Ethical Challanges in Saudi Arabia
INTRODUCTION
Saudi Arabia officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A kingdom built upon and unified by Islam, Saudi Arabia, with its vast plains and endless deserts has fascinated travelers for centuries. Occupying nearly 80% of the Arabian Peninsula and the largest exporter of petroleum in the world, Saudi Arabia hosts a series of buzzing and successful cities. A monarchy with a rich Arab and Muslim heritage, Saudi Arabia is also characterized for its high degree of cultural homogeneity. Cross-cultural training courses such as Living and Working in Saudi Arabia increase an organization’s awareness and understanding of some of the potential cultural differences which may act as stumbling blocks for companies working in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia was an absolute monarchy until 1992, at which time the Saud royal family introduced the country 's first constitution. The legal system is based on the sharia (Islamic law). Islam touches many aspects of society within Saudi Arabia. The country is governed on the basis of Sharia and great majorities of the population are Arabs who adhere to the Wahhabi sect of Islam. Islam shapes the values and rules concerning the appropriate way to behave and relate to family, community and business. As a result there are customs and social duties that affect the Saudi Arabian business world and affect the way business is dealt with. In the world’s current climate, several stereotypes are prevalent concerning Islamic faith and therefore when doing business in Saudi Arabia it is important to reserve time to research Islam yourself. Ignorance as to how Islam influences business and everyday life could damage relations. So, basically the rules of Islam control everything and shortly I will discuss many important and interesting ethical issues that faces the multinational organization in Saudi Arabia and if there is a way to solve these problems. From economic standpoint The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been rated as the 13th most
Saudi Arabia officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A kingdom built upon and unified by Islam, Saudi Arabia, with its vast plains and endless deserts has fascinated travelers for centuries. Occupying nearly 80% of the Arabian Peninsula and the largest exporter of petroleum in the world, Saudi Arabia hosts a series of buzzing and successful cities. A monarchy with a rich Arab and Muslim heritage, Saudi Arabia is also characterized for its high degree of cultural homogeneity. Cross-cultural training courses such as Living and Working in Saudi Arabia increase an organization’s awareness and understanding of some of the potential cultural differences which may act as stumbling blocks for companies working in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia was an absolute monarchy until 1992, at which time the Saud royal family introduced the country 's first constitution. The legal system is based on the sharia (Islamic law). Islam touches many aspects of society within Saudi Arabia. The country is governed on the basis of Sharia and great majorities of the population are Arabs who adhere to the Wahhabi sect of Islam. Islam shapes the values and rules concerning the appropriate way to behave and relate to family, community and business. As a result there are customs and social duties that affect the Saudi Arabian business world and affect the way business is dealt with. In the world’s current climate, several stereotypes are prevalent concerning Islamic faith and therefore when doing business in Saudi Arabia it is important to reserve time to research Islam yourself. Ignorance as to how Islam influences business and everyday life could damage relations. So, basically the rules of Islam control everything and shortly I will discuss many important and interesting ethical issues that faces the multinational organization in Saudi Arabia and if there is a way to solve these problems. From economic standpoint The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been rated as the 13th most
References: Saudi Arabia country profile. (2012, 9 26). Retrieved from www.businessanticorruption.com