Comparison of the Cultures of Saudi Arabia and the United States

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Report Organization Plan 5

Discussion 6

Conclusion and Recommendations 10

References 14Executive Summary

This report examines issues that differentiate American and Saudi Arabian culture. The goal of the study was to develop a brief overview of such differences for use in the business sector. General observations of the critical cultural orientations of Saudi Arabia and the United States, based on a dimensional typology developed by Geert Hofstede (1997, 2000), indicate that on several key dimensions (i.e., individualism vs. collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and time orientation [long- versus short-term perspectives]) the two countries are almost polar opposites. On the dimensi

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ing texts, completes the report. Discussion Hofstede (1997) has commented that when the five dimensions of culture are considered, Saudi Arabia emerges as a largely collectivist society in which the family and other in groups are the primary source of personal identity. High-context communication, face-to-face interaction between business partners, and a belief that relationships prevail over tasks are key characteristics of this particular culture. For Westerners, and particularly for Americans, doing business with Saudis requires recognition of these facts along with the Saudi preference for a gradual development of a trust-centered business relationship. According to Amos (1991), Saudi culture emphasizes a decision-making process that occurs in the context of the majlis, an ancient public tradition in which acknowledged leaders make decisions that impact on the lives of followers. The power of the Saudi royal family in administering Saudi government and business sectors is enormous and Westerners must recognize that the system of decision-making that emphasizes the authority of these key figures shapes Saudi society. Phillips (1991) contends that for many Saudis, the continuing importance of
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Approximate Word count = 2440
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page)