The challenge to Western consultancy by gulf Arab culture

Abstract

This article provides an empirical, comparative study of the consultancy skills available from expatriates in relation to those required by the Emirati vision and their current and evolving culture. A rigorous quantitative study of consultancy skills applied to a carefully selected—and as representative as possible—sample of more than 100 senior management consultants from both Emirati and expatriate background demonstrates potential blocks to progress and the need for more specific communication abilities to overcome them. Set in context of real work experience through the analysis of a work diary and in more strategic context by the analysis of a range of consultancy job descriptions, findings are placed alongside current and classic cultural literature.