Business Culture in Middle East

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would first like to express my gratitude for my research supervisor, colleagues, peers and family whose immense and constant support has been a source of continuous guidance and inspiration.

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names & surname here], declare that the following dissertation/thesis and its entire content has been an individual, unaided effort and has not been submitted or published before. Furthermore, it reflects my opinion and take on the topic and is does not represent the opinion of the University.

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Abstract

This study sought to determine whether the understanding and incorporation of certain cultural values ??in business practices is important for efficient operation in the Middle East, and especially in Saudi Arabia. Data were obtained from two instruments: Questionnaires were administered to participants who had experience working in the Middle East, who were in the impact of culture on work-related behavior, and a series of questions The interview asked the leaders of Middle East business, which is made to determine whether culture influences the behavior and style of business leaders. The data revealed that cultural consequences of the behaviors of business leaders and styles in the Middle East and particularly in Saudi Arabia were considerable. The research findings indicated that business leaders in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia, in particular, participatory leadership and prefer to delegate authority in decision-making, which is derived from the limitations of the Quran "Shura", that means consultations. Business leaders also had the responsibility for the quality of working life for employees and concern for their families and the surrounding society. The study indicated that employers trust their employees, enabling them to take lower-level decisions, but also revealed a strong relationship between career development and long-term service with an employer. Islamic religious values ??played a role in the formation of business leaders behaviors and attitudes as they were exposed to Islamic religious teachings at an early age, both at home and at school, and most of them Islamic practice religious rituals.

TABLE OF CONTENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION1

Background1

Background of the Problem4

Statement of the Problem6

Purpose of the Study8

Research Questions9

Importance of the Study9

CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW11

Business Leadership Nature11

System 1: Exploitative-authoritative,13

System 2: Benevolent-authoritative13

System 3: Consultative14

System 4: Participative Group14

Impact of Culture and Behavior Related Work16

Leadership in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East17

Economic and Business Environment in Middle East Focusing on Saudi Arabia20

Moderation in Inflationary Pressures29

Public expenditure as a motor activity30

Saudi Arabia30

Abu Dhabi31

Qatar31

Dubai32

Kuwait33

Bahrain34

Oman34

Summary36

CHAPTER 03: METHODOLOGY38

Research Design38

Subjects and Data Sources39

Data Collection40

Data Analysis41

Study Limitations42

CHAPTER 04: DATA ANALYSIS43

Analysis of the Questionnaire Responses43

Findings Regarding the Postulates44

Interviews with Business Leaders46

Comparison of Dubai with Kuwait and Qatar67

CHAPTER 05: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, DISCUSSION, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH69

Conclusions69

Business Opportunities in GCC71

Gulf States Economy71

Doing Business in Middle East72

Labor relations in the Middle East72

Best Practices in Business73

Discussion74

Suggestions for Future Research82

REFERENCES84

APPENDICES98

Appendix A101

Questionnaire on Culture1s Consequences and Work Related Behaviors101

Appendix B105

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS REGARDING THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE ON BUSINESS LEADERS105

Appendix C107

DEFINITION OF TERMS107

Appendix D109

THEORETICAL ASSUMPTIONS109

Appendix E111

ISLAM THE CORE OF IDEOLOGY IN SAUDI ARABIA111

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

Background

The Middle East has been an area of ??interest to the world as the birthplace of three monotheistic ...