Zambia

Greetings

Men greeting Men – A warm handshake with the right hand is common in most situations. Handshakes may linger and men often hold hands throughout the conversation. It has nothing to do with sexual orientation, just a sign of friendship. Sometimes a side to side hug (European style) is given; accompanied by light taps on the cheek.

Women greeting Women- A warm handshake with the right hand is common in most situations. Handshakes may linger and men often hold hands throughout the conversation. It has nothing to do with sexual orientation, just a sign of friendship. Sometimes a side to side hug (European style) is given; accompanied by light taps on the cheek.

Greetings between Men & Women- Men and women do not usually express affection openly. There is little to no physical contact after an initial handshake and many cases women and men will greet one another by standing at a distance and clasping their own hands in front of their chests.

Note: The type of handshake varies from region to region. In the Eastern Province you shake with your right hand and place your left had at your right elbow; to show respect. Throughout there is a very common up-down-up motion made when shaking hands; which is always done with the right hand, as the left hand is viewed as unclean. In Northwestern Zambia there is a very intricate series of claps and shakes. If you ask a Zambian politely, they will most likely be very happy to show their regional shake. Greetings are VERY important. In addition to basic, "Hello and how are you?” it is common to ask how one slept, how their day is going, their health, etc.

Communication Style

• Most people tend to follow a very indirect form of communicating. One Zambian described her fellow citizens are being "conciliatory", which tends to be a very apt description. People will almost never say no flat out; in no's place you may find an exaggerated pause, or something to that effect.
• People avoid having to be brutally honest, instead choosing to broach sensitive topics by referring to them in the metaphorical sense, or the third person, as it is removed from those communicating.
• Avoid asking about HIV/AIDS as there tends to be somewhat of a social stigma related to it.

Personal Space & Touch

• Generally speaking, an arm’s length or a bit less of personal space is appropriate during conversations. Personal space tends to be less between members of the same gender.
• When two people of the same sex are talking, light touching is acceptable. It is common for two men (or two women) to walk hand in hand in public. This does not have any implication on their sexual preferences; it's just a sign of friendship and closeness.
• For women, it is best not to touch a man during conversations because he may take it to mean that you are interested in him. This may be different between good friends and family members.
• There is little to no touching during initial and business meetings; this is especially true between a superior and subordinates.
• Touching, expect between friends of the same sex, is seen as very significant and should be avoided.
• Public displays of affection like kissing or hugging in public are usually considered to be sexually explicit and to be avoided.

Eye Contact

• Indirect eye contact is very important. When a young person looks an elder in the eyes it is usually seen as disrespectful.
• In many situations, if a woman looks a man in the eye she is thought to be flirting with him.
• Between equals of the same sex there is usually no problem with making direct eye contact.

Gestures

• Beckoning someone with a single index finger (raised and bended towards you) is considered to be very rude. It is usually only used when calling an animal, like a dog. Most people beckon one another with the palm facing out and moving their fingers back and forth in a scratching motion.
• Avoid beckoning someone by whistling as it is reserved for animals.

• Avoid touching someone on the head as it can be seen as mocking them. This tends to be reserved for children.

Views of Time

• While people tend to be more punctual in business settings vs. social ones, deadlines are often not met and it is common for meetings to start 1-2 hours after the time they have been called for.
• Generally speaking, people give their time freely and tend to live in the present rather than the future.

• People often refer to time my motioning where the sun will be. So later in the afternoon will be indicated by an arm extended to the west.

• Buses do not usually adhere to schedules. Instead they wait until being full to leave.

Gender Roles

• Generally speaking, women in the villages aren’t considered equal to men even though they do a bulk of the work at the homestead and in the fields. This tends to be the case in urban environments as well.
• Women are primary care givers for the entire family/community. They rarely consume alcohol, or wear slacks. Especially in rural areas.

Taboos

• Not greeting at the beginning of any interaction is considered very rude.
• Appropriate dress is very important; for example men/women in shorts is seen as sloppy. Any sloppiness is noticed and considered rude.
• Women, except in very urban settings, should never expose their thighs. All skirts and trousers should fall below the knee.
• Avoid beckoning someone by whistling as it is reserved for animals.
• Avoid touching someone on the head as it can be seen as mocking them. This tends to be reserved for children.
• Avoid asking about HIV/AIDS as there tends to be somewhat of a social stigma related to it.
• Public displays of affection like kissing or hugging in public are usually considered to be sexually explicit and to be avoided.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking and smoking age is 18 and is not heavily enforced.

• A "Clean Up Zambia" Act has been passed recently which prohibits the following in public: smoking, urinating, sex, bicycle riding in markets, etc. These laws are strongly enforced and there have been foreigners arrested for breaking them

• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Dress

• For Men- Nice slacks and button down shirts. Suits may be required in some industries, but are usually reserved for formal events.
• For Women- Many Zambian women wear traditional chitenje suits. For foreigners, a formal blouse (no shoulders exposed) and skirt or slacks which cover the knees is the way to go. Conservative attire is appropriate in most situations.
• Jeans and less causal attire (shorts especially) are not appropriate for business situations.
• Clean well pressed clothing is very important.
• If someone is under dressed or dressed like a slob it could change the way they are treated.

Titles & Business Cards

• Titles are important, especially when dealing with members of the government.
• It is best to use a title plus the surname when calling someone by name and wait to be invited to call someone by their first name.
• It is best to hand business cards with the right hand while holding your forearm with your left hand.

Meetings

• People are usually formally introduced at the beginning of the meetings and then there is someone chosen to lead the meeting.
• Business meetings may not begin on time, however it is a good idea for a foreigner to be punctual.
• It's important to greet the most senior individuals first.
• Small talk almost always precedes any formal conversations. It's appropriate to inquire about one's health, families, etc., before dealing with business. The "get to the point" mentality is usually seen as rude. Setting a friendly mood will get you a lot further than trying to be direct about anything.

Negotiations

• Bargaining is acceptable in most situations and it is best to remain calm.
• Decisions tend to come from the top down and may take awhile to be reached.
• When negotiating it's customary to greet the seller in one of the many local languages (preferably Nyanga since everyone speaks it), but usually the first offer will be outrageous, so you would probably want to bargain down to half or lower on any price they give you, in the market.
• Bargaining is expected at markets. It's best to always appear friendly, but don't back down. If all else fails walk away.
• Be sure to shop around before settling on something. Inevitably there will be 10 people or more selling the same exact items.

Gift Giving

• May not give gifts to government officials as it may make them feel embarrassed. A few small gifts with your company logo will be welcome.