Expatriates from first world countries need to understand the implication of life in an Islamic country like Bahrain before

they set foot there, if they are to be accepted. Islam requires that Muslims pray five times a day. Since the prayer timings are distributed across the day, they need to pray at their place to work three times a day. A devout Muslim could spend 10 minutes at a time in a prayer, thus using half an hour a day of company time in prayer. Differences of religion are not a bar to good professional relationships of intercultural friendships. However, ignorance about religious practices that impinge on workplace behavior can lead to the irrevocable breakdown of trust. An uninformed expatriate who comments to a Muslim subordinate in an Islamic country, you could be so much more productive if you were to pray in your off-office hours, is inviting trouble. An expatriate manager is well advised never to comment on a local nationals religion and religious practices. Female expatriate managers in countries like Bahrain have to be prepared not only for overall cultural differences, but also for culturally conditioned attitudes regarding womens role in society. Expatriate women managers in Bahrain sometimes have to fight the opposition of Bahraini males to having women in managerial positions.

Bahrains intercultural competence and readiness for risk is low. Bahrain is a low risk and low changetolerant culture. New projects will be carefully analyzed to assure that whatever risk they represent is thoroughly understood and addressed. In order for change to take hold, the idea needs to be perceived as good for the group and be accepted by the group. Intercultural sensitivity is important with Bahrains attitude toward risk dramatically impacted by the negative ramifications of failure on both the individual and the group.

(timp si prioritati)Cross cultural understanding is important when reviewing the approach to timelines. Bahrainis will not want to upset others in order to force adherence to a deadline. Things generally take longer than expected since meetings are frequently interrupted and several meetings may be required to do what could be handled by a phone call at home. When working with people from Bahrain, its advisable to reinforce the importance of the agreed-upon deadlines and how that may affect the rest of the organization. Globalization and intercultural expansion means some local managers may understand and appreciate the important of adherence to schedules and deadlines. (Negocieri) Decisions are reached slowly and patience is essential for effective cross cultural management. If you try to rush things, you could risk your business relationship. The Bahrainis are skilled negotiators who view high-pressure sales tactics as offensive. There is a tendency to avoid giving bad news or to do so indirectly. It is also common to give flowery acceptances, which may only mean "perhaps". If you change the lead negotiator, negotiations will start over so the Bahrainis can develop a personal relationship with this person. Bahrainis do not require as much personal space as most western cultures. As such, they will stand close to you while conversing and you may feel as if your personal space has been violated. Do not back away, as your business colleague will attempt to close the gap between the two of you and you may find yourself backed up against a wall.