Job Discussion Forums

Queen of Sheba · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 397

Do you have a case of these fruity cereals and ultra relaxed, let's all get along types in your workplace? The problem I have with this muesli mix is that they are so concerned with making everyone happy that they can�t get things done and end up offending those of us that prefer critical thinking teachers and managers that add to the quality of the workplace, and ideally get things done! I find trying to make everyone happy, especially when they are the easily offended types, is that everyone else who is moderate gets irritated in the process and it ultimately leads to more harm than good for the entire workplace. Is there anything that be done to manage working with this sort of philosophical and politically correct until it hurts types?

Van Norden · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 409

Are they pre-packaged or granola-ized when they get to Saudi? The atmosphere here isn�t that conducive to free speaking and most of us put pay-packet-preservation above anything else and so avoid rocking boats.

Queen of Sheba · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 397

They seem to be prepackaged fruits and grains upon arrival to KSA, and then just get scared into being extremely so in Saudi - btu about all the wrong things. I know the atmosphere is conservative here, but if we are as passive as we complain the Saudis are, then were does that get anyone? I am not saying to challenge the government or local laws, in any sense, I am referring to an institutions's in-house administrative and employee issues rather than constant "lets make everyone happy" and this just ignore the problems - they will eventually dissolve or resolve anyway attitude.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

According to Jackson and Schuler (1995),
�Institutional theory and resource dependence theory were developed in the context of understanding large public bureaucracies, where efficiency may not be among the most important goals.� (p. 241)
Institutional theory focuses on institutions that arise out of formalized structures and processes. The main external forces relate to the state such as: the laws and regulations that govern institutions. They become very entrenched and difficult to change.

So what this basically means is any expatriate trying to challenge the staus quo of Saudi Administrators at an institution will face much resistence or at the very least indifference.

On the flip side, I do agree with you; it doesn't mean one shouldn't at least try to help the Saudis look at the 'various problems' from a different angle... when the need arises. However, going in cowboy style with guns a blazing never accomplishes anything, but more resistence and a one way exit ticket.

Van Norden · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 409

The_Prodiigy · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 252

KSA is a stressful place to live, not designed for comfort or convenience.

And this manifests itself in a number of absurd situations - complete segregation of sexes, total banning of alcohol, art and culture being frowned upon, lethargy rife, innovation strangled.

Saudi is not blessed with an abundance of natural wonders, being the only country to have no rivers, sternly blocking any paraphernalia associated with anything other than the one faith.

The restrictions cannot be overstated and these should be borne in mind before taking a flight into Riyadh.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Just out of interest The_Prodiigy, why do use double i in your name?

The_Prodiigy · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 252

On another forum there was a "Prodigy"
No special reason on thiis forum, dmb.

Like a Rolling Stone · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 872

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Like a Rolling Stone · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 872

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

My statement was not aimed at Ms. Q of Sheba in particular...it was meant as a general statement regarding the frustrations we all experience dealing with institutional administrators at some time or other.

I agree Saudi can be hard place to live, and can be a very stressful adapting to the culture.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Abba · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 97 Location: UK

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

That quite makes sense Abba... I would suspect that life in such an extreme climate requires a rigidity of habits to survive. And there is the fact that there is more contact with outsiders for those who live on the sea to introduce new ideas.

But, this rather strays from the original question which I assumed to be asking about some of those inexperienced Westerners brought in to manage in many ME educational institutions - those hippy style 'feelgood' ones. The types who keep trying to please everyone and end up with the opposite.

I don't think we are talking about locals here... no granola types there. Laughing