Jordan's Culture

Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions

Power distance

to what lengths do citizens obey and respect the monarchy?

this is important because it shows that the citizens of Jordan are very loyal and respectful to the Jordanian government as it has a score of 70/100.

Uncertainty Avoidance

When the citizens don't know what is going to happen to them or their country in the future.

In Jordan, the score is 65. This means that Jordanians know or have an idea about what the future holds for them.

Masculinity vs Femininity

If masculine (high score), it indicates that country is set for success and achievements and that it is driven by competition. Whereas, if a country is feminine (low score), they care more for others and their quality of life.

Jordan is a feminine country as it has a score of 45. This means that Jordanians are very caring and hospitable as they take care of each other and focus on their quality of life.

Spatial Perception

Sometimes, Jordanians won't make direct eye contact, mostly females

It could be a sign of respect/shyness

Usually, individuals of the same sex may shake hands/kiss cheeks. When opposite genders do this, it is not common

When Jordanians meet for the first time, they will first greet each other verbally and then, wait for the other person to motion a hand shake.

Verbal Communication

The main language spoken amongst Jordanians is Arabic. But when talking to foreigners, they speak in English

They like to make small talk with others to appear friendly and talkative.

For example: education, politics, family (they are very family oriented), etc. are good topics to discuss.

Business Etiquettes

Do's

Stand up while greeting others

Shake hands when greeting but fully covered women may not

When one is finished drinking their coffee, they can move it side to side to indicate that they don't want anymore. But it they do want more, they hold up their cup.

They tend to stand a fraction of the distance closer when having a conversation, than people do in the West.

Sometimes, it is okay to kiss each other on both cheeks when greeting

Don't

If coffee is offered, an individual should not deny the offer

men

men

Don't wear clothes that are short or clothes that may expose body parts

When walking outside, dress modestly, not provocatively

Don't point the soles of feet towards someone

Time Perception

Jordanians are very punctual because time is money

They like to maintain time-based traditions and meetings

Jordanians are monochronic because they like to take things one at a time and divert all of their attention to the one thing happening in that moment as this helps keep their schedules organized.

Non-verbal Communication

"No" can be said by tilting the head upwards for a split second.

an addition to this motion to be to make a "tsk" sound while doing it.