Management automation in Saudi Arabia: a case study of a developing country

Abstract

The use of computer-based systems by managers in developing countries is often limited by lack of support. One aspect of such support - financial provision - tends to be less of a hindrance in Saudi Arabia than in many developing countries. The study of Saudi managers presented here shows that there are, consequently, similarities between computer-based activities in Saudi Arabia and the UK. There are also significant differences. Saudi managers tend to be more enthusiastic than their British counterparts about the value of computer-based systems. A factor here is the more recent application of such systems in Saudi Arabia. One drawback is that the national networking infrastructure in Saudi Arabia is less well-developed than in the UK, so that electronic communication external to firms is more limited. This is reflected in the relatively low use of electronic mail made by Saudi managers. Despite the availability of funding in Saudi Arabia, the country still suffers from a computer skills shortage. Consequently, Saudi firms are more dependent than British firms on external advice concerning computer systems and their use. These differences have implications for the development of computer-based systems in other developing countries.