Question one
There have several changes concerning modernization in the business sector in Saudi. For example, modernization has made women in Saudi Arabia to own almost 20% of the businesses. Therefore, this has led to the increase in the workforce among Saudi women. Consequently, modernization will increase inward foreign investments, the number of women studying abroad, the psychological drive among women in proving themselves. However, these changes are not even because of different geographical regions in Saudi Arabia and among individuals with the certain class of income and education levels.
As a result of modernization, all females must have male guardians of whom they need to seek permission regarding traveling, marriage, education, bank account opening, and employment. Women who are not related to men should cover their hair including most parts of their body. That is women should limit the level of their interaction with men, and this has made several employers in Saudi Arabia such as financial institutions to separate women from men. This has been done by distinguishing various entrances and exits for men and women. Similarly, public places such as parks, beaches have also been separated. Therefore, modernization is viewed as a non-cultural practice that is aimed at eroding the Islamic culture in Saudi Arabia. In the business environment, most businesses are owned and operated by family members, and this is in contrary to modernization. In Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to drive cars simply to act as a limit to contact with men who are not members of immediate families. However, modernization does not provide any limit for female driving. Therefore, modernization should be adopted by the Saudi Government to provide global business competition.
Question two
One of the unique operational decision to be considered is religion before constructing a shopping mall in Saudi Arabia. This is because all no Muslim who would wish to work in Saudi Arabia have to accept that religion in that country is the underlying principle, especially in all business aspects. That is religious practices have to be observed, and a foreign entrepreneur should not mind if they are in the middle of important business negotiations. Muslims believe that if Allah wills in every operation, then the deal will be sealed. Otherwise, any business operation will not work out.
The second consideration is family ties. This another decision factor that most foreigners who would wish to do business in Saudi Arabia don't succeed because they do fail to recognize and appreciate the importance of d family ties. Saudi citizens believe that nepotism does not symbolize corruption but a healthy structure of business activities. The business must be operated by a family member particularly at the responsible position of the company, and this has to be an individual from the family member who is trusted.
Regarding the selection of the store, any foreign investor has to put more time in creating a good relationship between other store owners in that country. This policy is supported by the fact that most businesses are done around family units, and the senior position in the business must be held by a high ranked family member. Consequently, the maintenance of an extensive business network connections and contacts will be a stress to the business owners. Concerning gender interactions, foreign investors who would wish to open up shopping malls in Saudi Arabia must create a barrier between men and women workers. For instance, they should construct specific toilets for different genders. That is opposite genders should meet each other during shopping hours unless they are close relatives.
