Globalization has led to increased interaction between nations across the world. With these interactions has come the presentation of new and different cultures completely different from those that people from a certain region or background were used to. Due to the need to interact on different platforms such as education, business and many others, it has become necessary that people learn more on the cultures of others in order to be in a position to accommodate the differences of those people. It is important to understand the values of others as well as their cultures since these form a basic part of them and these outward values that they display actually represent their inner selves since the values that are characterized by individuals are usually carried on from the societies from which they come.
Values are an image of the supposed desired norms within a society and they are usually used to guide the actions of individuals towards the realization of the desired standards. It is easy to identify the cultural ideals and desires of any society by looking at the most common values that are upheld by that particular society. These values are used to emphasize the goals of the society to each member of that society since many are the times when such values are upheld in societies that focus on the achievement of goals as the responsibility of each individual unlike in societies where each individual focuses on developing themselves. These values combined together form a culture and may include different perspectives such as meanings, beliefs, practices and norms. With time, what may just be simple ways to guide the efforts and energies of individuals finally become a part of them and it is perspective that is seen by outsiders who meet these people for the first time (Jennings, 2005, 232).
In the Islam world, many things are done in a completely different manner from the usually acceptable norms of the West. Business is carried out on different principles in the Islam world from those followed in the West and many other countries that have an affiliation to the West. Muslims for example do not charge any interest in their business transactions despite the fact that organizations such as banks would still need to make their profits. It would be necessary therefore to understand how they go about the whole issue of avoiding interest and yet maintain profitable businesses (Baumann, 2007, 80).
Influences in any organization are driven by factors such as value culture in the surrounding society, personal value properties of the members of the organization and the nature of operations of the particular organization. For Islam countries or Muslims who are on business trips in other non-Muslim countries, the religious values are highly upheld regardless of the transaction that one is entering into (Jennings, 2005, p. 237). Unlike in many Christian states where matters of religion are separated from business and governance, Muslims follow the teachings of religion in almost all aspects of their lives and this includes business. It is important therefore for any person to understand what is acceptable to the Muslims and what is not in order to maintain a fruitful relation in the conducting of business (Bhasin, 2011, 85).
In the establishment of business ties between countries and individuals where one party is a Muslim, it is vital to understand the reasons behind some Muslim cultures and values as this may determine the success of such a partnership. Muslims highly regard the values that are outlined in their religion and so it is important to ensure that all business is carried out within the laws of the Islam religion (Jennings, 2005, 236).
In conclusion, due to the high esteem that Muslims hold their religion with, it is important for any person, group or sate intending to do business with Muslims to understand the values of the Muslims. A strong understanding of these values and cultures can yield the best results while contravening them would be disastrous since Muslims are rarely willing to go against their culture and religion for the sake of business.
References
Bhasin, B. B. (2010). Doing business in the ASEAN countries. New York: Business Expert Press.
Baumann, A. (2007). Influences of culture on the style of business behavior between Western and Arab managers.München: GRIN Verlag GmbH.
Jennings, M. (2012).Business: Its legal, ethical, and global environment. Mason, OH: South Western Cengage Learning.
