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

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

3. 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?

4. 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?

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

6. Cultural Background

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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...

10. 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.

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

12. 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?