How trust factors affect business relationships
in Saudi-Arabian companies

Ben Mansur, AM

Abstract

This study investigates how to develop a better understanding of successful business relationships in the context of Saudi Arabia. The main objectives of this research are to explore how trust factors affect business relationship in Saudi Arabian companies. Primary and secondary methods of data collection are explored and the methods used to conduct qualitative data analysis are discussed and justified. Semi-structured interviews were employed to fulfil the study’s aims and objectives. The researcher interviewed 25 Saudi Arabian employees regarding how trust factors affect business relationships in Saudi Arabian companies.

This thesis identifies and analyses the barriers to trust in business relationship that can exist in Saudi companies, using a multiple interview approach. The research required in-depth understanding to enable the development of trust factors (individual trust, organisational trust and national trust). The result is the discovery that a lack of skills, knowledge and experience of business relationship development and the correct approach to business and management can affect trust factors in the context of Saudi Arabian companies. This research study also found culture to be a unique type of behaviour that influences the creation of profitable relationships in Saudi companies. This study can be used in further research in other organisations, whether in Saudi Arabia or other countries.

Finally, the researcher considers the whole experience of conducting this study to have been revealing, and has confirmed that strong potential exists within Saudi Arabian companies that have been completely suppressed in past years by the involvement of the social and business level. Relationships are necessary at the individual, organisational, and national levels in order for foreign companies to build trust with Saudi Arabian ones.

Citation

in Saudi-Arabian companies. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Dec 12, 2013
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2016