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Jordan
- Jordan is a stable, moderate Middle Eastern kingdom with a small but strategically located economy; key sectors include services, tourism, IT and outsourcing, pharmaceuticals, potash and phosphate mining, and a growing tech startup scene centered in Amman
- The high Power Distance score of 70 means hierarchical structures are respected, and senior leaders and decision-makers hold significant authority, and access to them is often mediated through trusted intermediaries and established networks
- With a Collectivism-oriented score of 30 (IDV), family ties, tribal affiliations, and personal networks (wasta, and connections and influence) are fundamental to how business operates; building trusted relationships is a prerequisite for successful partnerships
- The relatively low Masculinity score of 45 indicates a culture that values quality of life, social harmony, and cooperation alongside professional achievement, and aggressive or confrontational business tactics are poorly received
- Jordan's very low Long-Term Orientation score of 16 reflects a culture that places high value on tradition, established social norms, religious principles, and maintaining continuity, and rapid disruption or disregard for established ways will encounter resistance
- Jordan's tech sector has emerged as a regional leader, with Amman hosting a vibrant startup ecosystem in fintech, edtech, healthtech, and gaming, supported by incubators, accelerators, and increasing venture capital flows
- Water scarcity is one of Jordan's most critical challenges, driving innovation in water management, desalination, and sustainable agriculture, and creating significant opportunities in environmental technology
- Jordan continues to diversify its economy away from dependence on foreign aid and remittances, with a focus on attracting foreign direct investment, expanding free trade zones, and developing the tourism sector
- The country hosts one of the world's largest refugee populations per capita, primarily from Syria and Iraq, which has significant implications for labor markets, public services, and international development funding
- Renewable energy investment has accelerated rapidly, with Jordan becoming a regional leader in solar and wind energy, and the country aims to generate a significant portion of its electricity from renewable sources
- Arabic is the official language and is used in most business contexts, though English is widely spoken in Amman's business community, international companies, and the tech sector
- Communication tends to be warm, relationship-focused, and indirect when it comes to delivering negative news, saying "no" directly is uncommon, so listen for phrases like "inshallah" (God willing), "let's see," or subject changes as possible soft declines
- Building rapport before business is essential, and expect initial meetings to focus heavily on getting to know each other personally, sharing coffee or tea, and discussing family, travel, or mutual connections
- The high PDI of 70 means communication style should be adapted to hierarchy, and address senior leaders with appropriate respect and titles, and be aware that junior team members may defer to their superiors in meetings
- Written proposals and contracts should be thorough and well-structured (reflecting UAI 65), but understand that personal trust and verbal agreements carry as much weight as signed documents in Jordanian business culture
- Decision-making is typically top-down, with final authority resting with the owner, CEO, or patriarch in family businesses; prepare to present to and convince senior decision-makers directly
- Work pace is relationship-driven, building trust takes time, and pushing for rapid decisions or transactional interactions can undermine the relationship and delay progress further
- The workweek in Jordan runs Sunday through Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend; during Ramadan, working hours are typically shortened, and business pace slows significantly
- Jordanian professionals are often highly educated (many with degrees from Western universities) and multilingual, and do not underestimate the sophistication and global awareness of your counterparts
- Teamwork and loyalty within organizations are strong, reflecting the collectivist orientation, and employees are often deeply committed to leaders who show personal care and reciprocal loyalty
- Hospitality is a cornerstone of Jordanian culture, accepting offers of coffee (Arabic coffee, often cardamom-flavored) and tea is expected and signals openness to relationship building; refusing repeatedly can be seen as unfriendly
- Dress conservatively and professionally, and men in suits, women in modest business attire covering shoulders and knees; while Amman is relatively liberal, erring on the side of modesty shows cultural sensitivity
- Greetings are warm, and a handshake with right hand is standard between men; with women, wait for the woman to extend her hand first, as some may prefer not to shake hands with men for religious reasons
- When visiting Jordan, showing genuine interest in the country's history, culture, and achievements (Petra, the Dead Sea, Jordanian hospitality) is deeply appreciated and strengthens rapport
- Business meals are important social occasions, and if invited to a Jordanian home, bringing sweets or pastries is a kind gesture; eat with the right hand, and expect generous portions as a sign of hospitality
- Amman is the commercial and political capital and where most business activity takes place; the city is hilly, spread out, and best navigated by taxi or ride-hailing services (Careem is widely used)
- Jordan is generally safe for business travelers, though it is wise to stay informed about regional geopolitical developments; the country maintains strong security infrastructure
- The Jordanian dinar (JOD) is one of the highest-valued currencies in the world and is pegged to the US dollar; credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments, but carry cash for smaller shops and taxis
- Summers in Amman are hot and dry (35–40°C), while winters can be surprisingly cold (5–10°C with occasional snow); dress and plan accordingly depending on your travel dates
- Visit Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum if time permits, not only are these spectacular experiences, but demonstrating appreciation for Jordan's natural and historical heritage earns genuine respect from Jordanian counterparts
- Lead with personal engagement and accessible authority, and the high PDI of 70 means your team expects clear leadership, but the low MAS of 45 means they also expect that leadership to be compassionate, supportive, and attentive to their well-being
- Build loyalty through reciprocity, and in a collectivist culture (IDV 30), investing in employees' personal development, supporting their families during milestones or difficulties, and showing genuine care creates deep organizational commitment
- Respect tradition and established practices while introducing change gradually, and the very low LTO of 16 means rapid transformation without honoring existing norms and values will be met with discomfort and resistance
- Provide clear structures and roles (reflecting UAI 65) while allowing for the personal, relationship-based flexibility that characterizes Jordanian work culture
- Understand the role of wasta (influence and connections), rather than fighting this system, learn to navigate it ethically by building your own network of trusted relationships and leveraging them for mutual benefit