Working in the Middle East: An American Woman's Story

Presenting the firsthand account of an American woman working several jobs in Egypt over a four-year period, this book analyzes the cross-cultural business environment between the United States and the Middle East and North Africa. It provides recommendations to enable anyone—male or female—to successfully navigate commercial activities in the region. As the American workforce evolves and more women seek leadership roles in business, a growing number of women—and men—are seeking international business experiences to advance their careers and set themselves apart from their competition. Conducting business in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA region) requires an in-depth understanding of the Arab mindset and cultural standards of that region. Authored by one of few women who have pioneered working in the region, this book delves deeply into business culture in the Middle East and North Africa and addresses how women in particular can be successful, especially Western women whose business culture is different, offering insights that will help deepen one's ability to function in business across the MENA region as well as throughout the world. Readers will learn the truth about living in the Middle East and North Africa and what a Western woman will likely face, from cultural customs, business practices, and socio-economic challenges that exist in these emerging markets to the realities of potential sexual harassment to the lack of rule of law. The book describes aspects of the crosscultural experience, such as the importance of the collectivist mentality in the office and the role of maintaining one's honor not only in business relationships but also in MENA culture in general. It also explains the four main elements of international business negotiations and identifies the reasons that more American women should consider working internationally, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, but also in other collectivist cultures, namely in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The author illustrates the unique cultural context in the Middle East and North Africa for Westerners and supplies a breadth of recommendations and insights that will serve anyone—male or female—seeking to successfully navigate business in the region.

Table of Contents:
Preface Part One: The Language Barrier 1. The Arabic Language 2. The Arab Worldview Part Two: The Cultural Barrier 3. Working in a Cross-Cultural Environment 4. The Collectivist Middle East and North Africa Part Three: The Gender Barrier 5. When Friendships Turn Coworkers into Enemies 6. The Honor Culture in Business Part Four: The Legal Barrier 7. The Role of Law in Emerging Markets 8. International Negotiations for an American Woman Part Five: Breaking through the Barriers 9. It's the People That Matter Most 10. The Chance Capitalist Part Six: Conclusion 11. Looking Ahead: Women Working Globally Notes Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Amanda M. Riggs is a writer who specializes in topics regarding the Middle East, women's issues, renewable energy, and business. She is the founder of Verità Skin: Empower Women Worldwide, an organic skin care line based on Argan oil imported from a women's fair trade cooperative in Morocco.