Prof proves business benefits of the Gulf Arab Leadership Style – for all countries
A respected Oxford-based professor’s latest research proves the business benefits of the Gulf Arab Leadership Style – and not just for GCC countries. The new case study by Professor William Scott-Jackson of Oxford Strategic Consulting shows that conventional leadership styles won’t work in the GCC, as they have developed in individualistic western societies.
And these conventional leadership styles, with their focus on tasks and individual achievement, are not even working in the west, leading to low engagement in many organizations. But the Gulf Arab Leadership Style, which focuses on employee loyalty and team work, is a new leadership model that could work very well in the GCC and worldwide.
Professor William Scott-Jackson is urging all GCC leaders to support his work to define the Gulf Arab Leadership style so that it can be taught in University courses worldwide, starting in the GCC itself. He says that GCC business leaders need leadership guides to work with global teams and young leaders should be free to choose which leadership styles to use to drive their businesses forward.
Now the case study, called “Universal HRM and the Gulf Leadership Style: The Perils of Best Practice”, has been published in a new book called “Cases on Management and Organizational Behaviour in an Arab Context.”
And the report shows in detail what happens when an experienced HR expert tries to apply westernised best practice in a successful family-owned Middle Eastern multinational company. Applying rigid goals often does not work in this type of organization; these ideas are alien and depend on individuals competing for success, rather than group success and loyalty.
As conventional leadership models are failing to engage and motivate employees in the West, all global organizations could learn from the new Gulf Arab Leadership model.
Professor William Scott-Jackson says: “The engagement and enthusiasm of people is now one of the major factors in organisational success. Best practice Western models of leadership and HR have failed to engage people. The styles of leadership adopted in collective societies, such as the GCC, can, if done right, deliver engaged teams. Leaders and HR specialists across the world have a lot to learn from the Gulf Arab Leadership Style and I call on GCC leaders, Chairman and rulers to support our aim of defining and teaching this style to GCC young leaders.”
Professor William Scott-Jackson recently led a presentation called “Building local talent in the Oil and Gas Sector” at the Oil & Gas HR Summit at the Hotel Sofitel in Abu Dhabi Corniche on 20-21 November 2013. He presented findings from new research on a study of youth, employers and educators in Oman and the UAE that has been supported by energy company BP.