Title: Expatriates' characteristics and social network performance in Arab markets

Authors: Rami H.M. Aljbour

Addresses: Talal Abu Ghazaleh University College, Manama, Bahrain

Abstract: One reason of failure when recruiting expatriates is ignoring the impact of personal and professional characteristic on performance in cross-cultural environment. The social network is crucial for business success in Arab markets. The purpose of this research study is to investigate the impact of personal and professional characteristics of non-Arab expatriates on their social network performance in Arab markets. The study employs a quantitative, explanatory research approach after collecting data from 175 non-Arab expatriates working in Arab markets. The findings include that, non-Arab expatriates' characteristics have significant influence on their ability to build the social network and relationship with Arab executives, enhance their communication skills with Arab managers, and ability to integrate with Arab business community.

Keywords: social network; wasta; cross-cultural differences; expatiates; international recruitment; Arab markets; personal characteristics; selecting international managers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJACMSD.2017.086195

International Journal of Arab Culture, Management and Sustainable Development, 2017 Vol.3 No.1, pp.25 - 40

Accepted: 15 Nov 2016
Published online: 03 Sep 2017 *

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