Communication styles in Morocco

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Now I’m going to analyze Morocco using the Hofstede dimensions of culture. Hofstede dimensions of culture has six cultural dimensions that helps compare between cultures. The six dimensions are Power Distance, Uncertainty avoidance, Individualism versus Group Orientation, Masculinity versus Feminine, Short-term versus Long-term Orientation and Indulgence.

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We will start by the Power distance. At a score of 70, Morocco is a hierarchical country. In other words, people accept a hierarchical order in which everybody has a status or rank without justification. Hierarchy inside any organization is seen as reflecting inherent inequalities, centralization is popular, subordinates expect to be told what to do and the ideal boss is a benevolent autocrat (Hofstedes).

Then we will talk about individualism. At a score of 46, Morocco is a collectivist society. In other words, this is manifest in a close long-term commitment to the group or family. Loyalty is vital in a collectivist culture, and it is considered as a pillar in relations. The society raises and build solid relationships between their members which make those members take responsibilities for their fellow mates inside the group. In collectivist society’s offence leads to shame and loss of face, hiring and promotion decisions take account of the employee’s in-group, management is the management of groups (Hofstedes).

Next we will discuss Masculinity. At a score of 53, Morocco got an inclusive place since we can say that Morocco is a little bit masculine society with some traits of feminine society. Moroccan citizens are driven by competition, achievement and success while caring for others (Hofstede).

After that we will talk about Uncertainty avoidance in Morocco. At a score of 68, Morocco has a very high preferences of avoiding uncertainty. Countries exhibiting high Uncertainty Avoidance feel threatened by ambiguous or unknown situations and have created beliefs and institutions that try to avoid these. In these cultures there is an emotional need for rules (even if the rules never seem to work), people tend to be busy and work hard and innovation may find resistance (Hofstede).

Last but not least we will talk about Long term orientation in Morocco. At a score of 14, Moroccan culture is a normative culture. People in such societies have a strong concern with establishing the absolute truth and they show respect to their tradition (Hofstede).

Finally we will talk about Indulgence in Morocco. At a score of 25, Morocco is a culture of restraint. Restrained societies do not take time for leisure and control the gratification of their desires. People living in those countries have the perception that their actions are restrained by social norms and feel that indulging themselves is somewhat wrong (Hofstede).

So based on the Hofstede’s model, we will discuss why we do things in Morocco. We will relate the behavior of Moroccan citizens to the score that they got in Hofstede and also to other index like the power distance index (PDI).

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Discussion:

Since expatriate are coming from other country, or countries, they need to know some verbal and non-verbal communication used in Morocco. First of all always shave hands with women unless she offers you her cheek, then you may kiss her in the cheek up to four times (Global affairs of Canada, 2014). We do so in Morocco since we give women a high levels of respect and that based on our religion which indicate that we should shake hands with women.

Second, eye contact is not very important in Morocco since there is a large gap between social classes in Morocco (as you may know, Morocco is a hierarchical country); that’s why, is common that a person from lower class will make feet contact when speaking to someone from upper class. So don’t be mad or feel disrespect if some Moroccan doesn’t make eye contact while speaking (Global affairs of Canada, 2014). Also Moroccan don’t make eye contact with their elder for two reasons. The first one is that they respect them because they think that they are wiser and more experienced than them. And also due the power distance in Morocco. As I said before, Morocco scored 70 in the power distance index according to Hofstede, which is very high score that represent that hierarchy Moroccan citizens live in.

Third, Moroccans citizens from upper socio-economic class and are educated keep things to themselves and are very polite. They don’t appreciate people being too familiar and casual when they first meet them. Speaking about family, an important aspect in Moroccan life, is always a good topic since Moroccans quite often ask each other about their respective families. There are many taboo subjects, the major one being the King; it is essential that you never criticize the King until you are very comfortable with the people and in an appropriate situation. Moroccans are very proud and do not appreciate it when people pass judgment on their country. Other sensitive subjects include Islam, women’s rights, economic situation and sex (Global affairs of Canada, 2014). We relate this to the concept of trust in Morocco. It’s hard for Moroccan to trust a stranger because once he/she trust him, they become loyal to him/her. That’s why, once you gain their trust, you become part of his family and he/she can share everything with you.

Fourth is about the dress code. In the workplace environment, women shouldn’t dress lightly in order to be respected. Plus, sobriety and modesty is important concerning the dress code. Regarding the language, it is best to be formal; use the formal form of "you” when speaking and call people by their last names. Once you get to know and get accustomed to each other, the rules won’t be as strict, nor will relations be as formal. However, since Moroccans are very polite and reserved, things may still remain somewhat formal since that is how Moroccans are raised. It is appropriate to use the formal form of "you" with superiors and foreigners (Global affairs of Canada, 2014). As you all know, Morocco is an Islamic country. In other words, the dress that you need to wear should be respectful and not too catchy. By doing so, it will help you get out of trouble and you will gain respect among people and employees.

Fifth is about Negotiations, particularly when discussing pricing, may take quite some time since Moroccans always want to have the last word and feel that they came out on top. Thus, in order to put an end to long discussions during meetings, give them the impression that they have won the debate (Global affairs of Canada, 2014). Negotiation