Running head: Work Culture in South Africa
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Work Norms and Culture in South Africa
LaKeisha E Smith
Concordia BADM 4311: International Management
Professors: Randolph Wilt & Sebastian Vaduva
Work Culture in South Africa
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Abstract
South Africa culture has an emphasis on Old England traditions and customer when it comes to
business norms. They use things such as tea time in the afternoon that is not uncommon to go to
a business meeting with this sort of tea time happening. It is also said that the world in Africa is
that of a slow on but being punctual to events is very crucial and can be a sign of good
intentions. South Africa is bit of a paradise as some would like to believe but it is the breeding
ground for hard work, faith-based businesses and especially with a high-level account for non-
white population groups who were previously at a disadvantage with starting businesses. This is
so strongly viewed in the South Africa work culture that they are affirmative action and they
have the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) put in place for such things as these.
Work Culture in South Africa
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Work Norms and Culture in South Africa
Business in South Africa is similar to Western Europe and the United States. There are
however certain things that one should avoid when discussing certain political topics, punctuality
concerns, and being dressed for success to name a few. South Africa prefers to interact face to
face and word of mouth is something that is looked upon before meeting. There are several
languages spoke in South Africa but English is the language of business and is the most
preferred.
South Africa Culture
As previously mentioned South Africa business culture is very similar to those of western
Europe and the united states. Political issues should not be discussing when dealing with South
Africa and business transactions since this is a sensitive issue and this could easily offend a
member of the South Africa business partner. This could also cost a business partner their shot at
becoming partners with South Africa for this distasteful approach. South African business
culture doesn’t spend a lot of time establishing rapport and building relationships. The country
likes to get the transaction done so work can begin. With this being said South Africa does like
networking and the more your name is brought to a potential business partner in Africa the better
one may look during a transaction with them. South Africa business culture also values time and
time is money so to being on time is very important to the business culture. Business attire is also
something that is different for South Africa business culture is more relaxed than other places
due to the tropical island landscape. Although one can come very informal, it is best to still come
with suit and tie as another interview or business transactions.
Work Culture in South Africa
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Operations in South Africa
South Africa in 2016 was named as being one of “the next Asia” due to the economic
boom that was in full swing within the country. However, there was a decline in the global
commodity demand which slowed down some of the economic boom it was gaining. Africa
remains a promising long-term growth market. “ Its GDP grew about 3.4 percent in 2015, a full
percentage point above the global growth rate, and is expected to increase to 4.2 percent in 2016,
according to World Bank forecasts (pdf). The African Development Bank (pdf) estimates that
consumer spending will reach US$2.2 trillion by 2030 (up more than twofold from $680 billion
in 2008) (Camarate, Jorge, Hoijtink, Peter, and Puttergill, Miles, 2016).” Africa is fertile ground
for investments in some areas as infrastructure and manufacturing. These figures show an
optimistic picture of the continent as a whole. South Africa like most companies need to ensure
