Saudi Arabian Management Style

As might be expected in a culture where organisations are run along strongly hierarchical lines, managers tend to be very instructional in their approach.

Subordinates view it as the boss role to take decisions and to convey those decisions down the chain for implementation. However, the leader will often include his group in a consensus-style discussion with the final decision being taken by the leader.

One of the by-products of the belief that leaders lead and followers follow is that those things which are not specifically requested are likely to remain undone. It is, therefore, imperative that all instructions given should be clear, unambiguous and complete.

It is important to the boss that his position is respected and subordinates may show extreme levels of deference. It is of course important to remember that this deference is probably not only being shown to the organisational position of the boss but also to his family status, class connections and age.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Saudi Arabia only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.