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IRAN
GREETINGS:
Men greeting Men
- Common forms of greeting include a firm handshake, a hug (usuallythree hugs alternating the shoulders) and also a kiss or two or three on each cheek. A firmhandshake is common at initial meetings.
 
Women greeting Women
- A handshake and hug is common. Some women willexchange kisses on the cheek. A light handshake is common at initial meetings.
Men greeting Women
- Greetings depend on whether the two people are religious ornot. Those who are religious do not shake hands at all or make eye contact with membersof the opposite sex when in public . They maintain distance, especially if they are notrelated. If they have to greet one another, a slight bow is made and some distance is kept;3 feet apart or more. In other situations, a nod of acknowledgment will suffice.Handshakes may be common in certain situations, but it is always best to wait and see whataction the person you are greeting takes.
 
COMMUNICATION STYLE:
y
 
Communication style tends to be indirect and it may be difficult sometimes tounderstand. For instance if you annoy someone, they are most likely not going to openlytell you that they are annoyed. Instead they are going to let you know about the vexationin a round about way that requires creative speaking and listening techniques.
y
 
M
ost Iranian people would not be categorized as being direct communicators.
M
any arenot very comfortable with saying NO to the requests of people whom they are not so closeto because they think this answer might hurt their feelings. As they get closer in theirrelationships they become more comfortable with saying what they really mean or have inmind.
M
any Iranian people consider this attitude as being polite.
EYE CONTACT
y
 
M
embers of the opposite sex do not usually use directeye contact. They would insteadlook to the ground, especially in public places. Too much eye contact could be taken thewrong way and cause trouble.
 
y
 
D
irect eye contact tends to be the norm between men and other men.
VIEWS OF TIME
y
 
Time does not tend to be viewed with too much of a fuss. People tend to be more relaxedabout time. For example, if members of a family arrive an hour late for a meal it is notconsidered rude, it is almost expected.
y
 
Public transportation often runs late and the buses wait till they are full of customersbefore departing, and they are usually crammed. However taking trains and air flights aremore reliable with time.
 
y
 
M
ost people doing business take planes and trains so they are a little less relaxed withtime than those who take the buses.
 
y
 
B
uses are extremely crowded and traffic is a mess, so being on time is almost impossible.Also, men sit in the front of the bus and women sit in the back.
 
y
 
Taxis are a cheap form of transportation, but once again, because the traffic is so bad,they are not a reliable way to arrive on time.
y
 
W
hen it comes to formal meetings, people usually try to take the appointment moreseriously but overall Iranians are not usually considered very punctual people.
DRESS CODE
F
or Men ±
For foreigners, conservative suits and ties are common for initial meetings.
D
arker colors are the way to go. Jackets are not always a necessity.
B
usiness casual attireis becoming more and more acceptable in many industries.
y
 
F
or Women -
For foreigners, conservative yet stylish is a good choice. Avoid wearingoverly expensive accessories, dresses/skirts cut above the calf, low necklines and sleevelessattire. Sleeves should cover at least to the elbow, up to the wrist tends to be the norm.Pants are generally acceptable.
W
omen should always wear a head scarf when in public.
TITLES & BUSINESS CARDS
y
 
R 
eferring to people by their titles is important, for example
D
r., Lawyer, teacher etc. Itreveals the importance they have to society.
 
y
 
E
xchanging business cards is not that common but some businesses do exchange cards.It is a good idea to have cards translated into Farsi if possible.
 
MEETINGS
y
 
Y
ou are expected to be on time for meetings eventhough the speaker or person withthe highest position at the meeting can be late.
y
 
Small talk is expected, inquiring about the persons health, family,etc., is common.
 
y
 
M
eetings may have an agenda but it may not be followed and be prepared forvarious interruptions. It is best not to appear frustrated or rushed.
 
y
 
There is a lot of negotiating involved in almost any level of business.
E
ven whenbuying a car at a dealership it involves a lot of negotiating. There is a lot of backand forth communication and it is expected that one maintains a sense of humbleness as being rude will only make the price go higher.
 
y
 
Always remain calm during negotiations and expect decisions to take some time.
 
y
 
Y
our Iranian counterpart may display emotion such as anger or being flustered, oreven leave the meeting, to try and persuade you to change your position.
y
 
B
e mindful about letting your Iranian counterpart know about any personal timedeadlines as it may be used against you in away to persuade you to change yourposition.
 
y
 
Foreigners should expect to negotiate when doing business. Also prices in thegeneral stores are not that reliable or fixed that is why you have to negotiate.Televisions and other gadgets are usually second hand so you do not want to have topay too much for them. Store owners are very proud of their goods and they willbrag about them to up the price.
Y
ou¶ll find that every store owner will let you know
 
that they carry the best commodities in town. However if you do not wish to bargainhunt and negotiate prices, most cities to have elite shopping malls where the pricesare fixed and the clothes are hand made and of the highest quality. This includes jewelry, furniture etc.
 
GIFTGIVING
y
 
Gift giving tends to be more common in social situations vs. business. Gifts in abusiness setting may be misconstrued as a bribe.
 
y
 
If invited to an Iranian home you must always bring a small gift. Appropriate giftsinclude a plate of sweets, or cookies, or some nice flowers. Avoid bringing gifts of alcohol.
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