Israel: Appointment Alert!
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Appointment Alert
In general, Israel is a country with few business protocols. There are almost no unique cultural/behavioral codes governing protocols and social interface during business interactions in Israel. Basically, follow routine western US style conventions paying attention to unique local subtleties.
Dress code is casual unless meeting with top government personnel, high level executives at Israel’s top 50 companies, bankers, and prominent lawyers. There are no well-defined guidelines and it is always useful to inquire with local hosts. Business casual is the norm but formal attire can be an effective tool for achieving specific objectives.
Provide an agenda to your hosts, clearly outlining your objectives and timetables. It is always good to reconfirm pre-planned appointments since Israelis tend to multitask according to hurried, tumultuous sometimes diffuse schedules. .
Observe national holidays and routine workday hours. Business hours are typically 8AM to 5PM Sundays through Thursdays. Friday’s are typically reserved for private activities such as shopping and family activities but Israelis will accommodate business activities during Friday mornings if necessary. Plan to be on time for scheduled business meetings and activities - transportation can be problematic due to heavy traffic. Being moderately late is common and tolerated but you may forfeit some positional leverage in the process.
Test the language skills of your hosts. Adjust speech flow and content accordingly. In any case use simple sentences and repeat complex ones in several explanatory ways. Do not shy away from asking if something is clearly understood if it involves complexity. Do not use idioms or acronyms - Israelis are notoriously under-equipped to comprehend such language.
Handshaking is routine including with women. Business card exchange is common although Israelis are at times less observant of the protocol. Always provide your business card early on, and courteously request one in return (if important and not offered).
Seating arrangements are not protocol or culture driven.
Dry-marker and chart boards are accepted, commonly present and should be used to the greatest extent. Inquire ahead about other visual aids such as video and presentation projectors that are less commonly used.
Addressing by first names is common and important for creation of a comfortable communicative atmosphere. Shift to a first name basis as soon as situation allows.
Secretaries (usually women "Gatekeepers”) are still very predominant. Respect and acknowledge their function and presence.
Refreshments are always an important element in Israeli business hospitality. “Let’s discuss this over coffee” - a common business framework.
Business gifts are always appreciated. Desktop items and other “gadgets” are widely available in Israel. Gifts that are distinctly “foreign” will be appreciated and will serve as testimony to the host’s association with overseas business partners.
Lunch in Israel is usually heavier than in the US. In large companies, lunch is the main daily meal, similar in content to dinner, and may be served in the corporate dining room. Typical Lunch hours are 1 PM to 3 PM.
If you are invited to lunch or dinner - make your preferences known. Israelis are sensitive to their guest’s culinary enjoyment and fulfillment (“Jewish Mother” syndrome). If you invite Israeli guests to a local restaurant - reciprocate accordingly and if possible, maximize their experience.
Israelis appreciate humor and also closely follow many global current events. Humor, especially reflecting “popular” issues (in the US) can be used to your advantage but diligently refrain from word plays that may not be understood and sensitive issues such as race, religion and politics (that have to do with Israel).
Although Israelis are not renowned drinkers, modest alcohol consumption has become somewhat of a status attribute among contemporary Israeli businesspersons. They will enjoy being invited to an American style happy hour at a local bar (few available).
Israelis do not strictly separate between business and pleasure frameworks. Conversation will frequently gravitate towards work issues even during more social occasions, which can be diligently used to achieve communicative and business objectives.
Israelis are proud of their country and routinely offer to accompany their guest on a sightseeing tour or arrange for one to be provided by a professional. The country is small and most tours are short and interesting. Try to accept such offers even if on a tight schedule - your acceptance will be appreciated and valued as a token of your interest in the heritage, history and importance of the land and people. In addition, a joint tour can be an excellent venue for more relaxed business communications.
Thank you letters are very much appreciated by Israelis who view them as “Foreign Graciousness”. Such letters can be very effective. Business summaries and documentation should be sent separately.
