Wasta, the Impact of Preferment on Organizational Culture and Human Resource Management

2022 ◽  
pp. 1297-1313
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Kassab Sfeir
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Culture Model ◽  
Employee Relationships ◽  
Negative Role ◽  
The Impact

Organizations must continuously monitor their processes. They should make significant changes to retain talent and improve productivity. One way to recognize the need to achieve change is through improving their organizational culture. This article details the investigation of a phenomenon of organizational culture in the Middle East. Wasta is a Middle Eastern system of preferment operating in many institutions in the region affecting employee engagement, advancement, and influence within an organization. Interviews, observations and social network analysis were employed to investigate the degree to which this phenomenon occurs in four universities in Lebanon and its negative effects on employee relationships. The data was input into NVivo to obtain statistical information to support the hypothesis of wasta's negative role. The research process culminated in the development of the wasta organizational culture model (WOC), highlights the impact of wasta on employee relationships supporting further research and collaborative initiatives to improve HR practices in the Middle East.

Wasta, the Impact of Preferment on Organizational Culture and Human Resource Management

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Kassab Sfeir
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Culture Model ◽  
Employee Relationships ◽  
Negative Role ◽  
The Impact

Organizations must continuously monitor their processes. They should make significant changes to retain talent and improve productivity. One way to recognize the need to achieve change is through improving their organizational culture. This article details the investigation of a phenomenon of organizational culture in the Middle East. Wasta is a Middle Eastern system of preferment operating in many institutions in the region affecting employee engagement, advancement, and influence within an organization. Interviews, observations and social network analysis were employed to investigate the degree to which this phenomenon occurs in four universities in Lebanon and its negative effects on employee relationships. The data was input into NVivo to obtain statistical information to support the hypothesis of wasta's negative role. The research process culminated in the development of the wasta organizational culture model (WOC), highlights the impact of wasta on employee relationships supporting further research and collaborative initiatives to improve HR practices in the Middle East.

Akulturasi Budaya pada Ornamen Eksterior Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah: Analisis Semiotik

Metahumaniora ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Panji Maulani
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Analytic Method ◽  
Important Thing ◽  
Eastern Culture ◽  
Observational Measures ◽  
Central Java ◽  
Library Research

ABSTRAKProses penelitian ini dilakukan dengan melakukan penelitian lapangan danpenelitian kepustakaan. Analisis mendalam terkait akulturasi budaya pada arsitektur MasjidAgung Jawa Tengah didapat melalui penggunaan metode deskriptif-analitik dengan langkahlangkahobservatif. Langkah-langkah tersebut disesuaikan dengan sumber terkait, sehinggadata pada objek penelitian dapat dideskripsikan serta dianalisis dengan pendekatan budayadan arsitektur. Penelitian ini menjadi penting untuk dilakukan karena Masjid Agung JawaTengah memiliki ornamen eksterior yang sangat khas, berbeda dengan ornamen masjidraya-masjid raya lain di Indonesia, yang umumnya memiliki ornamen eksterior yang hanyaberakulturasi dengan budaya Timur Tengah. Pada Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah kita dapatmerasakan suasana seperti di masjid Nabawi dan suasana Colloseum di zaman Romawi.Terdapat 6 buah payung hidrolik seperti di masjid Nabawi dan gerbang Al-Qanathir yangmenyerupai Colloseum pada pelataran masjid akibat pembangunan Masjid Agung JawaTengah menggunakan paduan tiga unsur budaya: Jawa, Timur Tengah, dan Romawi.Kata kunci: akulturasi, ornamen, masjid agung, Jawa TengahABTRACTThe research process was conducted by field research and library research. Depthanalysis related to acculturation on the architecture of the Central Java Great Mosque obtainedusing descriptive-analytic method with observational measures. The steps are adapted to thecorresponding source, so that data on the research object can be described and analyzed withcultural and architectural approach. This research becomes important thing to do because ofthe Great Mosque of Central Java has a very distinctive exterior ornament, in contrast to theother great mosques in Indonesia, whose the exterior ornament is generally only acculturatedwith Middle Eastern culture. In Central Java Great Mosque we can feel the atmosphere likeat the Nabawi Mosque and the atmosphere of the Colosseum in Roman times. There are sixpieces of hydraulic umbrella like in Nabawi Mosque and Al-Qanathir gate that resembles theColosseum in the courtyard of the mosque as the result of the construction of the Central JavaGreat Mosque using a combination of three elements of culture: Java, Middle East, and Roman.Keywords: acculturation, ornament, grand mosque, Central Java

scholarly journals Environmental Performance and Economic Growth in Middle East and North Africa Countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (24) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hichem Dkhili
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Middle East ◽  
North Africa ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Smooth Transition ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Mena Region ◽  
Mena Countries ◽  
The Impact

Background. Studies on environmental performance/quality and economic growth show inconclusive results. Objective. The aim of the present study is to assess the non-linear relationship between environmental performance and economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from 2002–2018. Methods. A sample of fourteen (14) MENA countries was used in the present analysis. However, due to important differences between countries in this region, the whole sample was divided into two sub-samples; nine Middle Eastern countries (MEAS) and five North African countries (NAF). We performed the panel smooth transition regression model as an econometric approach. Discussion. Empirical results indicate a threshold effect in the environmental performance and economic growth relationship. The threshold value differs from one group of countries to another. More specifically, we found that the impact of environmental performance and economic growth is positive and significant only if a certain threshold level has been attained. Until then, the effect remains negative. Conclusions. The findings of the present study are of great importance for policymakers since they determine the optimal level of environmental performance required to act positively on the level of economic growth. MENA countries should seek to improve their environmental performance index in order to grow output. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

scholarly journals An empirical study of organizational culture dimensions impacting employee’s performance in IT industry, Tamilna-du

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1.3) ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
Karthik M ◽  
A Vasumathi
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
It Industry ◽  
Human Resource Department ◽  
Culture Dimensions ◽  
The Impact

Every company has their own unique culture. Organizational culture is a set of norms, values, beliefs and vision that define how employees and managers intermingle within an organization. Irrespective of whether a preset list of company values present or not, an organization develops its own culture. However, organizations haven’t been paying as much attention to organizational culture until now. A 2015 study by Deloitte University Press found that 87% of the organizations surveyed now cite culture and employee engagement as their top challenges. Thus the current study aims at analyzing the impact of cultural dimensions on performance management in IT organizations. Analysis, conclusion and recommendations were drawn out based on the research and findings. The study found a significant association between experience of the respondents and their responses towards often getting reminder and warning to complete their tasks. The study has also found a significance variance between age of the respondents and the practices of Human Resource Department. The study has also found an association between variety of tasks being handled and employees’ performance. 

Examining the Brand Communication Tools that Impact Brand Preferences of Women Consumer buying intentions-Empirical Investigation of Middle East

2015 ◽  
pp. 358-372
Author(s):  
A. M. Sakkthivel ◽  
B. Sriram
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Sultanate Of Oman ◽  
Women Consumers ◽  
Communication Tools ◽  
Brand Communication ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Brand Preferences

The chapter aims to design a model of constructs of brand communication tools (direct and indirect) and test the impact of the same on brand preferences of women consumer buying intentions from Middle Eastern countries with specific evidences from Sultanate of Oman. The survey was conducted among 200 women consumers with reference to identifying the influence of brand communication tools on their buying intentions. The results revealed that both the communication tools found to have a significant impact. It is found that the direct brand communication tools have a higher impact over women buying intentions.

scholarly journals Workplace Violence and Employee Engagement: The Mediating Role of Work Environment and Organizational Culture

SAGE Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 215824402093588
Author(s):  
Zohra Saleem ◽  
Zhou Shenbei ◽  
Ayaz Muhammad Hanif
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Workplace Violence ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Customer Care ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Employees working across all domains of professions are exposed to workplace violence (WPV). Few researchers have investigated the effects of WPV on employee engagement (EE) and the impact of the work environment and organizational culture on their relationship. The aim of this research is to describe the effect of WPV on EE and clarify the relationship between WPV, work environment, organizational culture, and EE. A cross-sectional study was performed on the data, collected from 178 alumni of a university, currently employed in caring, customer care, managerial, and technology professions in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling (SEM), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey post hoc tests were employed for data analysis. The results showed that 88.7% of respondents had experienced WPV during the last 12 months. Significant differences existed in the work-related harassment and physical violence reported by occupational groupings. WPV had a significant direct negative effect on EE (β = −.556**), work environment (β = −.440) and organizational culture (β = −.758**). Furthermore, the work environment (β = −.123**) and organizational culture (β = −.157**) have a significant negative effect on EE, and both mediated the relationship between WPV and EE. The results show that employees working in caring and customer care are exposed to considerable risk of WPV. The findings underscore that a supportive work environment and positive organizational culture play a mediating role between WPV and EE among employees.

scholarly journals Pregnancy and COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 303-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. N. Wastnedge ◽  
Rebecca M. Reynolds ◽  
Sara R. van Boeckel ◽  
Sarah J. Stock ◽  
Fiona C. Denison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Service Provision ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
Physiological Changes ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
The Impact ◽  
In Pregnancy

There are many unknowns for pregnant women during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Clinical experience of pregnancies complicated with infection by other coronaviruses e.g., Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome, has led to pregnant woman being considered potentially vulnerable to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Physiological changes during pregnancy have a significant impact on the immune system, respiratory system, cardiovascular function, and coagulation. These may have positive or negative effects on COVID-19 disease progression. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy remains to be determined, and a concerted, global effort is required to determine the effects on implantation, fetal growth and development, labor, and neonatal health. Asymptomatic infection presents a further challenge regarding service provision, prevention, and management. Besides the direct impacts of the disease, a plethora of indirect consequences of the pandemic adversely affect maternal health, including reduced access to reproductive health services, increased mental health strain, and increased socioeconomic deprivation. In this review, we explore the current knowledge of COVID-19 in pregnancy and highlight areas for further research to minimize its impact for women and their children.

Britain, the Transatlantic Alliance, and the Arab-Israeli War of 1973

2008 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geraint Hughes
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
The United States ◽  
Institutional Factors ◽  
Special Relationship ◽  
British Policy ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The U.S

This article analyzes the impact on transatlantic relations of the October 1973 Arab-Israeli war, focusing on the discrepancy between U.S. and British views of Middle Eastern security before and during the conflict. Despite the institutional factors shaping the U.S.-British “special relationship” and the much greater power of the United States compared to Britain, British policy during the 1973 war was sharply at odds with U.S. policy. This article shows that British policy toward the Middle East was shaped not only by economic concerns (namely the importance of Arab oil to the UK economy) but also by the strategic requirement to undermine Soviet influence in the region and strengthen ties between the Western powers and the Arab states.

scholarly journals Determining the Impact of Supervisory Support on Employee Engagement in the Telecommunication Sector of Ghana: The Role of Supportive Organizational Culture

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-31
Author(s):  
Leslie Afotey Odai ◽  
Jingzhao Yang ◽  
Isaac Ahakwa ◽  
Shaibu Ismaila Mohammed ◽  
Samuel Dartey
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Supervisory Support ◽  
Telecommunication Sector ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose- Organizations that enforce effective supervisory support through their cultural traits see their employees reciprocating through positive outcomes. The study explored the impact of supervisory support on employee engagement in Ghana’s telecommunications sector and the moderating effect of supportive organizational culture on the relationship. Design/Methodology- A correlational descriptive research design was adopted. A sample of three hundred and fifty-three (353) employees was drawn randomly from a top selected telecommunication company in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. Information collated were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 26) and partial least square based on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Findings- The findings indicate that supervisory support significantly influences employee engagement. Again it was revealed that supportive organizational culture influences employee engagement and substantially moderates the relationship between supervisory support and employee engagement. Practical Implications- The findings provide valuable suggestions for organizations, managers, and supervisors to emphasize on measures such as a robust feedback system, training of supervisors, and enhancing employees' freedom to operate within the organization, which increases employee engagement and optimizing the organization’s competitive advantage.

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