Job Discussion Forums

[battleshipb_b]

Working in the M.E. makes one think a little more clearly about morality.
If we Americans come out here to work, we should behave appropriately by honoring local laws and customs. We should not do things that are considered wrong or immoral or offensive to the people we work with and teach. We Americans are always getting condemened, not only for the things we do but also for the things we don't actually do. Too often many teachers who come out to the M.E. don't respect local values and traditions. Then everyone thinks all of us are like that. Their bad behavior reflects badly on the rest of us who do respect and honor the culture we're working in.

When a westerner is appointed to run a department in this part of the world, he or she should be of good moral character. I think this is very important. People who appoint directors or heads, etc. should choose carefully. The people they appoint should be selected for their experience, their training, good management skills or potentially good management skills, their integrity, their interpersonal skills, their character, their problem-solving, their fairness, and their morality. It is not a good idea to appoint people who have problems - whatever the problems may be: personality problems, identity problems, drink problems, social problems, etc. People who have such problems usually do not make good managers, they are unable to see the global picture and usually view everything through blinkers. We Americans have so many problems in this part of the world that we don't need to have people with problem behaviors appointed to run departments. That reflects badly on us and puts more limelight on us. We're having enough trouble in the M.E. with our own bad leaders back home and to appoint inept leaders to run departments out here just reinforces the ideas that we don't know how to select good leaders.

Most of us Americans here just want to get on with our jobs, get on with our lives, and cope as best as we can. People with problems create more problems for those of us who just want to do our best and be our best.
If a person breaks down a dunny door in a fit of rage, would this person be considered a good leader? Look at our president. Look at all the bloopers he's made and continues to make. He doesn't know how to be a good leader, he's not a moral leader.

When someone is selected to be in a management position, many things need to be considered. First of all, can the person do the job? Is the person the best possible person for the job? Is the person efficient and competent? Does the person have good interpersonal skills? Does the person respect and appreciate his staff? Does he or she show his respect and appreciation? Is the person approachable? Is the person both fair and fair-minded? Is the person above moral reproach? Being in a management position myself, I've had to ask myself such questions. I try my best to do a good job, to treat my co-workers fairly and respectfully. I would never fire people for no reason. That's unacceptable practice. But unfortunately, this practice is still rampant in the M.E.

Bush has given us enough problems in this part of the world. Let's try to change some of these negative images. I'm proud to be an American but not proud of some of my compatriots in the region. I want us to regain the respect we once had in this region. It is an uphill battle but it is important to try. Only through mutual respect, tolerance and understanding can some of the problems in this region be solved. We managers also need to show mutual respect, tolerance and understanding.

[Stephen Jones]

[cassava]

I think that battleship might be somewhat too harsh in his judgement of Americans. Other Westerners have also acquired negative reputations in the Middle East. Years ago, at the Higher College of Technology in the UAE, for example, the senior administration was often referred to as"The Canadian Mafia". Many potential teachers complained bitterly about discriminatory hiring practices in this institution. I don't know how valid these complaints were, but they were prevalent.

In Kuwait, the Brits were notorious for their alcoholism. At the Military School of Languages in the 1990s, some of them used to arrive at work reeking of alcohol.

The Americans are often seen as bigots and whiners, and are easily targeted because of their current international posture.

However, I think that all these pictures are stereotypes and conceal the fact that there are many fine Canadians, Brits and Americans working in the Middle East. Unfortunately, the "bad apples" are the ones who tend to project the most powerful image.

[Queen of Sheba]

While everything Cassava has said may be true, I think the OP still has valid points as well. I don�t think it applies to Americans alone, but most Americans have limited experience traveling and working with other nationalities. In addition, some Americans, along with other "Westerners" do come to the Middle East with a mission to free these "poor, enslaved women." This activist attitude seems to be popular for female teachers who come to Saudi Arabia, until they figure out most of these students travel more, have more money and status than they have ever had. I wonder if this observation then creates jealousy and resentment. I wonder if any other female posters could comment on this idea of the activist mentality, or the latter, the possible jealousy factor. Do you think these would attribute to any of the outbursts and irrational behavior you have had in the workplace?

I have to agree with the OP, some Americans and others North America and Europe are embarrassing, if you hail from their country as well. Bad managment is one of the factors, and so is bad attire for that matter. Why don't people bring several changes of clothes with them when they travel abroad to work?

[Van Norden]

[bje]

[Cleopatra]

[Queen of Sheba]

[scot47]

The existential 'Angst' of being a USAnian in the Middle East in 2007 ?

Quite frankly I have bigger things to worry about ! Would you like to hear about the difficulties of being an almost-retired Scot ?

[Stephen Jones]

[bje]

[Cleopatra]

[007]

[Van Norden]

[Van Norden]