Role of Culture on Leadership and Governance in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose: The study sought to analyze the role of culture in leadership and governance in Saudi Arabia Materials and Methods: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The results show that culture has a profound influence on the ways in which governments are structured and the decisions that are made. It affects the types of leaders that are chosen, the values and goals that shape policy outcomes, and the institutional context in which leaders operate. This suggests that culture is an important factor to consider in any discussion of governance and leadership. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practices and Policies: The cultural-level theory, cultural relativism theory and cultural-contextual theory may be used to anchor future studies in the leadership and governance sector. The study results will also benefit other stakeholders such as the policy makers as well as researchers and scholars from different parts of the world. The top management of corporate companies in the country will also use the study findings to improve the culture and ensure high and stable performance in all their activities and programs. The study recommends that the adoption of effective cultural policies in the leadership and governance sector will help to improve efficiency in their major operations and activities.