The Cultural Side of Entrepreneurship in the Middle East: Religion, Gender and Family

Abstract

This chapter discusses the cultural side of entrepreneurship in the Middle East and how it influences business. In this context Hofstede developed a framework that explains how national cultures can influence organizational culture as well. We delve deeper into the discussion of the role of gender in entrepreneurship and focus on the limited role of women in the business world in the region. Another important element of culture is the role of the family, which traditionally has been the cornerstone for the sustainability of small businesses in the Middle East. Finally, the chapter concludes with looking at the importance of the role of religion as it affects businesses in the region, since religion has usually been considered a taboo subject for business. However, religion implicitly influences ways of doing business and routine practices in all organizations.