هدية اليوم لأبناء وطني خاصة
هي نتيجة حوار مع صديق أجنبي عن اختلاف الثقافة في بيئة العمل
إعتبر نشر هذا الرأي جلداً للذات ، أو نشر غسيل. لا يهم
المهم، إن حز في نفسك فاعمل على التغيير

Living and working in Saudi Arabia is a unique experience. The culture is very unique. One of the phrases that an expat gets accustomed to is 'insh'allah' which translates to 'God willing'.

This phrase captures the general attitude in the society. In effect, you are never sure of anything. You agree on tasks to be done and the guy says "Insh'allah" and in most cases you are left alone to accomplish all the tasks. This is not to be negative about the people. It is just that one requires to understand their work culture.

Some experiences:
1. Never take a 'Yes' to imply that it shall be done. My wife works for a small company here and was completely heartbroken when after planning and arranging for a seminar, she was all on her own at the last minute with her local colleagues having not done their parts.
2. When working with a local, be ready to do most of the work and many times even their part. We once had to write specifications for the client even when the agreement was that they write it themselves.
3. All over the world 'networking' plays a part in getting contracts and businessess. In Saudi, it is called 'Wasta' meaning 'connections'. To a very big degree, who you know, rather than what you know makes all the difference here.

I have otherwise enjoyed my stay in this beautifu country (yes.. the desert has beauty too!)

G. O.