BUSINESS COMMUNICATION PRACTICES OF MALAYSIA AND PAKISTAN

Group Members:

Raheel Shafqat Ali Akber Riyaz Shaheryar Jamal Shaheryar Junejo

1034136 1039104 1039141 1039142

Submitted To:

Miss Ambreen Ahmed

MALAYSIA
FACTS & STATISTICS: Malaysia is an Islamic state came into being on 31st August 1957. Situated in the heart of South East Asia at one of the worlds major cross roads.

It has always been pivotal to trade roots from Europe, India and China.
Population of Malaysia is 28.3 (M) consisting ethnic groups of 54% Malay, 25% Chinese, 7.5% Indians, 11.8% Bhumiputras and 1.7% others.

Major religions of Malaysia are Muslims, Buddhists, Deoists, Hindus, Sikhs and Christians.
Education level of Malaysia is 88.7%

Official languages are Malay and English.

Islam is the state religion of Malaysia exert a great influence not only in the method of worship, but also on Malays way of life.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION:

In business communication Malays Deeply respect traditional customs even those of religious minorities. Malays tend to speak official language. There are several forms of non verbal communications. Following are some examples.

While in a business meetings:

The elder should be mentioned before younger. The more important before less important. And the women before men.

In rural areas it is customary for men and women to shake hands with each other. The traditional Malay greetings resembles a hand shake with both hands but without grasp.

In Malaysia Friday is considered as a Holiday for prayer. The weekend starts from Thursday.
Business hours are from 8 am to 5 pm generally. Initial greetings should be formal and denote proper respect.

MEETING ETIQUETTES:

Many Malays and Indians are uncomfortable shaking hands with a member of opposite sex Foreign men should always wait for a Malaysian women to extend hand. Foreign women should also wait for Malaysian men to extend his hand.

To demonstrate respect Chinese may look downwards rather than a person in meeting.

It is important that professional titles (Prof. Dr. etc) and honorific titles are used in business. Malays and Indians use titles with their first name while Chinese use titles with their surname.
Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions Never write on someone's card in their presence

The respect you show someone's business card is indicative of the respect you will show the individual in business.

PAKISTAN
FACTS & STATISTICS:

Pakistan an Islamic state came into being on 14th August, 1947 situated in South Asia. It shares borders with Afghanistan, China, India and Iran. Estimated population 180 (M)

Ethnic groups are Punjabi, Sindhi, Pathan, Baloch and Muhajir. State religion is Islam 97% and other minorities are 3%
Urdu is the only official language in Pakistan. Although English is generally used instead of Urdu in this regard.

English is the Lingua Franca of most of the government ministries. In businesses context, meetings are often between members of the same sex. However when dealing with the people in middle class, greetings maybe across sex lines.
Men shake hands with each other. Once relationship is developed they may hug and shake hands.

Women generally hug and kiss each other.

In meetings Pakistanis ask about health, family and business success.

BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP AND COMMUNICATION

Pakistanis prefer to work with the people they know. Pakistanis often ask personal questions as a way to get to know you as a person. If possible it is best to answer these questions.

Pakistanis are generally indirect communicators. Direct statements are made only to those with whom they have a long standing personal relationship.
They also used a great deal of hyperbole and smiles, and go out of their way to find something to praise.

Be prepare to flatter and to be flattered.

During a business meeting Pakistanis never inquire about colleagues wife and daughter. Maintain indirect eye contact.
Pakistanis can become highly emotional during business meetings (negotiations). Discussion may become heated and revert to Urdu.

Business cards are exchanged after initial introduction. Pakistanis prefer to converse in a non-controversial manner, so they will say they "will try" rather than admit that they cannot or will not be able to do something. Therefore, it is important to ask questions in several ways so you can be certain what was meant by a vague response. Silence is often used as a communication tool.

Pakistanis prefer to do business in person. They see the telephone as too impersonal a medium for business communication.

THANK YOU