Do’s and Don’ts for Pakistani Nationals in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Do’s

• Respect those who are older than you. Contradicting them, criticizing them, disagreeing with them or ignoring them will give them a poor opinion of you.
• Try to control your emotions in public and express them in private. Zimbabweans are conscious of how they (and their family) are perceived by the public and generally try to restrain themselves from being angry or shouting in front of other people. Laughter or tears are acceptable. However, Zimbabwean men in particular rarely cry in public.
• Expect a Zimbabwean to be open and enthusiastic among those they know. However understand that they may be more formal and reserved around strangers or when meeting someone for the first time.
• Expect a Zimbabwean to talk about themselves by telling you about their level of education and occupation. The culture is quite status-conscious and these attributes can earn a person respect in another’s eyes.

Don’ts

• It is best not to criticize the country Zimbabwe. Many Zimbabweans do so themselves, but foreign criticism may offend their pride.
• Avoid raising discussion of polities unless you have strong understanding of the situation. There has been a lot of political upheaval in Zimbabwe.
• It is very impolite and offensive to imply that someone is poor.
• Avoid talking about HIV/AIDS as many Zimbabweans have lost family members to the disease, or know someone who has.
• Race relations may be openly talked about; however be aware that Zimbabweans are generally sensitive to racism and discrimination. Many years of colonial subjugation have left an impact in this regard.
• Avoid bringing up unpleasant topics of discussion or bad news around others. it can be seen as impolite to do so in social situations. If you do need to tell someone something negative, do so alone in private  and try and deliver the news as indirectly as possible.
• Do not be rowdy in front of someone’s family or those who are a lot older than yourself. Men may be very casual in front of other men of the same age. Some social groups may also make jovial comments in front of other gender. However, it is inappropriate to swear or make derogatory jokes outside of a close group of friends.

Angola

Do’s  

• Know the language.
• Be formal on business negotiations.
• Use titles wherever required.
• Wear formal business attire during business dealings.

Don’ts

• Don’t be in a rush when doing business. For example, take the time to hand over the business cards. Give your business card attention. Do that with the right hand and receive the card with both hands.
• Don’t go out to dinner early.

Malawi

Do’s

• When greeting, it is normal to shake the right hand. Greet older businessmen first during meetings and encounters.
• Malawians dress neatly and find it important to present themselves well. For business , a suit or smart pants with a shirt is common for men. For women, in a business environment it is best to wear a suit, skirt with a blouse, or a dress.
• The official languages are English and Chicewa, but English is mainly spoken in Malawi when doing business.
• Malawians do not like impersonal business. In Malawi, get to know someone better before moving on to business. Before a meeting, have a chat about someone’s health or family.

Don’ts

• In Malawi, the communication style is often indirect. Malawians do not like to answer a question directly. They don’t want to disappoint the other. Be patient and try to ask the same question in different ways.
• Don’t be in a rush when doing business. For example, take the time to hand over the business cards. Give your business card attention. Do that with the right hand and receive the card with both hands.

Zambia

Do’s

• Take into account the social structure in Zambia. Zambians place a high value on belonging  to a particular  family, tribe and community.
• Do not immediately get ‘to the point’ during a business meeting. When meeting a business associate for the first time, first inquire about family matters or health. Take the time for that, Zambians appreciate that interest.
• Extend the right hand when shaking hands. Zambians consider the right hand ‘clean’ for everyday use such as eating, greeting and writing.
• Zambians communicate rather indirectly in order to avoid conflicts. A Zambian dose not immediately say ‘NO’, but instead lets a silence fall.

Don’ts

• Meeting usually don’t start right on time in Zambia, but as a business associate it’s best to arrive on time. When entering, it is important to greet older person first.
• At the beginning of a meeting, those present first formally introduce themselves to each other. After that, a chairman is elected among themselves. Try not to rush these steps.