Summary: <a href="http://complianceandethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Compliance-Perspectives-Cover-Art-1024x1024.jpg"></a><a href="http://complianceandethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/turteltaub-adam-200x200-150x1501.jpg"></a>By Adam Turteltaub<br><br> adam.turteltaub@corporatecompliance.org<br> <a href="mailto:helshaffei@gmail.com">Hossam El Shaffei</a> from <a href="http://www.rsm.global">RSM Consulting</a> is an expert on doing business in the Middle East. An Egyptian by birth, he has worked throughout the region and currently calls Jordan his home (not Lebanon as I mistakenly said on the podcast).<br> We met in Abu Dhabi at the ACFE regional conference there, and his insights were deep and plentiful. He agreed to share them in this podcast. Listen in as he explains:<br> <br> * It is important to realize that there is no one culture in the region, but many<br> * Things like baksheesh, the giving of gifts, is common but has risen from a voluntary gift for helping you to an outright bribe that is often considered required<br> * Tribal cultures and family-owned businesses are much more common<br> * Sanctions are a particular risk since they are not consistently followed<br> * Tone at the top is critical<br> * Whistleblowing is a challenge in the Middle East, as it is elsewhere, including protection against retaliation.<br> <br>
