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Endowed with rich energy resources, huge sovereign wealth fund, and a high propensity for public and private investment and spending, Saudi Arabia holds more promises than risks for multinational corporations (MNCs). Indeed, the Arabian market presents MNCs with lucrative business opportunities that are exceptionally unique in their scope, size, and duration. Competitive MNCs cannot afford to ignore rising business opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
The primary purpose of this book is to identify and address the existing and evolving challenges and opportunities confronting international executives working or contemplating investing in this vibrant market. In particular, the book enables MNCs and their managers to easily absorb and comprehend the Arabian culture and its subtle aspects, the psyche and ethos of Saudi executives and policymakers, and the political and business underpinnings for successfully dealing in Arabia. (Also see review of Dubai & Co. which covers Saudi Arabia as well as other Gulf countries)
Business and Management Environment in Saudi Arabia , written by Abbas J.Ali, contains fourteen chapters organized in a way so as to familiarize the reader with the cultural and political aspects of conducting business, the role and cultural orientations of Arabian managers, their aspirations and the limitations they face, and their social and economic dynamics. Furthermore, human resource issues and organizational forms are presented, along with an original integrative outline and framework for communicating and negotiating with Arabian counterparts. |
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Likewise, the book provides two chapters on how to position MNCs in Saudi Arabia and the prospect and promise of globalization for the market.
This book is a must read for western executives and managers working and negotiating with Arabian partners. It enables executives to set the stage for building successful, long lasting business relationships in Saudi Arabia. The book helps to minimize cultural mistakes, avoid minefields, improve communication, and enhance management skills essential for long-term business success. Global managers who are looking to gain competitive advantages in the Middle East will find this book indispensible for successfully operating in the new competitive arena of the region and its evolving global economic system.
Business and Management Environment in Saudi Arabia is not primarily about how to conduct business in the region, but rather it is about how to sustain a competitive position in Saudi Arabia and take advantage of growing and emerging business opportunities. It provides insightful information to optimally guide western managers in conducting their operations in Saudi Arabia. The book offers essential information to engage effectively with Arabian executives and policymakers, manage business activities, resolve cultural understandings, and tackle appropriate issues of group dynamics, human resource management, managing change, and develop relations with the government and the general public.
The book provides practical insights on how international executives can manage business successfully and effectively seize opportunities in one of the most dynamic markets in the world, Saudi Arabia.
It captures the reality of the business, cultural, and political climate in the Kingdom and offers international executives and researchers an opportunity to understand what it takes to successfully operate in an intriguing market and environment. The interplay of business, religion, and domestic and international political factors is presented in a coherent way. The connections and interactions among business and political elite and the nature of networking in the Kingdom are mapped and clearly articulated.
The book is thoroughly researched and highly integrated and provides a comfortable flow of information that both managers and students can easily comprehend and relate to international business practice. The following subjects are covered:
1. Socio-Political Environment
2. The State and Prospect of the Economy
3. Regional Markets and Business Environment
4. The Manager Role
5. Managerial Work Values and Beliefs
6. The Meaning and Centrality of Work
7. Group Dynamics and Work Relations
8. Communications and Negotiations
9. Human Resource Management and the Labor Market
10. Decision Making Styles and Attitudes Toward Risk
11. Organizational Change and Development
12. Organizational Form and Design
13. MNCs and Development
14. Globalization and Business Prospects References
In short, this book is intended primarily as a source for professionals who are interested in sharpening their skills in the international arena or those seeking an original insight into the nature of organizational and cultural issues in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Managers associated with MNCs and diplomats may find this book an indispensible reference.
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The above review reprinted with permission of Author. First appeared on World Security Network publication. |
