The Role of Multinational Companies in the Middle East

The Role of Multinational Companies in the Middle East

Author: Mamarinta P. Mababaya

Publisher: Universal-Publishers

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 488

ISBN-13: 1581121725

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This study investigated whether known economic and international business theories available in the literature are meaningful enough to explain the nature, existence and role of multinational companies (MNCs) in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia. Two sets of questionnaires were distributed in major cities of Saudi Arabia -- one set for 100 multinational managers and another for 280 multinational customers. 234 questionnaires were collected -- 45 from multinational managers and 189 from customers. This represents a total response rate of 62 percent, which is adequate for this study.The empirical results, supported with comprehensive secondary data, confirmed virtually all of the research hypotheses. The study found that joint ventures are the dominant form of multinational business in Saudi Arabia, both in manufacturing and service industries. The core roles of MNCs in the Saudi-foreign ventures are evident in the cross-border value-adding activities of marketing, trading, manufacturing, consulting, contracting, project management, insurance, hotel operation and banking. Likewise, MNCs provide licensing, franchising, financing services and various auxiliary roles in the Kingdom. Therefore, the multinationality of a firm or a group of firms operating across national boundaries is not necessarily synonymous with international production -- the main subject of contemporary multinational theories.The respondents generally perceived the competitiveness of MNCs operating in Saudi Arabia as a function of a number of economic, management, marketing, technological and other variables. They also perceived the contributions of MNCs to the KingdomÍs socio-economic developments as significant and positive.The study also found that understanding Islamic values and ethics is important for MNCs. In this regard, the researcher looked at some objective indicators of business success and related them to selected measures of MNCsÍ local cultural awareness and responsiveness. The results indicate that the business success of multinationals operating in Saudi Arabia is positively related to their local cultural awareness and responsiveness. Along this line, this study covers some vital elements of Islamic culture, which will help MNCs understand further the cultural needs, values and sensitivities of the Saudi people and Muslims in general.


Book Synopsis The Role of Multinational Companies in the Middle East by : Mamarinta P. Mababaya

Download or read book The Role of Multinational Companies in the Middle East written by Mamarinta P. Mababaya and published by Universal-Publishers. This book was released on 2002 with total page 488 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study investigated whether known economic and international business theories available in the literature are meaningful enough to explain the nature, existence and role of multinational companies (MNCs) in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia. Two sets of questionnaires were distributed in major cities of Saudi Arabia -- one set for 100 multinational managers and another for 280 multinational customers. 234 questionnaires were collected -- 45 from multinational managers and 189 from customers. This represents a total response rate of 62 percent, which is adequate for this study.The empirical results, supported with comprehensive secondary data, confirmed virtually all of the research hypotheses. The study found that joint ventures are the dominant form of multinational business in Saudi Arabia, both in manufacturing and service industries. The core roles of MNCs in the Saudi-foreign ventures are evident in the cross-border value-adding activities of marketing, trading, manufacturing, consulting, contracting, project management, insurance, hotel operation and banking. Likewise, MNCs provide licensing, franchising, financing services and various auxiliary roles in the Kingdom. Therefore, the multinationality of a firm or a group of firms operating across national boundaries is not necessarily synonymous with international production -- the main subject of contemporary multinational theories.The respondents generally perceived the competitiveness of MNCs operating in Saudi Arabia as a function of a number of economic, management, marketing, technological and other variables. They also perceived the contributions of MNCs to the KingdomÍs socio-economic developments as significant and positive.The study also found that understanding Islamic values and ethics is important for MNCs. In this regard, the researcher looked at some objective indicators of business success and related them to selected measures of MNCsÍ local cultural awareness and responsiveness. The results indicate that the business success of multinationals operating in Saudi Arabia is positively related to their local cultural awareness and responsiveness. Along this line, this study covers some vital elements of Islamic culture, which will help MNCs understand further the cultural needs, values and sensitivities of the Saudi people and Muslims in general.

International Business in the Middle East

International Business in the Middle East

Author: Erdener Kaynak

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2015-10-16

Total Pages: 296

ISBN-13: 3110852179

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16.5 Within Western Countries -- 16.6 Between the Two Groups -- 16.7 Future Market Scenarios in the Middle East -- References -- The Editor -- The Authors -- Author Index -- Subject Index


Book Synopsis International Business in the Middle East by : Erdener Kaynak

Download or read book International Business in the Middle East written by Erdener Kaynak and published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. This book was released on 2015-10-16 with total page 296 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 16.5 Within Western Countries -- 16.6 Between the Two Groups -- 16.7 Future Market Scenarios in the Middle East -- References -- The Editor -- The Authors -- Author Index -- Subject Index

International Business and the Middle East

International Business and the Middle East

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1979

Total Pages: 460

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis International Business and the Middle East by :

Download or read book International Business and the Middle East written by and published by . This book was released on 1979 with total page 460 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

International Business Success in a Strange Cultural Environment

International Business Success in a Strange Cultural Environment

Author: Mamarinta P. Mababaya

Publisher: Universal-Publishers

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 9781581125870

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The book focuses on the cultural aspect of the author's published PhD thesis entitled "The Role of Multinational Companies in the Middle East: The Case of Saudi Arabia", which he has carried out at the University of Westminster. It explores the success of multinational enterprises doing business in Saudi Arabia vis-à-vis their cultural awareness and responsiveness. The empirical findings discussed in this book reveal that international business success in a strange cultural environment depends partly on the ability of multinational managers to understand the local culture. The cultural subject in this book pertains to Islam in its entirety. The findings may seem strange to many readers who are not familiar with Islamic culture, in its purest form. Many newcomers to Saudi Arabia -- especially non-Muslim foreign investors, businessmen and workers -- often find many things "strange" about the Kingdom, its people and cultural values. Some feel it odd that many Muslims give more importance to prayer than business. Some are disappointed when they find commercial establishments like shopping centres closed as Muslim workers go to the mosques to attend to their daily prayers. Business visitors find strange the fact that in the midst of their meetings with their Saudi or Muslim counterparts, the latter excuse themselves for prayer. They have these "strange" feelings due to their lack of understanding of true Islamic culture. The cultural aspect of this book will help businessmen and concerned institutions worldwide gain understanding of Islam and reconcile their cultural differences with the Muslim world. Through this book, international companies will be able to have a better understanding of authentic Islamic culture, which will help them gain greater competitive advantages in the Saudi marketplace.


Book Synopsis International Business Success in a Strange Cultural Environment by : Mamarinta P. Mababaya

Download or read book International Business Success in a Strange Cultural Environment written by Mamarinta P. Mababaya and published by Universal-Publishers. This book was released on 2003 with total page 384 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book focuses on the cultural aspect of the author's published PhD thesis entitled "The Role of Multinational Companies in the Middle East: The Case of Saudi Arabia", which he has carried out at the University of Westminster. It explores the success of multinational enterprises doing business in Saudi Arabia vis-à-vis their cultural awareness and responsiveness. The empirical findings discussed in this book reveal that international business success in a strange cultural environment depends partly on the ability of multinational managers to understand the local culture. The cultural subject in this book pertains to Islam in its entirety. The findings may seem strange to many readers who are not familiar with Islamic culture, in its purest form. Many newcomers to Saudi Arabia -- especially non-Muslim foreign investors, businessmen and workers -- often find many things "strange" about the Kingdom, its people and cultural values. Some feel it odd that many Muslims give more importance to prayer than business. Some are disappointed when they find commercial establishments like shopping centres closed as Muslim workers go to the mosques to attend to their daily prayers. Business visitors find strange the fact that in the midst of their meetings with their Saudi or Muslim counterparts, the latter excuse themselves for prayer. They have these "strange" feelings due to their lack of understanding of true Islamic culture. The cultural aspect of this book will help businessmen and concerned institutions worldwide gain understanding of Islam and reconcile their cultural differences with the Muslim world. Through this book, international companies will be able to have a better understanding of authentic Islamic culture, which will help them gain greater competitive advantages in the Saudi marketplace.

Business Politics in the Middle East

Business Politics in the Middle East

Author: Steffen Hertog

Publisher: Hurst Publishers

Published: 2013-04-25

Total Pages: 386

ISBN-13: 1849042357

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Although most Arab countries remain authoritarian, many have undergone a restructuring of state-society relations in which lower- and middle-class interest groups have lost ground while big business has benefited in terms of its integration into policy-making and the opening of economic sectors that used to be state-dominated. Arab businesses have also started taking on aspects of public service provision in health, media and education that used to be the domain of the state; they have also become increasingly active in philanthropy. The ‘Arab Spring,’ which is likely to lead to a more pluralistic political order, makes it all the more important to understand business interests in the Middle East, a segment of society that on the one hand has often been close to the ancien regime, but on the other will play a pivotal role in a future social contract. Among the topics addressed by the authors are the role of business in recent regime change; the political outlook of businessmen; the consequences of economic liberalisation on the composition of business elites in the Middle East; the role of the private sector in orienting government policies; lobbying of government by business interests and the mechanisms by which governments seek to keep businesses dependent on them.


Book Synopsis Business Politics in the Middle East by : Steffen Hertog

Download or read book Business Politics in the Middle East written by Steffen Hertog and published by Hurst Publishers. This book was released on 2013-04-25 with total page 386 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Although most Arab countries remain authoritarian, many have undergone a restructuring of state-society relations in which lower- and middle-class interest groups have lost ground while big business has benefited in terms of its integration into policy-making and the opening of economic sectors that used to be state-dominated. Arab businesses have also started taking on aspects of public service provision in health, media and education that used to be the domain of the state; they have also become increasingly active in philanthropy. The ‘Arab Spring,’ which is likely to lead to a more pluralistic political order, makes it all the more important to understand business interests in the Middle East, a segment of society that on the one hand has often been close to the ancien regime, but on the other will play a pivotal role in a future social contract. Among the topics addressed by the authors are the role of business in recent regime change; the political outlook of businessmen; the consequences of economic liberalisation on the composition of business elites in the Middle East; the role of the private sector in orienting government policies; lobbying of government by business interests and the mechanisms by which governments seek to keep businesses dependent on them.

Business and Management Environment in Saudi Arabia

Business and Management Environment in Saudi Arabia

Author: Abbas Ali

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2009-02-11

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 1135695881

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For the last 60 years, Saudi Arabia has assumed a vital economic role and has been situated on the center stage of the global economic and political scene. While the market was once dominated by American and British firms, and later Japanese corporations, Korean and Chinese companies have now aggressively entered the market and have posed serious challenges to entrenched multinational corporations. The Saudi market has newly become an arena for unbridled competition. As companies must adapt and embark on creative means to sustain their positions in dynamic markets, multinational corporations must also find a comprehensive approach to dealing with cultural and political developments. Having a competitive edge demands familiarity with market nuances and peculiarities in addition to providing quality product and service. Business and Management Environment in Saudi Arabia is not primarily about how to conduct business in the region, but rather it provides insightful information to optimally guide western managers in conducting their operations in Saudi Arabia. The book offers essential information to engage effectively, manage business activities, resolve cultural understandings, and tackle appropriate issues of group dynamics, human resource management, managing change, and development and relations with the government and the general public. As such, it is required reading for both business leaders and academics alike.


Book Synopsis Business and Management Environment in Saudi Arabia by : Abbas Ali

Download or read book Business and Management Environment in Saudi Arabia written by Abbas Ali and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2009-02-11 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For the last 60 years, Saudi Arabia has assumed a vital economic role and has been situated on the center stage of the global economic and political scene. While the market was once dominated by American and British firms, and later Japanese corporations, Korean and Chinese companies have now aggressively entered the market and have posed serious challenges to entrenched multinational corporations. The Saudi market has newly become an arena for unbridled competition. As companies must adapt and embark on creative means to sustain their positions in dynamic markets, multinational corporations must also find a comprehensive approach to dealing with cultural and political developments. Having a competitive edge demands familiarity with market nuances and peculiarities in addition to providing quality product and service. Business and Management Environment in Saudi Arabia is not primarily about how to conduct business in the region, but rather it provides insightful information to optimally guide western managers in conducting their operations in Saudi Arabia. The book offers essential information to engage effectively, manage business activities, resolve cultural understandings, and tackle appropriate issues of group dynamics, human resource management, managing change, and development and relations with the government and the general public. As such, it is required reading for both business leaders and academics alike.

Challenges of Growth and Globalization in the Middle East and North Africa

Challenges of Growth and Globalization in the Middle East and North Africa

Author: Mr.Hamid R Davoodi

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2003-09-05

Total Pages: 44

ISBN-13: 9781589062290

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The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is an economically diverse region. Despite undertaking economic reforms in many countries, and having considerable success in avoiding crises and achieving macroeconomic stability, the region’s economic performance in the past 30 years has been below potential. This paper takes stock of the region’s relatively weak performance, explores the reasons for this out come, and proposes an agenda for urgent reforms.


Book Synopsis Challenges of Growth and Globalization in the Middle East and North Africa by : Mr.Hamid R Davoodi

Download or read book Challenges of Growth and Globalization in the Middle East and North Africa written by Mr.Hamid R Davoodi and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2003-09-05 with total page 44 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is an economically diverse region. Despite undertaking economic reforms in many countries, and having considerable success in avoiding crises and achieving macroeconomic stability, the region’s economic performance in the past 30 years has been below potential. This paper takes stock of the region’s relatively weak performance, explores the reasons for this out come, and proposes an agenda for urgent reforms.

Management and International Business Issues in Jordan

Management and International Business Issues in Jordan

Author: Kip Becker

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-01-11

Total Pages: 206

ISBN-13: 1136396438

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Understand the economic, cultural, and enterprise issues facing the Arab countries of the Middle East!Jordan is playing a vital role in the economic and political transformation of the Middle East, but little research has been done on its business climate. Management and International Business Issues in Jordan fills that gap. This groundbreaking volume spans the social, cultural, economic, and enterprise issues facing Jordan, as seen by Arab managers, academics, finance professionals, and business leaders. Many experts believe that Jordan has the potential to become another Singapore. Management and International Business Issues in Jordan suggests ways your company can be among the first to establish profitable business enterprises in this strategically placed nation. It analyzes corporate culture and the best tactics for consolidating your firm’s economic position.Management and International Business Issues in Jordan provides empirical research and pragmatic advice on how to make your business in Jordan a success, including: reducing high transaction costs working with, not against, the prevailing corporate culture understanding why multinational corporations should choose a joint venture strategy as the most effective way to establish a presence encouraging the growth of business and the involvement of entrepreneurs improving the local infrastructure to attract international investment responding positively to the challenges of reform and internationalization understanding the complex historical factors that still influence Jordan’s economy recognizing the sources of job satisfaction in traditional Arab corporate cultureWhether your business is based in Jordan or you are planning to expand to that market, Management and International Business Issues in Jordan provides the information you need to make your venture a success.


Book Synopsis Management and International Business Issues in Jordan by : Kip Becker

Download or read book Management and International Business Issues in Jordan written by Kip Becker and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-01-11 with total page 206 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Understand the economic, cultural, and enterprise issues facing the Arab countries of the Middle East!Jordan is playing a vital role in the economic and political transformation of the Middle East, but little research has been done on its business climate. Management and International Business Issues in Jordan fills that gap. This groundbreaking volume spans the social, cultural, economic, and enterprise issues facing Jordan, as seen by Arab managers, academics, finance professionals, and business leaders. Many experts believe that Jordan has the potential to become another Singapore. Management and International Business Issues in Jordan suggests ways your company can be among the first to establish profitable business enterprises in this strategically placed nation. It analyzes corporate culture and the best tactics for consolidating your firm’s economic position.Management and International Business Issues in Jordan provides empirical research and pragmatic advice on how to make your business in Jordan a success, including: reducing high transaction costs working with, not against, the prevailing corporate culture understanding why multinational corporations should choose a joint venture strategy as the most effective way to establish a presence encouraging the growth of business and the involvement of entrepreneurs improving the local infrastructure to attract international investment responding positively to the challenges of reform and internationalization understanding the complex historical factors that still influence Jordan’s economy recognizing the sources of job satisfaction in traditional Arab corporate cultureWhether your business is based in Jordan or you are planning to expand to that market, Management and International Business Issues in Jordan provides the information you need to make your venture a success.

State-Owned Enterprises in Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia: Size, Costs, and Challenges

State-Owned Enterprises in Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia: Size, Costs, and Challenges

Author: Mr. Ernesto Ramirez Rigo

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2021-09-20

Total Pages: 153

ISBN-13: 1513594087

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Prior to the COVID-19 shock, the key challenge facing policymakers in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia region was how to generate strong, sustainable, job-rich, inclusive growth. Post-COVID-19, this challenge has only grown given the additional reduction in fiscal space due to the crisis and the increased need to support the recovery. The sizable state-owned enterprise (SOE) footprint in the region, together with its cost to the government, call for revisiting the SOE sector to help open fiscal space and look for growth opportunities.


Book Synopsis State-Owned Enterprises in Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia: Size, Costs, and Challenges by : Mr. Ernesto Ramirez Rigo

Download or read book State-Owned Enterprises in Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia: Size, Costs, and Challenges written by Mr. Ernesto Ramirez Rigo and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2021-09-20 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Prior to the COVID-19 shock, the key challenge facing policymakers in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia region was how to generate strong, sustainable, job-rich, inclusive growth. Post-COVID-19, this challenge has only grown given the additional reduction in fiscal space due to the crisis and the increased need to support the recovery. The sizable state-owned enterprise (SOE) footprint in the region, together with its cost to the government, call for revisiting the SOE sector to help open fiscal space and look for growth opportunities.

Managing Multinationals in the Middle East

Managing Multinationals in the Middle East

Author: Wagdy M. Abdallah

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2000-11-30

Total Pages: 289

ISBN-13: 031300434X

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This comprehensive analysis discusses how American and non-American multinational corporations (MNCs) can plan, manage, and control their business activities and invest in four selected Middle East countries: Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabaia—and as a special unique feature, a fifth country, Israel. Abdallah covers in detail the tax systems and regulations and their effect on business in the Middle East. He looks at the future of the business environment and its effect on accounting in the Middle East during the first decades of the new century, and examines the role of different local and international organizations that are helping to make the Middle East an excellent place to do business. Combining the Arab countries with Israel into a single volume, and writing in a remarkably clear style, Abadallah offers practical guidelines for Americans and other MNCs, potential international investors, large accounting firms, and even Middle East governments themselves. He helps businesses conduct feasibility studies for joint venture startups in the Middle East countries covered; helps MNCs manage their business more effectively and avoid conflicts with governments or cultural attitudes; offers managers and officers an understanding of Middle East environmental factors that may significantly affect their businesses; helps MNCs evaluate the performance of Middle East subsidiary managers; helps MNCs develop strategic transfer pricing policies that fit Middle East countries and which go according to accounting systems and practices there as well as in their home countries; and goes deeply into the accounting systems and practices of the countries under analysis here and compares them with both U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and International Accounting Standards. This volume is of special value to corporate executives in or planning to enter the Middle East market, graduate students, and teachers of international business and accounting, and practicing accountants with Middle East clients (or who seek to acquire them).


Book Synopsis Managing Multinationals in the Middle East by : Wagdy M. Abdallah

Download or read book Managing Multinationals in the Middle East written by Wagdy M. Abdallah and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2000-11-30 with total page 289 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This comprehensive analysis discusses how American and non-American multinational corporations (MNCs) can plan, manage, and control their business activities and invest in four selected Middle East countries: Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabaia—and as a special unique feature, a fifth country, Israel. Abdallah covers in detail the tax systems and regulations and their effect on business in the Middle East. He looks at the future of the business environment and its effect on accounting in the Middle East during the first decades of the new century, and examines the role of different local and international organizations that are helping to make the Middle East an excellent place to do business. Combining the Arab countries with Israel into a single volume, and writing in a remarkably clear style, Abadallah offers practical guidelines for Americans and other MNCs, potential international investors, large accounting firms, and even Middle East governments themselves. He helps businesses conduct feasibility studies for joint venture startups in the Middle East countries covered; helps MNCs manage their business more effectively and avoid conflicts with governments or cultural attitudes; offers managers and officers an understanding of Middle East environmental factors that may significantly affect their businesses; helps MNCs evaluate the performance of Middle East subsidiary managers; helps MNCs develop strategic transfer pricing policies that fit Middle East countries and which go according to accounting systems and practices there as well as in their home countries; and goes deeply into the accounting systems and practices of the countries under analysis here and compares them with both U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and International Accounting Standards. This volume is of special value to corporate executives in or planning to enter the Middle East market, graduate students, and teachers of international business and accounting, and practicing accountants with Middle East clients (or who seek to acquire them).