Management development in the Arab Gulf States – the influence of language and culture

Abstract

Observes that management development activity in the Arab Gulf States is often provided specifically for Arab nationals, yet programmes are usually delivered in the English language by Western expatriates. Aims to discover whether this fact presents any particular problems for either trainees or trainers, particularly with respect to the British NEBS Management (NEBSM) qualifications. Finds that both trainees and employers agree that the content and assessment methodology of the NEBSM programmes are relevant and appropriate for the Gulf region. Low ability in communicating in English was identified by trainees and trainers as the biggest problem preventing student learning and effective participation on management development programmes. Discusses some of the issues relating to language and culture that should be considered by training professionals in the Gulf region. Suggests that new strategies need to be implemented by those responsible for training strategy and delivery in order to improve the effectiveness of management development.

Citation

Wilkins, S. (2001), "Management development in the Arab Gulf States – the influence of language and culture", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 33 No. 7, pp. 260-266. https://doi.org/10.1108/00197850110409032