A CROSS‐CULTURAL COMPARISON OF VALUE SYSTEMS OF EGYPTIANS, AMERICANS, AFRICANS AND ARAB EXECUTIVES

Abstract

This study provides an empirical assessment comparing value systems of Egyptians (n=658), Americans (n=132), Africans (n=43), and Arabs (n=101). In addition, it investigates the value patterns of executives of these cultures making cross‐cultural comparisons across these four regions. The results are based on the responses of both terminal and instrumental values as defined by the Rokeach Value Survey. The analysis showed substantial differences exist among all four regions and between paired comparisons among the regions. The values of the Egyptian executives were least similar to American executives and to a lesser degree, African and Arabian executives on both instrumental and terminal values. In addition, African executives were most similar to Arabian and American executives on both instrumental and terminal values. Results as well as implications and directions for future research are discussed.