Human Resources and Economic Development: the Case of Saudi Arabia
Human Resources and Economic Development: The Case of Saudi Arabia
INTRODUCTION
Despite its key role within economic development, human resources remains a fundamental challenge for most Middle East countries. This paper explores how Saudi Arabia has sought to improve the quality, mix and practical skills of its human resources. Saudi Arabia 's modern experiences are similar to those of other Gulf states. The role of human resources in national development planning is examined and it is argued that several important challenges remain.
It is widely accepted that human resources development is an important factor in economic growth and for influencing changes in economic structure.1 Material standards of living, the character of social and cultural life and the well-being of societies are widely recognized to be associated closely with human resources development. It is not surprising, therefore, that it has been a major concern, if not an obsession, of leaders and policymakers in the developing countries.2
This paper explores select characteristics of human resources development in Saudi Arabia (SA). After examining human resources development in the context of overall national development planning, select findings of the recent (2002) UNDP Arab Human Development Report are also summarised in this context. The present challenges that confront SA in this key policy area are summarised.
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IN SA
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has deployed a system of development planning since 1970 when oil revenues provided the means to improve the country 's economic and social conditions. Expansion of oil income during the first and second development plan periods (1970-1980) generated even more opportunities to invest in attempts to achieve greater economic growth. A modern economic infrastructure was created in order to help diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on oil. Major improvements were achieved in the
INTRODUCTION
Despite its key role within economic development, human resources remains a fundamental challenge for most Middle East countries. This paper explores how Saudi Arabia has sought to improve the quality, mix and practical skills of its human resources. Saudi Arabia 's modern experiences are similar to those of other Gulf states. The role of human resources in national development planning is examined and it is argued that several important challenges remain.
It is widely accepted that human resources development is an important factor in economic growth and for influencing changes in economic structure.1 Material standards of living, the character of social and cultural life and the well-being of societies are widely recognized to be associated closely with human resources development. It is not surprising, therefore, that it has been a major concern, if not an obsession, of leaders and policymakers in the developing countries.2
This paper explores select characteristics of human resources development in Saudi Arabia (SA). After examining human resources development in the context of overall national development planning, select findings of the recent (2002) UNDP Arab Human Development Report are also summarised in this context. The present challenges that confront SA in this key policy area are summarised.
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IN SA
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has deployed a system of development planning since 1970 when oil revenues provided the means to improve the country 's economic and social conditions. Expansion of oil income during the first and second development plan periods (1970-1980) generated even more opportunities to invest in attempts to achieve greater economic growth. A modern economic infrastructure was created in order to help diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on oil. Major improvements were achieved in the
Bibliography: for: "Human Resources and Economic Development: The Case of Saudi Arabia" Alsahlawi, Khalid Abdul aziz "Human Resources and Economic Development: The Case of Saudi Arabia". Journal of Third World Studies. FindArticles.com. 02 Apr, 2011. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3821/is_200404/ai_n9399317/ Copyright Association of Third World Studies, Inc. Spring 2004 Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved -- Journal of Third World Studies, Spring 2004 by Alsahlawi, Khalid Abdul aziz, Gardener, Edward P M