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GIFT GIVING IN JORDAN*
- Gift Giving Etiquette
BUSINESS GIFT GIVING /
PERSONAL GIFT GIVING
-
Gift giving is a
bit of a sensitive topic in Jordan. There are some basic underlying concepts
that it would be good for you to know before you start handing things out:
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It is a moral
requisite for the rich to give gifts to the poor. This is a double-edged
sword! Giving a gift can be either seen as a mark of good character or a
statement that I am a better person than you. Consequently, it is often best
to give a gift quietly or even in secret. Some times a personal gift is
better given 'to the kids' than directly to the adults.
-
Begging is a normal
profession. It is not high on the honor list of professions, but it is not
at the bottom either. Some of your potential business partners may be little
more than sophisticated beggars.
-
Among equals and
partners, gift giving should ideally be reciprocal. At the very least, the
significance of the gifts exchanged should be commensurate with the relative
economic and social standing of the partners.
-
In formal settings,
the giving of a gift is a powerful way of honoring. Such settings include:
farewell gatherings - give a souvenir, anniversary celebrations - give
sweets, when visiting the sick or when making a first visit to a home -
bring sweets or a plant, birth of a child - give baby clothes or cash,
marriage - give house wares or cash, graduation of a family member - give
clothing for the graduate
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In these settings,
the gifts are of token value and would rarely exceed 40 USD.
-
During or at the
completion of the negotiation process may be a good opportunity to offer a
'perk' or special bonus to be added on to the deal or contract.
-
In all cases, avoid
giving gifts to your business partner's spouse. Also, avoid giving gifts
that are of a large enough value to be considered as economic aid.
*Betts, Kenneth. Jordan Business
Etiquette - Gift Giving. Executive Planet. 04 Aug. 2004
<http://www.executiveplanet.com/business-culture-in/132161242033.html>. |
Above: The flag of Jordan
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