Influence of Arab culture on managing an innovative work environment: an exploratory study in the United Arab Emirates Online publication date: Thu, 06-Jun-2019
by Khadeeja Alfaqeeh; Chowdhury Hossan; Bret W. Slade
International Journal of Business Innovation and Research (IJBIR), Vol. 19, No. 2, 2019
Abstract: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently shown rapid increases in innovation compared to other parts of the world. The UAE leadership is developing both government and industry, with an emphasis on non-oil sectors, and has prioritised a focus on innovation to increase efficiency and effectiveness. This qualitative study examines the effect of Arab culture on innovation management in the UAE. The study suggests that certain cultural characteristics are enablers for innovation while others are inhibitors. The results of 20 face-to-face interviews show that high collectivism, high context, long-term orientation, and strong followership contribute to building an innovative work environment. High power distance and uncertainty avoidance are the main obstacles to innovation. This study argues that these traits should be minimised or eliminated, and positive factors should be enhanced to increase innovation.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Business Innovation and Research (IJBIR):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook