Managing across Cultures MGMT 544 Managing across Cultures Professor Xiao-Ping Chen University of Washington Spring, 2005

International career Global human resource system Expatriate spouses Women Expatriate Case analysis: Ellen Moore

Global human resource systems If you were the vice president of human resources for a major global corporation and wanted to attract the very best young managers to accept international assignments, what would you offer them?

Expatriate spouses If you accepted an international assignment, what could your spouse do to increase the chances of your success? Which challenges would be particularly difficult for a male spouse?

Woman expatriate Case analysis Ellen Moore: Living and Working in Bahrain

Cultural Background

Cultural Background Middle East Overview Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, etc. Thumbnail map of part of the Middle East where Bahrain is located Middle East: Culture is based on Islam religion Middle East is mostly Arab Bahrain: Located near Saudi Arabia and Qatar Surrounded by water

Bahrain 81% of the population of 586,000 is Bahraini, Arab or Iranian Cultural Background Bahrain 81% of the population of 586,000 is Bahraini, Arab or Iranian The most “Modernized” country in the Gulf High literacy rates, esp. for women Educational opportunities are high Ruled by monarchy Fairly stable government Highest literacy rates for women in the Gulf Education is valued and encouraged

Language Arabic is the official language English is widely spoken Cultural Background Language Arabic is the official language English is widely spoken Important phrases: “Alsalamo-Alikom” -- “Peace be with you” or “Hello” “Insha’ Allah” -- God’s will “Ma’alesh” -- Don’t worry English is required of all schoolchildren Whenever you go to a foreign country, it is always helpful to know a few phrases, so we are going to teach you a few. Please repeat after me...

Traditional Dress Cultural Background “Dishdashah” or “Thoub”: Long sleeved one piece dress that covers the whole body. Allows air to circulate which cools the whole body. White cotton in summer to reflect sunlight - heavier and darker in winter. Three piece head covering: 1. “Thagiyah”: Cap, sometimes filled with holes, used to keep the hair in place 2. Scarf-like garment on top of Thagiyah. Two types: - “Gutrah”: light, white head cover worn in summer - “Shumag”: heavy read and white checked head cover worn in winter 3. “Ogal” Black band surrounding the top of the head to hold everything in place. Head covering protects the head from sunlight, can be used to cover the mouth & nose in sandstorms or cold weather. Worn as a sign of entering manhood Don’t need to wear it inside Women: “Abayah”: long black garment that covers the body from shoulders to feet. “Hejab”: Scarf-like cover that covers the face. Can also wear a face and head cover with it.

Who is Ellen Moore? 1988-1989 Special projects coordinator, expatriate manager, business planning and development at American company in Manama, Bahrain 1986-1988 MBA from a leading business school 1975-1985 BA, accounting, marketing & mgmt 1975-1983 Corporate accounts officer at US bank, financial reporting dept.

Problem definition Two positions offered in operations: manager of accounts control and manager of customer services, new accounts, & establishment services What should Ellen do? Why? Why is Moore successful as a manager? Did the general manager make the right decision? What are the responsibilities of male colleagues toward female managers?