Name : El Boubkraoui Fadwa

CASE STUDY: SAUDI ARABIA’S DYNAMIC CULTURE

1 - Assume you are an MNE manager who needs to send a team to Saudi Arabia to investigate
the feasibility of selling your products there. What advice should you give them to help
assure that cultural problems do not impede their success?

As a manager who sent a team to Saudi Arabia to investigate the feasibility of selling products there I
will make sure to provide them advice to help them resolve cultural problems and ensure that the
culture won't get in the way of their ability to successfully complete the work.

Of course I will advise them first to do their homework, which means study everything before going
what to do and what not to do in Saudi Arabia.

- For the gender factor they should be aware of the gender differences there because Saudi
Arabia is a conservative country with strict gender roles. Both genders are not allowed to
interact freely and this might have an impact on how the team engages with clients. For
example, for female members it would be difficult for them to interview male customers
without a male colleague.

- For the religious factor the team should expect that business and conversations will be
interrupted and stopped by a prayer since people in Saudi Arabia pray 5 times a day so they
must have their personal time to do their prayer. This means respecting their culture.

- Also, in Saudi Arabia, all sexes should wear modest and proper clothing which means women
should cover their arms and legs, and men should wear long sleeve shirts and long pants. It
is also recommended that women cover their heads with a headscarf, however visitors are
not required to do it just for a matter of respect.

- Gaining the Saudi people's trust is essential before engaging in business discussions. It is
preferable to take your time and earn their patience. it is not proper to appear impatient

2 - Assume your company is from North America or Europe and considering the establishment
of an office in Saudi Arabia. What additional operating costs might it have to assume
because of the Saudi culture?

For education, educating employees on cultural sensitivity is a must in order to prevent

misunderstandings, it's critical to educate your employees on Saudi cultural norms.
For workplaces for men and women they should be separate, having distinct entrances,
restrooms, and break areas for men and women in the workplace is one way to promote
gender equality.
Finally for the visa cost, getting a visa to work in Saudi Arabia for female employees might
be challenging.