network. Friendship is very important and extends into business. The people from the inner circle can be relied upon to: offer advice, help find a job, or cut through government.
Taarof (Iranian Politeness):
Taarof is a system of politeness that includes both verbal and non-verbal communication.
Iranian will belittle their own accomplishments in an attempt to appear humble, although other Iranians understand that this is merely courtesy and do not take the words at face value.
In loyalty to Taarof, if you are ever offered something, like a tea or sweet, even if you want it, at first decline it until their insistence becomes greater.
Customs and Etiquettes in Iran:
Meeting Custom of Iran
Introductions are generally limited to members of the same sex since men and women socialize separately.
Greetings tend to be warm. Men kiss other men and women kiss other women at social events. If they meet on the street, a handshake is the more common greeting
When Iranians greet each other they take their time and converse about general things.
The most common greeting is "salaam"(peace).
Gift Giving Custom:
Iranians give gifts at various social occasions such as returning from a trip or if someone achieves a major success in their personal or business life.
On birthdays, businesspeople bring sweets and cakes to the office and do not expect to receive gifts.
It is common to give financial gifts to servants or others who have provided services during the year on Nowruz (The Iranian New Year). Money should be new bank notes or gold coins.
If you are invited to an Iranian's house, bring flowers, or pastry to the hosts. When giving a gift, always apologize for its inadequacy.
Gifts should be elegantly wrapped - most shops will wrap them for you.
Gifts are not generally opened when received. In fact, they may be put on a table and not mentioned.
Dining Etiquette:
If you are invited to an Iranian's house:
Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours at the door.
Dress conventionally.
Try to arrive at the invited time. Punctuality is appreciated.
Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
Check to see if your spouse is included in the invitation. Conservative Iranians do not entertain mixed-sex groups.
Expect to be shown into the guests' room. It is usually excessively furnished with European furniture.
Shake everyone's hand individually.
Accept any offer of food or drink. Remember to do 'Taarof'.
Table manners:
Iranians are rather formal. Although some meals in the home are served on the floor and without eating utensils, it does not indicate a lack of modesty. In more modern homes, meals are served on a dining table with place settings.
Wait to be told where to sit.
Meals are generally served family-style.
Most tables are set with a spoon and fork only.
There is often more food than you can eat. Part of Iranian hospitality is to shower guests with abundance.
Expect to be offered second and even third helpings. Initial refusals will be assumed to be polite gestures (Taarof again!) and are not taken seriously.
Restaurants generally have two sections - "family" where women and families dine and "men only". Tips of between 10 and 15% are appreciated in hotel restaurants.
Business Etiquette in Iran:
Relationships & Communication
Iranians prefer to do business with those they know and respect, therefore they expect to spend time enlightening a personal relationship before business is conducted.
Who you know is often more important than what you know, so it is important to network and cultivate a number of contacts.
Expect to be offered tea whenever you meet someone, as this demonstrates hospitality.
Since Iranians judge people on appearances, dress appropriately and stay in a high standard hotel.
Business Meeting Etiquette:
Appointments are necessary and should be made 4 to 6 weeks in advance.
Confirm the meeting one week in advance and when you arrive in the country.
It is a good idea to avoid scheduling meetings during Ramazan (Ramadan) as the need to fast would prevent your business colleagues from offering you hospitality.
Arrive at meetings on time, since punctuality is seen as an asset.
The first meeting with an Iranian company is generally not business-focused. Expect your colleagues to spend time getting to know you as a person over tea and snacks.
Be patient - meetings are frequently interrupted.
Written materials should be available in both Farsi and English.
Do not remove your suit jacket without permission.
Do not look at your watch or try to rush the meeting. If you appear fixated on the amount of time the meeting is taking, you will not be trusted.
Dress Etiquette:
Business attire is formal and conservative.
Men should wear dark colored conservative business suits.
Ties are not worn by Iranians but it would not be seen as negative if you did so.
Dress well to make a good impression.
Women should always dress humbly and cover their hair.
Titles:
Address your Iranian business associates by their title and their surname.
The title "doctor" is used for both M.D.s and Ph.Ds. Engineers are called "mohandis". These titles are preceded by the formal titles listed below and are used with the surname.
The title "aqa" (sir) is used when addressing men.
The title "khanoom" (madam) is used when addressing women.
Wait to be invited before moving to first names. Only close friends and family use this informal form of address.
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