Chapter 12 - Case study: Global HR at McDonald’s
Textbook page 297
Before attempting to answer the questions in the case study it is important
to take note that there are many different customs in different countries
and religions that have an influence on how we do business and treat
people in different countries. The following information is important in
terms of Arab countries and specifically Saudi Arabia:
In Saudi Arabia several aspects will have to be taken into consideration in
any workplace. Men and women have very distinct roles in their household
and the workplace which will also ultimately influence aspects such as
teamwork, relationships between supervisors and their team members
and manner in which tasks are allocated.
In certain cultures and religions there are customs that should be taken
into consideration. In the Arab world a number of aspects are important. In
terms of their values dignity, honour and reputation is important and this
should be respected by foreigners as well. Family loyalty is extremely
important and they view themselves as the most important. Personal
distance is another factor. The Arabian people seek close personal
relationships without great distance or intermediaries. Body and food
odours are used to enhance human relationships. To view another person
peripherally is impolite and to sit back-to-back is rude. This close
interaction applies to interaction with family and friends but with strangers
or mere acquaintances they may sit on opposite sides of a room or talk
across to one another. In terms of business meetings it is very important
that the first session should be devoted to getting acquainted with one
another and they might pay little attention to the schedule or appointments
during this time. When indicating sincerity they normally place their right
hand on their chest near their hearts and the modern Arabs may precede
this by a limp handshake. For those who are Muslims eating pork, drinking
alcohol, gambling and prostitution is not allowed.
In terms of males and females, men play a dominant role while they
are protecting and respecting the females. In their homes the men
are the head of the household whilst the women are the heart of the
home and they have authority on family matters but in public this
changes dramatically. Women defer to their husbands. In the Islam
religion the women’s inherent inferiority is not advanced, only her
difference. In some Arab countries there is a strict dress code and
in others not. In some Arab countries women are illiterate and in
others they are well educated. In some states they may hold jobs
and drive cars and in others not. In some Arab countries women are
not allowed to vote and most marriages are arranged. Foreign
women should be very careful in terms of acceptable behaviour in
Arab countries.
1
Textbook page 297
Before attempting to answer the questions in the case study it is important
to take note that there are many different customs in different countries
and religions that have an influence on how we do business and treat
people in different countries. The following information is important in
terms of Arab countries and specifically Saudi Arabia:
In Saudi Arabia several aspects will have to be taken into consideration in
any workplace. Men and women have very distinct roles in their household
and the workplace which will also ultimately influence aspects such as
teamwork, relationships between supervisors and their team members
and manner in which tasks are allocated.
In certain cultures and religions there are customs that should be taken
into consideration. In the Arab world a number of aspects are important. In
terms of their values dignity, honour and reputation is important and this
should be respected by foreigners as well. Family loyalty is extremely
important and they view themselves as the most important. Personal
distance is another factor. The Arabian people seek close personal
relationships without great distance or intermediaries. Body and food
odours are used to enhance human relationships. To view another person
peripherally is impolite and to sit back-to-back is rude. This close
interaction applies to interaction with family and friends but with strangers
or mere acquaintances they may sit on opposite sides of a room or talk
across to one another. In terms of business meetings it is very important
that the first session should be devoted to getting acquainted with one
another and they might pay little attention to the schedule or appointments
during this time. When indicating sincerity they normally place their right
hand on their chest near their hearts and the modern Arabs may precede
this by a limp handshake. For those who are Muslims eating pork, drinking
alcohol, gambling and prostitution is not allowed.
In terms of males and females, men play a dominant role while they
are protecting and respecting the females. In their homes the men
are the head of the household whilst the women are the heart of the
home and they have authority on family matters but in public this
changes dramatically. Women defer to their husbands. In the Islam
religion the women’s inherent inferiority is not advanced, only her
difference. In some Arab countries there is a strict dress code and
in others not. In some Arab countries women are illiterate and in
others they are well educated. In some states they may hold jobs
and drive cars and in others not. In some Arab countries women are
not allowed to vote and most marriages are arranged. Foreign
women should be very careful in terms of acceptable behaviour in
Arab countries.
1
