Business culture in Israel, like its overall culture, is diverse with an occasionally surprising contrast between warm hospitality, direct no-nonsense business attitude, aggressive negotiations and a gregarious nature. New investors doing business in Israel should feel at ease in the casual culture, but should nevertheless prepare to be flexible and patient.
Here are few pieces of advice that will help you in your business approach.
Do’s and Don’ts of doing business in Israel
- Be prepared to offer drinks when hosting a meeting and prepare snacks when hosting long meetings.
- Respect diversity and individual opinions. Avoid politics in general conversation, as well as vocalizing generalizations about the culture and people.
- Be prepared for everything to be negotiable and be assertive.
- Do make polite conversation and be friendly, flexible and accommodating.
- Don’t offer to shake hands with a religious person of the opposite sex.
- Don’t be surprised by sudden changes in plans.
- Don’t talk about controversial topics.
- Don’t schedule meetings during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening)
For more on doing business in Israel, feel free to contact us.
Sandra Tanase
Managing Partner | Head of Israel Mission
Mob: +40 79 9999299