Cleopatra
Joined: 28 Jun 2003
Posts: 3657
Location: Tuamago Archipelago
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 Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 4:50 pm Post subject: |
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| In the Kingdom, competence and efficiency are not highly valued, and the problem of "face" means that this is highly unlikely to change anytime soon. |
Perhaps not - but the best way of dealing with this is not to throw a fit (as far too many expats do), but deal with it the Saudi way. Competence and efficiency may not be highly valued, but good personal relationships are. So, rather than trying to appeal to the person's sense of 'professionalism' or 'competence', it's better to appeal to their human side, so that they will feel they are letting you down as a person by not doing their best for you. If we want to take the old cliches out for a walk, we could even say that they will 'lose face' by not helping you out.
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| I'd like to add one thing: think long and hard before you ever go over the head of a Saudi administrator. |
I agree, but the problem is that problems which can seem intractable can often be solved in a second just by phoning a 'higher up' - provided, of course, that you are in good standing with said 'higher up'. I agree that such appeals should only be used as a last resort, a bit like calling in your wasta. It should also be done with some sensitivity, maybe by asking the lowly administrator if he/she would 'advise' you to consult with Ms/Mr Higher Up. As John says, even asking the question can get things done remarkably quickly! |
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