Liberia

Greetings

Men greeting Men – Handshake with a finger snap in casual situations. A traditional handshake is common for formal and business situations.

Women greeting Women – Handshake with a softer finger snap. A traditional handshake is common for formal and business situations.

Meetings between Men and Women – Handshake with a softer finger snap A traditional handshake is common for formal and business situations.

Communication Style

• People tend to say what they mean; however, it takes a long time to say it. Emphasis is put on being a good orator, and it is normal for the speaker to feel like they have to talk for a while to get their point across.

Personal Space & Touch

• Less than arms length of personal space is common for most situations. Liberians tend to be very physical. For example, if making a point, they will reach out and touch you.
• A high level of touching is appropriate. The manner of touching depends on the relationship between the speakers (if they are sitting down, etc.). When standing, a speaker might rest a hand on your shoulder or touch your hand. When sitting, a speaker might rest his hand on your leg.

Eye Contact

• Direct eye contact is always acceptable. Depending on hierarchy and the nature of the relationship between the speaker and listener, eye contact may vary. For example, if the speaker is a ‘bossman’, the subordinate listener may avert his gaze, but this is not always common.

Views of Time

• Time is relative. There are very few expectations about being on time; meetings hardly ever start on time.

Gender Roles

• Women are generally accepted to do the majority of the housework. There is growing realization that there should be an equality of the sexes, but though many men agree to this in theory, it doesn’t seem to translate into action.

Taboos

• It is considered rude if you do not say hello to people you pass in the street. As a foreigner, it is rude not to shake hands with perfect strangers you pass in the street.
• It is important to say hello to people who make eye contact with you.

Law & Order

• The police crack down on the possession of illegal drugs, but they are not always equipped to do so properly.
• Many Liberians will ask foreigners for money and assume that you are wealthy because you are white.

• Security is a major concern and for most tourists it is essential to take proper security precautions (i.e. finding a safe driver, no walking on the streets at night, not standing out as a foreigner, etc.).

Dress

• For Men- Suit or nice attire, but not always as many people cannot afford a suit.
• For Women- Nice business suits or dress/skirt and blouse. Many people cannot afford nice attire and most clothing is second-hand.

Titles & Business Cards

• It’s best to refer to people by their professional titles.
• Present business cards with one hand; usually the right.

Meetings

• You should try to show up on time, but when you do so don’t be surprised to be the only one in the room.
• You greet everyone naturally and small talk generally is dissuaded, though many will drop small talk into the business points they are making.
• The bossman would begin and end the meeting.

Negotiations

• Bargaining is expected even if the first price is acceptable. An agreeable price can be reached in a short amount of time (i.e. five – ten minutes).

Gift Giving

• Gifts are expected only if you are doing business with traditional (rural Liberian native) people.
• Gifts are never discouraged, though some might take this to represent a bribe – which may not be discouraged, but will set a precedent.

In the Classroom

• Lecture is the most common form of teaching.

• The current security environment and quality of education are both poor.