How do people view scheduled appointments

Usually businesses are open all day Monday through Saturday.

Business appointments are rarely made before 10 am and often
Azeris are reluctant to make appointments more than 24 hours
ahead of time.

Business cards are usually exchanged during the first meeting,

with one side of the card in Azeri and the other in English or
Russian. Meetings may be conducted in Azeri, Russian or
Turkish, but official documents will always be drafted in Azeri.
 Are people expected to socialize before
conducting business?

Although direct communication is seen as a positive in

Azerbaijan, one also has to be careful to employ such
directness.
Information should always be presented in a way that is
diplomatic and sensitive so as not to cause loss of face.
The level of directness you can use is dictated by who you are
speaking with.
 Is money or a gift expected in exchange for
arranging business transactions?

It's polite to refuse a gift (or food, tea, ...) twice and only accept it when
offered a third time, do not serve yourself, wait to be served. If you are
given a wrapped gift never open it in the presence of the giver.

DO offer food or gifts three times if your Azerbaijani counterparts do not

accept them. It is polite to refuse invitations and gifts before accepting
them.
What are the attitudes toward work?

DO shake hands when greeting your Azerbaijani colleagues. When greeting a

female colleague, however, you should always wait for her to initiate the
handshake.
DO dress formally and in a conservative manner as this shows respect and
professionalism.
DONT correct or criticize your Azerbaijani associates in front of other business
colleagues, as this may cause embarrassment and harm the personal relationship.
DONT use one finger to point. Instead use the whole hand when making gestures.
 Are people comfortable doing business
through email, telephone, fax?

Business cards are usually exchanged during the first meeting.

It is considered polite to have one side translated into Azeri and the
other side in English or Russian.
Is there Tolerance for minority religions?

The Constitution of Azerbaijan provides that persons of all faiths may

choose and practice their religion without restriction; however, some
sources state that there have been some abuses and restrictions.
Under the law on religious freedom, political parties cannot engage in
religious activity, and religious leaders are forbidden from seeking public
office. Religious facilities may not be used for political purposes.
 affect business and
government activities?

2122 March is Novruz (the new year), an old Persian holiday celebrated
on the day of the vernal equinox. Novruz is the most distinctive Azeri
holiday, accompanied by extensive cleaning and cooking in homes.
No serious affect on business and government activities.
Is the society homogenous or
heterogeneous?

Azerbaijan a more homogeneous character.The Constitution, adopted on

12 November 1995 in the wake of a referendum, outlines the democratic
principals by which the modern nation is governed.
Azerbaijan maintains a system of democratically elected government. It
adheres to the rule of law, and maintains an open, modern, secular
state.
 What are primary resources
and principal products?

Oil-rich Azerbaijan has always been known for its natural resources.
Azerbaijans economy achieved high economic growth in recent years
which is mainly due to large oil and gas exports but also because of a
booming construction, banking and real estate sector.
 large? Family controlled?
Government controlled?

Azerbaijan is run in a manner similar to the feudalism found in Europe

during the Middle Ages: a handful of well-connected families control
certain geographic areas, as well as certain sectors of the economy.