The information presented here related to Afghanistan is mainly from Commisceo Global, I have left it in it’s original form as they are one of the foremost experts in business related cultural training. However, I will add my additional comment noted by an * in regards to my extensive personal experience within the country of Afghanistan
Islam
- Islam is practised by the majority of Afghanis and governs much of their personal, political, economic and legal lives. *Although this is true you will find varying degress of adherance to strict Islamic law based noted on the individual region you visit, but by varying age groups.
- Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day – at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. *It is essential that this is a part of your timeline. It is even better if you are able to afford them a specific place to pray in peace and make sure they fully understand that this is a priority for YOU as much as it is to them. The more you go out of your way to help facilitate their lifestyle, views, and interests, the more favor you will gain.
- Friday is the Muslim holy day. Most shops and offices will be closed. Government offices and businesses may also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday. *Most official business with provincial government and major business officials will be conducted on Wednesday. This is NOT strictly adhered to in more rural areas.
- During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. *Additional care must be taken during Eid to ensure you are able to follow this guideline. As a foreigner you do not have to fast, however it is looked upon unfavorably if you do choose not to in public. Every effort should be made to honor the culture, and timelines provided by your Afghan counterparts.
Meeting and Greeting
- When meeting someone the handshake is the most common form of greeting. You will also see people place their hands over their hearts and nod slightly. *Generally the nod and hand over the heart will proceed the handshake and should be accompanied with a daily greeting. This is generally “Salam Allahkum, meaning “Peace be upon you”. Regardless of your comfort level ALWAYS shake with the right hand, and never the left, as the left is considered unclean. Except elders that you are familiar with to hug, as their perception of physical contact is much different than the West. Hand holding is an additional thing to expect as it is representative of trust and friendship.
- One should always enquire about things like a person’s health, business, family, etc. *Family first and always. Take notes, understand. If you are meeting again ensure you REMEMBER and internalize what you spoke of so you can inquire again.
Business Meetings
- Business is very much personal in Afghanistan. If you have not already invested some quality time in getting to know your counterparts, then you must use initial meetings to establish trust. *Do not expect to get immediate results. Their concept of time is vastly different than ours. They view things in generational terms, rather than weeks or months. Things move slowly in Afghanistan.
- Once this has been accomplished you can move on to the nitty-gritty of business. *Ensure this is in your timeline. Do not be in a rush, and do not try and force the topic. Commonly expect meetings to go longer than expected.
- Meeting schedules are not very structured. Start times, points of discussion, etc are all fluid and flexible. Be prepared for a lot of tangents in the discussions. *This is a culture ruled by emotion and what you may feel is important, may not be to the individual you are speaking with.
- Honour and shame should always be considered. Always express yourself in a way that is not direct or pins blame on someone. Never make accusations or speak down to anyone.*Make every attempt to make the individual you are speaking with appear in the right. Never demean them in public, especially if they are a leader. Doing so runs the risk of them losing influence over their local population.
Afghanistan is an extremely dynamic place. Made even more difficult by the way the culture changes by region. Someone highly experienced in the inner workings of a place like Kandahar in the southeast would be lost in the North of the country. It is imperative, that any individual looking to travel or do business in that part of the world does the proper due dillegence and research to ensure they understand and know the culture, and region they are going to.
ref: https://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/afghanistan-guide
Business 