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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2002

Soraya W. Assad

Economic development programs in Saudi Arabia have rapidly enlarged organizational size, and complexity. New organizations have also been created to implement the objectives of…

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Abstract

Economic development programs in Saudi Arabia have rapidly enlarged organizational size, and complexity. New organizations have also been created to implement the objectives of the developing nation. Yet in its quest for economic progress, Saudi Arabia continues to face challenges resulting from ways in which cultural values influence administrative structures and behavior in organizations. Current problems in organization can be understood in the context of an ongoing encounter between forces of change and forces of stability. This study examines Saudi management problems, explores alternative models for reform, cites areas of compatability between Saudi Islamic tradition and Western management practices, and makes recommendations to integrate the various systems.

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International Journal of Commerce and Management, vol. 12 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1056-9219

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Article
Publication date: 31 December 2007

Soraya W. Assad

The emergence of consumer‐oriented societies has become the central trait of our era. Saudi Arabia gained entrée to consumerism via its oil wealth. Numerous studies demonstrate…

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Abstract

Purpose

The emergence of consumer‐oriented societies has become the central trait of our era. Saudi Arabia gained entrée to consumerism via its oil wealth. Numerous studies demonstrate that consumer lifestyle and consumerist attitudes are spreading in the country. The purpose of this study is to explain how Saudi Arabia came to be a consumer society, to present evidence of rampant consumption, and to describe how global and local economic, social, and governmental factors colluded to reinforce this cultural trend.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the survey and analysis of secondary data gathered from published studies and reports available in English and in Arabic.

Findings

The study shows that the spread of consumerism in Saudi Arabia is a consequence of a complex of global and local factors. Commercial television and the internet, marketing strategies, relentless and manipulative advertising, urbanization, and proliferating shopping centers, are all components of globalization promoting emulation of the Western consumerism lifestyle. The national government subsidies and give‐aways during the oil boom years due to increased national income, absence of taxes, public job availability, emerging middle class, liberal import policies, increased female participation in family purchase decisions, a burgeoning youth market, and increased per capita income have also enabled Saudi Arabia's transformation into a consumer society. In addition, statistics presented for a variety of durable and nondurable goods and services amply testify to rampant Saudi consumerism.

Originality/value

Excessive consumption in Saudi Arabia is a threat to the social order. It is exacerbating economic, environmental, social, psychological, and health problems. As Saudi Arabia seeks sustainable development, more research is needed to identify and address problematic aspects of consumption. As part of this process, policy makers should distinguish what constitutes consumerism from healthy consumption patterns. Excessive consumption should be minimized as a way to avoid economic minefields and sustain economic growth.

Details

International Journal of Commerce and Management, vol. 17 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1056-9219

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Article
Publication date: 31 December 2007

Kate Snowden

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Abstract

Details

International Journal of Commerce and Management, vol. 17 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1056-9219

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