Almazing KZ Blog

The world’s ninth largest country, Kazakhstan occupies a vast but relatively isolated space

between Europe and Asia. Kazakhstan has a long and rich history, having evolved from a
nomad civilisation dating back to the first millennium BC through various periods of
expansion and occupation by the Soviets to its current position as a modern nation state. Its
diverse ethnic composition combines the native Kazakh people and tribes with a large
population of Russians, who each make up approximately half of the population, but remain
separated by language and religion. The convergence of these two distinct populations has
created a unique culture reliant on both agricultural and industrial ways of life. With an
abundance of natural resources and a growing economy, today Kazakhstan is an attractive
market for foreign business and investments. An understanding of this distinctive Kazakh
culture is essential for any organisation or individual wishing to do business in Kazakhstan.
Kazakh Culture - Key concepts and values
Hospitality – Traditionally a nomadic culture, hospitality has always been an important part
of Kazakh culture. Displays of generosity and welcoming behaviour are common in both
social and business Kazakh spheres. An invitation to the traditional Kazakh feast, dastarkhan,
is the most popular form of Kazakh hospitality. Sharing food and drink with family, friends
and acquaintances is an essential part of Kazakh culture and should be respected and shared.
Tradition – Kazakh traditions and culture have been passed on from one generation to
another through oral histories told by traditional Kazakh tribal leaders and elders. Much of
the traditional Kazakh culture was lost under Soviet rule but strong elements remain today
and are celebrated among family, a central part of Kazakh society. While the country is
becoming increasingly modernised and in contact with global culture, Kazakhs hold on
strongly to their traditions and culture of which they are proud.
Religion – Before the introduction of the Sunni branch of Islam in the seventeenth and
eighteenth centuries, Kazaks held strong animist and shamanist beliefs. Since Soviet rule
when many Russians came to live in Kazakhstan, the Russian Orthodox religion has had an
important presence in Kazakh society. Today, the government struggles to maintain a
Doing Business in Kazakhstan © Communicaid Group Ltd. 2007
healthy balance between the two and they generally have an equal presence in Kazakh
society. Visiting Kazakhstan or doing business with Kazakhs, it is important to be aware of
these cultural differences and sensitivities, as well as the unique traditions and customs of
each and how they influence Kazakh culture and business etiquette.
Doing Business in Kazakhstan
Conquered by Russia in the 18th century, Kazakhstan was under Soviet rule until it gained
independence in 1991. During the 1990s, Kazakhstan went through a period of economic
decline having lost ties with their largest supporter. Since then a series of economic reforms
and privatisation have allowed for tremendous growth and development into new sectors
including energy and oil which until then had been largely untapped. An abundance of
natural resources and agricultural products has also helped Kazakhstan’s economy
tremendously. Today Kazakhstan still struggles to maintain a balance between its industrial
and agricultural sectors and the amount of foreign investment and influence, but by and large
Kazakhs are enjoying a period of growth and improvement. Many are investing large sums
in nearby countries and establishing extensive international networks. As Kazakhstan strives
to open its economy and borders to the rest of the world, those wishing to invest or do
business with Kazakhs should be aware of the unique business culture and etiquette of
Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan Business Part 1 - Working in Kazakhstan (Pre-departure)
o Working practices in Kazakhstan
• Business in Kazakhstan tends to take longer than in most Western societies, so
patience and taking time to establish relationships with Kazakh colleagues is
essential.
• Many people in Kazakhstan are Muslim so it is not uncommon for them to take
breaks from work during the day for prayer. Be aware of this as you do business
with Kazakhs and try to schedule appointments around the prayer schedule if
necessary.
o Structure and hierarchy in Kazakh companies
• Kazakh business culture dictates a strict hierarchical structure where leaders separate
themselves from the group and power is distributed from the top.
• There is generally only one key decision maker, a position occupied by the most
senior person in the company. Those in a more subordinate position represent the
business during meetings but do not have the authority to make decisions.
• The formality and structure of greetings in Kazakhstan reflect the position a person
has in society. Normally the less senior person would extend their hand first to show
respect and deference.
Doing Business in Kazakhstan © Communicaid Group Ltd. 2007
o Working relationships in Kazakhstan
• Establishing close personal contacts is key to all business dealings in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhs prefer to get to know a person before entering into business with them and
committing themselves to business decisions.
• Kazakhs tend to have an indirect style of communication which makes
understanding and getting to know them a little more challenging and timeconsuming.
Spending the time talking and getting to know each other will help the
business relationship and ensure more efficient decision-making.
Kazakhstan Business Part 2 - Doing Business in Kazakhstan
o Business practices in Kazakhstan
• In Kazakh business etiquette, initial introductions tend to be relatively informal.
Shaking hands and using first names is common, especially in more informal get
togethers outside of business.
• Generally speaking, business meetings in Kazakhstan are somewhat unstructured
and open to variation. Kazakhs are very traditionally oriented but recognise that in
order to progress they must be open to new ideas. Meetings are often a place for
discussion and new ideas.
• The negotiation process in Kazakhstan can often become very lively and involved.
Kazakhs are known for their love of argument and debate, but be sure that you never
openly contradict someone who is more senior than you.
• The exchanging of business cards is common practice. Business cards should be
translated into English and Russian. When receiving a card it is polite to take a
minute to look at it carefully before putting it away.
o Kazakh business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)

DO shake hands with your Kazakh colleagues when arriving and leaving business
discussions. When greeting a female colleague however, you should always wait for
her to initiate the handshake.

DO accept an invitation to a traditional Kazakh meal, as hospitality is one of the most
important parts of Kazakh culture and getting to know your business counterparts on
a more personal level is paramount for successful business interactions.

DO show respect towards your Kazakh business associates by taking a sensitive
approach to proper behaviour and cultural gestures. Be aware in particular that a
number of Kazakhs are Muslim and therefore, using the left hand to pass something
to them, for example, could bring shame to the individual and should be avoided.

DO dress suitably and in a conservative manner. This is especially important for
businesswomen, who should wear modest clothing.
Doing Business in Kazakhstan © Communicaid Group Ltd. 2007
 DON’T assume that business will always be conducted in Russian, the predominant
language of use in Kazakh business. The issue of which language to use is a hot
political topic and one which is frequently debated in Kazakh society. Always check
in advance which they will be using and have your materials translated and an
interpreter ready.
 DON’T assume that all Kazakhs are of the same religion or ethnicity since the
population is divided almost equally between native Kazakhs and Russians. While
some sensitivity exists between the many religious groups and ethnicities, people are
relatively tolerant and open.
 DON’T expect a written contract for every decision or deal made. If you are on good
terms with a Kazakh and have a solid relationship of trust and mutual
understanding, often a handshake is enough to ‘seal the deal’.
Kazakhstan Culture Quiz - True or False
1. Sharing meals, hunting and having BBQs are common ways of building rapport with
your Kazakh counterparts.
2. Social class separates society in Kazakhstan.
3. Kazakhs place a high importance on family traditions and respecting their elders.
4. There are few women present in Kazakh business.
5. When invited to someone’s home, it is polite to remove your shoes at the door.
Culture Quiz - answers
1. True. Most of these are traditional ways of spending time together but still an
important part of building relationships in Kazakhstan.
2. False. Certain divisions exist based on traditional tribal affiliations but there is also a
growing division between classes as some Kazakhs become wealthier through oil and
industry investments while others are left behind.
3. True.
4. False. While women typically have a more traditional role in the home, minding the
children and preparing the food, they are increasingly becoming employed in
important positions. No matter their role, women should be treated with respect.

5. True.

* Source: CIA World Factbook 2007