HRM in the middle east: current challenges and prospects

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Permalink Reply by Huub Ruel on January 17, 2009 at 11:51am

Dear Fida, interesting observation! I agree, based on the number of publications, that HRM in the Middle East needs more attention. From Febr on I will be in Lebanon at the AUB and I will take this opportunity to collect data on HRM in Lebanon. Especially, it is interesting to see how for example HR technology is applied in the Middle East. Much of the HR tech comes from Western suppliers and is sold to companies with efficiency/cost reduction-arguments. However, in certain (non-rational) organizational and national cultural context HR technology implementation and adoption might face unique challenges. We'll keep in touch!

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Permalink Reply by Fida Afiouni on January 19, 2009 at 6:58am

Dear Huub,
It's great to have you at AUB. I am currently an assistant professor there. I am sure we will have fruitfuil relationships. my email is fa16@aub.edu.lb please do contact me when you get on campus.

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Permalink Reply by Adam on February 17, 2009 at 1:41pm

In regards to HR technology, are there any software applications available in the Arabic language? There are many programs available in English which help construct policies and employee handbooks. It would be very convenient to have a similar program to produce handbooks for employees who may only speak Arabic.

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Permalink Reply by Fida Afiouni on February 18, 2009 at 2:21am

not to my knowledge

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Permalink Reply by Wes Harry on January 19, 2009 at 5:58am

Fida,

I was a member of AUB's HRM Advisory Group but the group ended in 2007. It had potential to make a contribution to HRM in the region.

Much of my career was spent in the GCC (Head of Support Services, including HRM, of Emirates Bank in Dubai, GM Personnel of Emirates Airline, Head of HRM of Al Rajhi Bankin Saudi Arabia).

I am happy to contribute to your, and others', research activities. I publish occasionally on HRM topics in the GCC and Arab countries as well as on Asian topics.

There was a Middle East discussion group on this site but it disappeared soon after starting!!!

Best regards,

Wes

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Permalink Reply by Fida Afiouni on January 19, 2009 at 7:01am

Dear Wes,
yes it is a pitty that the HRM forum was terminated. this unfortunalty illustrates the lack of support fro HRM in lebanon. i am afraid we're still lagging behind compared to the GCC countries. It would be great to collaborate on a common project. maybe a comparative study between lebanon and other GCC countires? let's keep in touch

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Permalink Reply by Eman ElShenawy on May 25, 2009 at 4:50pm

That would be great. Do you think all Arabs are the same in their work practices, ethics, and culture?
Dr. Eman

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Permalink Reply by Eman ElShenawy on May 25, 2009 at 4:51pm

That would be great. Do you think all Arabs are the same in their work practices, ethics, and culture?
Dr. Eman

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Permalink Reply by Katlin Omair on January 22, 2009 at 8:09am

Hello to all!

I have researched women in management in the UAE, the topic of my PhD dissertation and also published a few articles. Anyone looking for cooperation in that field is most welcome.

I think one of the problems in the Gulf region is the situation with expatriates who, for certain reasons of course, contribute just half-heartedly to the local development. Cannot blame that of course but it seems there are major problems with expatriate vs local vs western vs Arab management.

One of the topics I would like to research next is Ethical HRM in the Middle East. I have seen both excellent example (based on Islamic morale) but unfortunately more negative examples of ethical issues in HRM.

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Permalink Reply by Fida Afiouni on January 23, 2009 at 3:38am

Dear Katlin,
I would love to have a closer look at your work. it seems quite exciting.
i have two call for papers, one for a conference, the other for a journal that could interest you. i was planning to apply to both. first start on something for the conference, and then build it up for the journal. if you're interested, we can work together on them. please let me know what you think. here are the links.

http://cbae.nmsu.edu/~mgt/ihrmc/submissions.html
http://apps.aomonline.org/Calls/cfp/paper_info.asp?user_lname=&...

I hope to hear from you soon
fida

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Permalink Reply by Wes Harry on February 3, 2009 at 10:26am

Kim,

That form of words is common in the GCC- and is applied. I know of new recruits who have been refused re-imbursement of airfares, had pay cut and had benefits withdrawn when they have joined the new employer and had to sign a 'local' contract with those words. Any side agreements are rarely honoured. You made the correct decision to not accept that offer.

Best regards,

Wes- formerly head of HRM of 2 GCC organisations!!

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Permalink Reply by DAVID STEPHEN on May 27, 2009 at 4:32pm

Fida, et.al.- I'll be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, beginning Oct '09, and looking to establish a research stream there. Am willing to collaborate, if you have contacts with any firms with offices there (or can help me network to estab contacts). MY primary research has been transfer of HRM practice, but stategic HRM is certainly an issue of importance and is clearly related. Contact me at dStephenPhD@gmail.com and/or see me at the conference in Santa Fe in June.

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