Business operations manual จัดทำ โดย นางสาวผาณิตา ศรีอินทร์ เลขที่ 23 1640207039
Page 2 Executive summary Ghana's business environment is underpinned by impressive economic growth and steady innovation in the business sector. The work environment is a unique blend of formality and traditional Ghanaian culture. As such, respecting hierarchy and maintaining relationships with colleagues is vital tosucceeding in business in the country Business culture in Ghana Ghanaians are known for their warm hospitality, kindness, and generosity towards visitors. Making a good first impression is crucial for building relationships, and showing respect and consideration is highly valued. It is customary to shake hands firmly with a smile and make eye contact. When meeting someone older or in a position of authority, a slight bow or nod of the head is common. Addressing individuals with their appropriate title, such as "Mr," "Ms," or "Dr," followed by their last name, is recommended. Politeness, avoiding interruptions while someone is speaking, and being aware of body language (such as not crossing arms) are important aspects of Ghanaian etiquette. While it's best to avoid discussions about politics and religion unless initiated by the other person, showing interest in Ghanaian culture and traditions can help foster positive relationships. It's also important to avoid discussing tribalism or making comments about someone's ethnicity, as Ghana is composed of diverse ethnic groups. Ghanaians are known for their wit, sense of humour, and use of proverbs and sayings to convey messages in a humorous way. Humour serves as an icebreaker and can diffuse tension or lighten the mood in challenging situations. Punctuality, however, may not be strictly adhered to, as multitasking, last-minute changes, and external challenges often influence timeliness. Ghanaian management styles are characterised by flexibility and adaptability. Managers are respected figures of authority who make decisions and provide direction, but there is also a tradition of consultation and consensus-building. Decision-making may take longer than expected as Ghanaians value trust-building and collaboration. It is important to remain patient, avoid confrontation, and come prepared with facts and figures to support your position, as Ghanaians respect knowledge and expertise. Naming traditions in Ghana vary across ethnic groups and regions. Some common practices include naming children based on the day of the week they were born or to honor family history. Muslim Ghanaians typically follow Islamic traditions and include the father's given name in the child's name. Regarding business attire, the dress code in Ghana varies depending on the industry, company, and position. However, in general, formal, conservative, and professional attire is expected.
Page 3 Many investors and business people looking at working in Ghana are usually overly professional in their dealings, forgetting that the business culture in Ghana, though improving, is still one based on relationship building, understanding, and working with the cultureof the people. In Ghana, business is conducted within the context of traditional value systems as well as modern business practices. Ghanaians are generally friendly and are known for ‘Ghanaian hospitality’ which implies, warm reception, openness, and friendliness. Most business meetings or conversations will have a ‘social segment’ and in some instances some time may be spent on welcoming protocols such as drinking water, eating food, greetings, introduction of people and the mission, knowing the counterparts and their family state of health/ wellness, etc. Traditional values such as respect for hierarchy, age, and social status are very important to most Ghanaians. It is helpful to know how to address people using their titles and the proper pronunciation of their names. Also important is greeting people properly and knowing the proper use of the left and right hand. The use of the left hand for greeting or receiving things is considered disrespectful. For long-term business relations, Ghanaians expect their counterparts to partake in certain important social activities, such as naming, marriage, and funeral ceremonies of their business partners and those related to them. They will welcome the same gesture from their business partners too. Respect for time is a business practice most Ghanaians are not used to. It is important to make room for delays. At the same time, it is also important to emphasize timeliness in your business dealings if you find counterparts do not respect their time commitments. Generally, Ghanaians respond positively to business counterparts to respect their time. You build relationships by investing some time and care in understanding the cultural and relational dimensionsof doing business in Ghana. However, combine your respect for the culture and in building relationships with best business practices such as entering into binding contracts, getting proper documentation for your transactions and dealings, and working with people you trust. Culture related to business dealings
Page 4 Introduction to the country Ghana historical and cultural background Ghana’s history before the 15th century is concentrated primarily on oral traditions. However, it is believed that people may have inhabited present-day Ghana from about 1500 BC. European contact with Ghana began in 1470. In 1482, the Portuguese built a trading settlement around the coast. Shortly thereafter, for three centuries, the Portuguese, English, Dutch, Danes, and Germans all controlled different partsof the coas. In 1821, the British took control of all of the trading posts located in the Gold Coast. From 1826 to 1900, the British then fought battles against the native Ashantis, and in 1902, the British defeated them and claimed the northern part of modern day Ghana. In 1957, after a plebiscite in 1956, the United Nations determined that Ghana’s territory would become independent and merged with another British territory, British Togoland, when the entire Gold Coast became independent. On March 6, 1957, Ghana became independent after the British gave up control of the Gold Coast and the Ashanti, the Northern Territories Protectorate, and British Togoland. Ghana was then chosen as the new name for the newly independent colony in placeof the Gold Coast. Following its independence, Ghana was demarcated into ten (10) different regions for effective administration of the country. Kwame Nkrumah was the first Prime Minister and President of modern Ghana, and he was pivotal in the struggle for the total liberation of the African continent. He was a fierce advocate for the unification of the African continent and worked assiduously towards the realization of his vision of offering his country and the continent at large, freedom and justice and quality education for all. His government was however,overthrown in 1966. Ghana’s political governance was subsequently, characterized by series of insurrections from 1966 to 1979. In 1981, Ghana’s Constitution was suspended, and political parties were banned in the country. This led to severe economic depression and the migration of many Ghanaians later toother countries. In 1992, political stability was restored. There was a return to democracy and Ghana adopted a new Constitution for its democratic governance. The economy was revived and Ghana remains the leading example of a democracy in Africa with extra 6 regions created in 2018, making 16 regions in Ghana.
Page 5 population In 2010, Ghana had a population of approximately 24.3 million people, and over 50 percent of the population lived. In urban areas, although Ghana is an agricultural country, more than 8 percent of the country's population is still malnourished. Most of the population does not have access to standard sanitation. As a result, there is still a high maternal death rate from pregnancy/childbirth. However, Ghana's population is welleducated. More than 83 percent of the country's youth go to school. This is the highest rate inthe West Africanregion. ethnicity Ghana's population is ethnically diverse like most countries in Africa. That is, approximately 52.4 percent of the population is the Akan tribe which has influenced the West African region since the past. and used to oppose European rule during the colonial era, followed by the Mossi (Mole-Dagbon) tribe at 15.8 percent, the Ewe tribe (Ewe) at 11.9 percent, and the Ga-Adangme tribe (Ga-Adangme) ) at 7.8 percent, Gurma tribe 3.3 percent, Yoruba 1.3 percent, and other tribes 7.5 percent. language Ghana uses English as its official and official language. It is the main language used in the education system. However, the majority of Ghanaians can use their tribe's language as a second language. There are over 47 languages spoken in Ghana, of which the government officially supports the education of nine local languages. It was found that most teenagers are interested in studying French. which is an increasingly widely used language in the West Africanregion religion Ghana is a country where religion is tolerated. The majority of the country's population is religious. Christianity is approximately 64 percent, the original local religion is 18 percent, Islam is 14 percent, and others are 4 percent.
Page 6 Factors influencing business operations Differentiation factors Whether it is a matter of age, gender of birth, religion, race, nationality, ethnicity, skin color, education, culture, society, disability, illness, sexual orientation, marital status. social status, or political opinions are very important Because of diverse perspectives on situations or problems Acquiring new creative ideas Skills in communicating ideas with other people And negotiation is an important factor for management success. and allows you to work more creatively and efficiently Including creating many benefits for businesses Therefore, we should not view differences as a problem. But adjust the perspective that we can gain advantage from diversity. Having an environment that is conducive to diversity can greatly benefit an organization. However, when the organization is diverse Diversity must be managed appropriately. To create a culture that accepts differences and lives together equally. The economics and politics of each country have different forms of politics and laws. Both in matters of the political system, governance, and enforcement of the law. And political considerations also affect business negotiations, both supporting and obstructing them. The political side In addition, in socialist countries Business negotiations must also involve the government sector. This is different from liberal countries where the state tries not to interfere here. The relationship between the negotiating partners The relationship that develops between the negotiating partners is considered to be It has a significant impact on the negotiation process and outcomes. Having said that, negotiations It is considered a part of every party's relationship. The history of the relationship between together will affect the current negotiations. And the current negotiations will inevitably have further consequences. In the future as well
Page 7 Ghana was the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from the United Kingdom. With a population of approximately 24.8 million people (2011), it is a relatively small country. But there are abundant natural resources. Important natural resources include gold, bauxite, manganese, forests, diamonds, and cocoa. Ghana is the world's largest producer of gold and cocoa. And the main income comes from exporting such products. Gold deposits are in Ashanti and the western region of Ghana. However, Ghana remains dependent on foreign financial and technical assistance to develop the country and maintain financial stability. The agricultural sector remains the backbone of the Ghanaian economy. It generated 30.2 percent of the country's gross domestic product (2010). However, Ghana's agricultural sector still suffers from poor yields due to plant diseases. and fluctuations in agricultural product prices in the world market Ghana's major exports include cocoa, wood, seafood, and pineapples. Ghana has important ports, Tema Port and Takoradi Port, which are trade gateways to West African markets. This is especially true for Burkina Faso, which is located in the northern part of Ghana and is landlocked. In early 2008, the President of Ghana appointed an Economic Advisory Council to advise on policies to prepare for a global recession. and held a meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to find solutions to domestic economic problems. In addition, the Government of Ghana has accepted assistance from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund for USD 300 and 600 million, respectively, with conditions. Improving national budget regulations and creating macroeconomic stability are important. One of the government's efforts to solve the budget deficit problem for many years in a row is to improve the tax collection system to be more efficient. It established the Ghana Revenue Authority and accelerated the implementation of the plan toincrease mining tax rates. This should help increase the country's income a lot. At present, the government is giving importance to the development of public expenditure management. stimulating economic expansion Poverty resolution and providing loans and assistance to the private sector Especially for groups that are not oil groups. along with solving the problems of inflation and budget deficits, it is expected that The average inflation rate in 2012 will be 9.1 percent, compared to 8.7 percent in 2011. Overall, a key driver of Ghana's current economic growth includes earnings from gold exports, which remain expensive. cocoa export Expansion of the service sector and the beginning of mass production of oil for export in 2011, should help alleviate the country's budget deficit problem to some extent. The government must have a clear and concise plan for developing the oil and natural gas industry. Ready to pass laws to control the industry. Economic Landscape
Page 8 POWER DISTANCE This dimension deals with the fact that all individuals in societies are not equal - it expresses theattitudeof theculturetowards theseinequalitiesamongstus.Power Distanceis defined as the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally. Ghana scores high on this dimension (score of 80) which means that people accept a hierarchical order in which everybodyhas a place and whichneedsnofurther justification. Hierarchy inanorganizationis seen as reflecting inherent inequalities, centralization is popular, subordinates expect to be told what to doand theideal boss isa benevolentautocrat Hofstede cultural dimensions Ghana's culture 0 20 40 60 80 80 9 40 65 1 72 Power Distance Individualism Motivation towards Achievement and Success Uncertainty Avoidance Long Term Orientation Indulgence
Page 9 INDIVIDUALISM The fundamental issue addressed by this dimension is the degree of interdependence a society maintains among its members. It has to do with whether people's self-image is defined in terms of "l" or "We". In Individualist societies people are supposed to look after themselves and their direct family only. In Collectivist societies, people belong to 'groups' that take care of them in exchange for loyalty. Ghana, with a very low (score of 9) is considered a collectivistic society. This is manifest in a close long-term commitment to the member 'group', be that a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount and overrides most other societal rules and regulations. The society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group. In collectivist societies, offense leads to shame and loss of face, employer/employee relationships are perceived in moral terms (like a family link), hiring and promotion decisions take account of the employee's in-group, and management is the managementof groups. MOTIVATION TOWARDS ACHIEVEMENT AND SUCCESS A high score (Decisive) on this dimension indicates that society will be driven by competition, achievement, and success, with success being defined by the winner / best in the field - a value system that starts in school and continues throughout organizational life. A low score (Consensus-oriented) on the dimension means that the dominant values in society are caring for others and quality of life. A Consensus-oriented society is one where quality of life is the sign of success and standing out from the crowd is not admirable. The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (Decisive) or liking what you do (Consensus-oriented). Ghana (scores 40) on Motivation towards Achievement and Success and is thus considered a relatively Consensus society. In countries with high Motivation towards Achievement and Success, the focus is on "working to live", managers strive for consensus, and people value equality, solidarity, and quality in their work lives. Conflicts are resolved by compromise and negotiation. Incentives such as free time and flexibility are favored. The focus is on well-being, and status is not shown. An effective manager is a supportive one, and decision-making is achieved through involvement.
Page 10 UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE The dimension of Uncertainty Avoidance has to do with the way that a society deals with the fact that the future can never be known: should we try to control the future or just let it happen? This ambiguity brings with it anxiety and has created beliefs and institutions that try to avoid these is reflected in the score on Uncertainty Avoidance. Ghana (scores 65) on this dimension. This score expresses a preference for avoiding uncertainty. Countries exhibiting high Uncertainty Avoidance maintain rigid codes of belief and behavior and are intolerant of unorthodox behavior and ideas. In these cultures there is an emotional need for rules (even if the rules never seem to work) time is money, people have an inner urge to be busy and work hard, precision and punctuality are the norm, innovation may be resisted, security is animportantelement inindividual motivation. LONG TERM ORIENTATION This dimension describes how every society has to maintain some links with its past while dealing with the challenges of the present and future, and societies prioritize these two existential goals differently. Normative societies. which score low on this dimension, for example, prefer to maintain time-honored traditions and norms while viewing societal change with suspicion. Those with a culture that scores high, on the other hand, take a more pragmatic approach: they encourage thrift and efforts in modern education as a way to prepare for the future. Ghana has an incredibly low (score of 1) in this dimension. A score this low indicates a very strong preference for a normative way of thinking. People in such societies have a strong concern with establishing the absolute Truth; they are normative in their thinking. They exhibit great respect for traditions, a relatively small propensity tosavefor thefuture, and a focusonachieving quick results. INDULGENCE One challenge that confronts humanity, now and in the past, is the degree to which small children are socialized. Without socialization, we do not become "human". This dimension is defined as the extent to which people try to control their desires and impulses, based on the way they were raised. Relatively weak control is called "Indulgence" and relatively strong control is called "Restraint". Cultures can, therefore, be described as Indulgent or Restrained. On this dimension, Ghana has a high (score of 72) People in societies classified by a high score in Indulgence generally exhibit a willingness to realize their impulses and desires about enjoying life and having fun. They possess a positive attitude and tend toward optimism. Inaddition, they place ahigher degreeof importanceonleisure time, act as they please, and spend money as they wish.
Page 11 Directness Indirect Communication: Ghanaians often favor indirect communication, preferring to convey messages subtly and respectfully. This can involve using proverbs, metaphors,or stories to deliver a point without appearing confrontational. Saving Face: Public criticism or direct negativity can be seen as a loss of face, both for the receiver and thegiver.This canlead toa moreroundabout approachtoaddressing issues. Seniority Matters: Directness can increase with seniority. Junior employees may be more hesitant to directly challengea superior's ideas. Communalism: Ghanaian emphasizes social harmony and respect for elders. This translates toa communicationstylethat prioritizes maintaining relationships and avoiding conflict. Meetings: Meetings can be more hierarchical, with senior members taking the lead and discussions following a structured format. Patience is Key: Decision-making processes can be more collaborative and time-consuming, requiring patienceand understandingof theimportanceof building consensus. Addressing colleagues: Professional and academic titles are valued in Ghana, so if a business contact has credentials, expats are advised to address them accordingly. Expats should wait to be invited torefer totheir colleaguesusing their firstnames before doing so. While older people generally prefer to be addressed formally, the younger generations speak tooneanother morecasually. Flexible timekeeping: The concept of timekeeping in Ghana is far more flexible than in Western business culture, and punctuality isn't overly important. Expats should leave a time buffer between meetings toaccommodatefor meetings that startor runlate. Networking and small talk: Ghanaians appreciate business associates who take the time to inquire about their health and family before beginning formal business proceedings. It's considered rudetorushinitial greetings and movestraightonto business. Initial business meetings in Ghana are about business associates getting to know one another and determining whether a future business relationship is likely to work on a personal level. Expats should expect to spend a fair amount of time on relationship and rapport building, and they shouldn't be surprised if no actual business matters are discussed inthefirst meeting. Business communication patterns, direct or indirect. Communication in Ghana
Page 12 The use of verbal and non-verbal language in culture. Body Language: Non-verbal cues play a significant role in Ghanaian communication. Gestures, facialexpressions,and posturecanallconveyadditional meaning. Silence:Silencecan beused toshow respect, indicatecontemplation,oreven disagreement. It's important toavoid misinterpreting silenceasalackofunderstanding. Non-verbal Affirmations: Nodding or other affirmative gestures may not always indicate full agreement, but ratherasignof respectand activelistening. Understanding these prevalent communication styles can improve your interactions with Ghanaian colleagues and business partners. Remember, effective communication is a two-way street. Be prepared to adapt your communication style to be more indirect, patient, and mindfulofnon-verbalcues. Kinesics-body movements GESTURESIn Ghana, A thumbsup isasymbol for leader ship. However, it isconsidered offensive toflashat someone whoisnotaleader. EYE CONTACTIn Ghana, it is respectful toavoid eyecontact withanindividualofahigher status POSTURE There are many different body positions that are acceptable and unacceptable in Ghaniansociety. Ones body position determines if the personis listeningand understanding theinformation presented GREETING When greeting a foreigner, the most common greeting is a handshake with a smile. However, when shaking hands between themselves, Ghanians will hold the right hand in a normal manner but thentwistand clickeachothers middlefinger. HAPTICS-TOUCH When an unfortunate even occurs, Ghanians will take their right hand and placeitonthethe person's left shoulder toconsolethe person FACIALEXPRESSION Inorder toshow that youareinterested or listening tosomeoneelse when engaged inaconversation, facialexpressionsareimperative. In Ghanianculture, facialexpressionscantell moreaboutanindividual thanactual words.
Page 13 Proxemics-Spacecont'd SPACEBETWEEN DIFFERENT GENDERSIn Ghanathereisnoset space between different genders. However, incertain partsof North Africa, thereisacertain distance betweengenders SPACE IN SOCIETY In Ghana, there is no set space in society However, it is considered disrespectful tolookat someoneintheeye whohasahigher social statusor isolder TERRITORIALITY When in public, ghanaian passengers think of nothing of bumping into, steppingon,orusingother people'sarmsand shouldersas means to prop up orhelp steadythemselves while movingaround. Chronemics TIMELINESSTO MEETINGSTheconceptof timein Ghanais different dependingonthecontext. Incasual meetings withothers from thevillage, timeisnot important. Infact, Ghaniansarevery poly-chronic (meaning that schedulesarefixableand plans are rarely concrete) However, when important business is on-hand, time is important and individualsareexpected to be punctual Para-language VOLUME In Ghana, shouting on the streets or talking too loudly indoors is considered unacceptable Para-languagecont'd SARCASM In Ghana, it is considered disrespectful when using sarcasm during a conversation witheldersor people withhigher status Symbols FLAG The flag of Ghana consists of red, gold, and green horizontal stripes with a five-pointed black star inthecenterof thegold stripe. The red strip represents the blood of those who died in the country's struggle for independence. Thegold striperepresents the mineral wealth. Thegreenstriperepresents therichforest. Thestar represents thelodestarof Africanfreedom. Symbols cont'd CARS Most peoplein Ghanacan'tafford cars dueto poverty However, theones thancan, typically driveahighclearancevehicle ARTIFACTSIn Ghana, many people puton Westernattire, including shirts pants,or dresses Some wear clothing madeof thetraditional kentecloth. In both cases, the ability the purchase expensive items, whether Western or Kente, is an important status symbol in Ghana
Page 14 Highlight your network: Having a strong network is often valued in the corporate world by executives, leaders, and entrepreneurs who resort to it in order to conduct business activities. In Ghana however, the importance of network is taken to the next level. Before engaging withyou, potential partners will first assess the widthand qualityof yournetwork. It not only shows how influential you are, but also how many doors you could open for them in the future. As such, the wider your network, the more attractive you are as a partner, and the easier the relationship-building process. The wider your network, the more attractiveyouareas a partner, and theeasier therelationship-building process. I remember when my former manager was looking for funding to grow her company but didn’t know who to approach. She finally looked into her network for people with ideas and connections to potential donors. Following this strategy, she was granted the right funding forher business. Pay attention to emotions: In most Western societies, there is a clear cut between professional relationships and personal ones. If you can show your emotions in a private setting, they are usually not welcome in a professional one, or seen as an unnecessary dramatization of things. Ghanaians on the other hand pay great attention to expressing their emotions – positive or negative, – and using them to build and strengthen relationships. This attention to emotions leads Ghanaians to be careful not to act or say things in a way that will hurt the feeling of the other person. To the directness that characterized many Western societies, they prefer the politeness of indirectness. Doing so, they protect their relationshipsonthelong run. Attend socio-cultural gatherings: Ghanaians are really engaged in socio-cultural celebrations like durbar ceremonies, christening, birthdays, funerals or weddings. They don’t hesitate to take a leave from work to attend any of them. This in mind, attending such event as a partner is seen as a great proof of dedication to building a lasting relationship. Your participation will invariably result in strengthening the bond between your partners and yourself. In addition, socio-cultural gatherings are a great place to catch up, extend your network or discuss ideas. They offer a perfect platform to engage personally with people from different backgrounds and expertise, exchange gifts, share emotions like happiness during weddings, durbar ceremoniesetc.,or mourning during funerals. building business relationships
Page 15 business etiquette Greetings and Introductions Use Handshakes: Handshakes are the commonly accepted greeting in Ghana. When meeting a woman, wait for her to initiate the handshake. For large gatherings, start with the first person on your right side and go around the room to the left. Touch only the palm and not the back of the hand. Be Flexible With Your Meeting Times: Flexibility is a key part of negotiations. People may show up later than scheduled, so plan for longer meetings to cover all the details. Always keep your appointment time even if other partners are late. This shows your reliability as well as your dedication to success. Get To Know Your Work Colleagues: It is important in Ghana to share about health, family, and other lifestyle issues. Some meetings will appear to be all about other issues rather than business and building a rapport can strengthen work relationships. Maintain Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact when meeting new clients. This shows that you are trustworthy and gives the impression that you care about everyone you encounter. Use this technique for first impressions with both men and women. Use Your Right Hand When Giving Out Business Cards: Business cards are still a valuable tool in Ghana. Use your right hand when giving out business cards. Never present a card with your left hand as it is considered a rude gesture. Silence Is Important: Silence instead of a constant talking style is valued by residents. Many people in Ghana feel that statements that could offend or hurt the feelings of another person are more likely to occur if a conversation continues over a long period. Use Local Sayings And Proverbs: Local sayings and proverbs are used frequently in most discussions. It is considered a helpful method of expressing ideas on both a personal and professional level. Carefully assess any sayings to gauge their meaning before repeating them. Greet The Most Senior Participants First: It is important to greet the most senior person in the room first. This is a sign of respect and takes into consideration which person has been delegated to speak for the group. Ask someone how to greet those in the room if you are still unsure about the situation.
Page 16 Be Careful With Humor: Donot tryhumoruntil youknow if it is accepted among the group. Let the Ghanaians set the tone for the discussion. If humorous statements are allowed, it will convey that the personyouare meeting withis comfortable withthesituation. Use Titles When Addressing People: If a person or colleague has a title such as Dr., greet them with their name as well as the appropriate title. It must also be used when referring tothe person whenthey arenot currently intheroom. Smile When You First Meet Someone: Smile when you meet people. It is thought to represent good intentions and show that you are friendly to everyone involved. The gesturealsoestablishes a positiveatmospherefor meetings. Invitations Are Welcome: Invite fellow workers to events. It does not matter if you know the personextremely wellorhave just met them. Ghanaians view being included as crucial toa good business relationship. Give Up Your Seat To Older Individuals: If all seats are taken, younger people in the room must give up their spots to older individuals. Do not address the age of the individual. Instead,offer your seat withas littleconversationas possible. Hand Gestures Matter: Some common gestures can be used to convey a range of situations. For example, scratching the palm of your left-hand means money. Be sure that youunderstand the meaningof your gesture beforeusing it inconversation. WatchYour Language: As withother business deals, avoid slangor possiblyoffensive terms. Never tell someone to shut up or refer to anyone foolish. If you are unsure about a word or itsusage, politely ask someoneabout what they consider acceptable.
Page 17 Greetings and regulations for exchanging business cards Meetings and greetings Meetings should always begin with a handshake starting with the eldest. After, youshould shakehands withthoseontherightof you, making your way across tothoseontheleft. Always shakehandsusing your righthand. Before the meeting formally begins, your business associates may want to swap pleasantries with you to get to know you better. These questions will usually relate to your health and family and inordernot toappear rudeyou mustenquireabout theirhealthand family too. Business cards are important in Ghana, so make sure you have plenty when meeting potential business partners. Similar to when shaking hands, always receive and give business cards withyour righthand. Make sure you are punctual to your meetings to make a good impression, although it is not unusual for your Ghanaian business associates to be late. Once the meeting has begun, allow the eldest and most senior associates to sit down first and if possible, it is polite to offer them a seat. Be aware that Ghanaians are not comfortable with the direct approach to business and may find it difficult to say ‘no’ in meetings. If your business associates do not agree with what youare saying, they may try toavoid answering directly but may try to decline through a more politeand sensitiveapproach.They may alsostay silent as Ghanaians find that during business meetings it is better to stay silent than to disagree to save face. Therefore, do not be offended if your questions are not answered, move on with the conversation to not make a bad impression or cause embarrassment. Also, be aware that ‘yes’ does not always meanthey agree withyou. It may take several meetings before you have fully discussed your business plans as Ghanaian business people prefer to do business with those they know and trust, therefore initial meetings will be about getting to know you. Once your meeting has finished, make sure you document any agreements or discussions you have had to prevent any misunderstandings inthefuture.
Page 18 Formal Language: Formal language is often used in professional settings, especially in writtencommunicationand interactions withsuperiors. Code-switching: Ghanaians may code-switch between English, the official language, and their native Ghanaian languages depending on the context and relationship with the listener. Formality
Business dress is similar to that in the UK and should be formal. Men should wear suits and ties, and womenshould weareither trousers/long skirts and a blouse,or a dress. Packing Dresses and Suits for Special Occasions Ghana offers many opportunities for attending formal events, so it's important to pack appropriateattire. Women can opt for stylish dresses that are lightweight and flowy. Look for breathablefabrics likecottonor linenthat will keep youcool without sacrificing style. Men should pack lightweight suits made from breathable materials to stay comfortableinformal settings whilestill looking fashionable. Outfit Ideas for Different Activities Plan your outfits based on the activities you'll engage in to make the most of your time in Ghana. Herearesomeideas: For a relaxing beach day, pack essentials such as a breezy maxi dress, a widebrimmed hat, and comfortablesandals. Whenexploring Ghana's markets and cultural sites, choose lightweight pantsor a long skirt paired with a breathable top. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must to navigatethe bustling streets. For nights out, consider elegant yet lightweight dresses for women and stylish trousers with a dress shirt for men. These outfits will keep you looking chic while remaining comfortable intheheat. Page 19 Attire Dress code for business and social activities on various occasions
Page 20 If this event had started at 9:00 a.m. as advertised, the late participants would have been punished for missing the event because the event lasted just an hour and 30 minutes. The event would have been over by 10:30 a.m. when the full set of guests arrived. When events begin late because organisers wait for a large gathering, it is a reward for the latecomers. It sends a signal that they can be late for a programme and the organisers will wait for them, and that punctuality doesn’t matter. This is unfair to the punctual guests who have to wait. It seems to me that being punctual then becomes a punishment. Someone I spoke to about this issue said: “It’s not a Ghanaian problem, it’s an individual one” explaining that most of the events or programmes he attended began on time and people were mostly punctual. I believe it is an individual problem because one would have to make a conscious effort to be on time. However, I consider it an individual problem that has gradually become a culturalone. some Ghanaians have accepted that when a program is scheduled at 10:00 a.m., it will most likely not begin on time and that if you are punctual, others will be late because that has become the norm. Common thoughts that result from this situation are: “Nobody wants to be the fool that waits”, “Why don’t I be late? When I go, everybody will be there, everything will be in motion soI can just join in”. Another person said: “ Let’s say there’s a party at 1 p.m., people will come at 4 p.m., three hours late. From 3:30 to 4 p.m. that’s when the party gets exciting!”. Another said: “Lateness is caused by something you do not consider a priority such as a birthday, outdooring, funeral, or wedding because you know that you won’t be punished if you’re late to one of these events. We place more value on certain things because we are afraid of the consequences. For example, a Ghanaian would never be late for an appointment at the American Embassy for a visa, flight,or a job interview.” In conclusion, being late has become part of the Ghanaian mindset and lifestyle even though certain individuals and organisations take time consciously. A change in timeconsciousness mindset will ensure some Ghanaians' punctuality irrespective of where they find themselves. This has the potential to avoid waste of time and increase productivity. Time, they say, is money. If this principle is understood, no Ghanaian would ever want to waste money; especially in these economic challenges. So, there must be a cultural change from time-wasting totime-consciousness. perspective on time
Page 21 Etiquette for Giving Gifts Gift-giving can be a customary practice in Ghanaian business culture, but it should be done thoughtfully and respectfully toavoid any perceptionof bribery. Gifts giving is very common among Ghanaians when building a lasting relationship. Both giving and accepting a gift are seen as a way to express one’s desire to be friends. It could just be buying your interlocutor a beer, offering to pay for lunch or dinner, giving money as an appreciation for a service rendered, or pay the school fees for a friend’s child who cannot afford to go to school (usually between €500-600). At first, the person receiving the gift might refuse it. However, with some persistence, this person will gladly accept it and be very appreciative of it. Gifts giving could also be seen as a way to secure future favors. By accepting a gift, your relation might feel indebted and willing to return your attention when needed.
Page 22 Negotiation practices Negotiation is a crucial aspect of Ghanaian business culture, and understanding these practices cansignificantly contributetosuccessfuloutcomes. Key Aspectsof Negotiationin Ghana Relationship-Based Approach Ghanaians prioritize building relationships and trust before delving into the specifics. Establishing rapport and mutual respect paves the way for a morecollaborativenegotiation process. Communal Orientation Decisions are often made with the collective good in mind, considering theimpactonthecommunity and extended network. business negotiations Effective negotiation style
Page 23 NegotiationStrategies in Ghana Indirect Communication Ghanaians may use indirect communication to convey their true position or reservations. It's important to pay attention to non-verbal cues and subtle hints throughout the negotiation. Patienceand Persistence Negotiations can be lengthy, with a focus on reaching a win-win solution. Be prepared to be patient and persistent, while demonstrating your commitment to finding common ground. Cultural Norms Influencing Negotiations in Ghana Respect for Elders and Authority Age and hierarchical position are highly respected in Ghanaian culture. Negotiations may involve deferencetosenior members and a moreformal approach. Tips for Negotiating
Page 24 Cultural precautions(Cultural faux pas) The first and the most important thing, photography. Do not take pictures of a place or a person without taking consent. When meeting thechiefof a village, donotoffer yourhand unlesshe does it first. Avoid gettingoutof your senses when drinking ina bar. No event begins before, at least, an hour’s delay from the mentioned time. Do not be a punctual audience and arrive on time for the event, unless you have ample of free time and enjoy waiting. It’s called “ Africa time ”. But, do not be late for a business meeting/appointment. Don’t sit withcrossed legs infrontofeldersor thevillagechief. It is takenas aninsult. not to waste food, water, or any resourceful thing. Even the smallest of the things value a lot in Ghana. Don't eat and walk at the same time. While it is common here to do 'fast food' and take a bite of our pizza or drink a sip of our soda while we meander towards the table, it is considered rude in Ghana to not be fully seated before the meal is touched. The practice of eating and walking is more acceptable for Oborunis (foreigners) than Obibinis (Africans), but that isonly becausethey do not challenge cultural practices outright if you do not agree with them. You are a visitor in Ghana. It is not your duty, nor place, to discriminate against the culture. You may, and will likely, see things that you disagree with, including corporal (physical) punishment to those who are misbehaving, the bribing of officials, discrimination against other African descendants, etc. This was very hard for me, to be honest. As a future psychologist and social worker (and as a humanitarian and "save the whales/trees/polar bears/children" kind of person) watching these things happen, well, it sucked, frankly. It is okay, and acceptable, to express your opinion, but remember that your opinion means no more or less than anyoneelse's,no matterhow strongly youfeel about it. Don't do anything that your grandmother wouldn't like. Don't go walking around in short skirts and a low-cut shirt or be flamboyant in your romantic relationships, should you decidetohaveonethere.Be polite.
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