Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/10
Browse
73 results
Search Results
Item Restricted The Impact of Animosity, Ethnocentrism, Religiosity and Service Performance on Saudis’ Attitude Towards Airline Services(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-06-05) Albishi , Fahad Saeed Daghsh; Oriade, Ade & Wang, YongAbstract: This thesis examined the impact of animosity, ethnocentrism, religiosity and service performance (moderator variable) on the attitudes of Saudi consumers towards airline services (dependent variable). This was noteworthy and timely, given the context of Vision 2030 and its National Transformation Plan having introduced significant changes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Airline services in the country are changing demonstrably. Previous research has shown service performance and quality significantly impact consumer behaviour, with dissatisfied customers readily switching to alternative providers; a gap remained in studies around this combination of variables within this geographic area. A wide literature review of themes related to consumer psychology, cultural influences, and service quality models led to the consideration of several potential variables. Animosity, ethnocentrism, and religiosity were selected for their particular relevance to the Saudi context, particularly with the regional cultural and religious significance of air travel for many consumers. Literature revealed studies suggesting that consumer animosity can significantly affect brand perception and loyalty, particularly in markets undergoing transformation (Odeh, 2015). Including service performance as a moderator was influenced by its critical role in shaping consumer experiences and perceptions of airline services. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Theory of Consumption Values (TCV) provided a robust, holistic framework to examine the dynamics and nuances within the data. A quantitative approach was used, with survey methodology. A purposive sampling frame selected a homogenous study population consisting of 100 passengers at 5 different regional airports (adjusted response rate n= 426, 85.2%). Data analysis used Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and WarpPLS 7.0 regression with Stable3 resampling technique; testing the model revealed it met the criteria for model fit and quality indices. Age, Gender and Education were controlled for following Marsh’s (1982) elaboration approach. Results revealed both consumer animosity and religiosity positively impacted consumer attitudes, consumer ethnocentrism did not have a significant influence. Service performance was seen to moderate the relationship between consumers’ ethnocentrism and attitude, while consumer animosity was not moderated by service performance. This research offers actionable insight for airlines applying for operational licenses in Saudi Arabia: they inform marketing (e.g. incentivising travel for pilgrims), and emphasise that positive service encounters mitigate the negative impact of ethnocentrism and amplify the positive effect of religiosity on consumer attitudes. Animosity alone did not impact consumer uptake, therefore international airline brands could capitalise on demonstrating cultural sensitivity and high functional value. This study provides policymakers with evidence that supports investment in the sector under Vision 2030. The small effects seen in the results demonstrate that even subtle factors can have cumulative or situational importance. The use of TPB with TCV offers a nuanced lens to offer understanding of consumer behaviour within this unique context.3 0Item Restricted Responsibility for Online Harms: A Critical Analysis of Cyber Governance in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-03) Alsaiedi, Yara M; Basu, Subhajit; Walker, CliveThis thesis investigates the topic of internet governance within the context of Saudi Arabia. It focuses on the component of ‘Responsibility’ for internet governance when applied to the policy area of combating online harms. As such, the research work investigates and evaluates the present framework of responsibility devised to address online harms, considering the assemblage which regulates online content and cybersecurity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This approach aims to facilitate the prevention and mitigation of the harmful effects of online activities and content, thereby aligning with the objectives outlined in the Saudi state’s long-term project known as Vision 2030. The thesis adopts the hypothesis that effectively addressing online harms requires a primary objective of establishing a robust responsibility structure. This method can best be achieved by facilitating the active participation of all stakeholders in the strategic deployment of responsive – including preventive – measures. Consequently, the thesis advocates a multistakeholderism approach with reference to governance for the prevention and mitigation of online harms in Saudi Arabia. It evaluates the effectiveness and fairness of the responsibility structure in fostering cybersecurity and mitigating the harmful effects of online content in the Saudi context. The formal study employs semi-structured interviews with elite figures and authorities from governmental and private organisations, internet content and service providers, as well as corporate users, which are the small and medium enterprises (SME) as internet users. Additionally, it integrates the policy transfer methodology to draw insights from the experiences of the United Kingdom in the realm of internet governance. In sum, the thesis proposes areas of improvement to develop a comprehensive online harms governance framework in Saudi Arabia. Such amendments are expected to contribute to the recognition and realisation of the declared Vision 2030 goals related to internet governance in the Saudi realm.3 0Item Restricted EXAMINING READINESS FOR PATIENTS AND THEIR COMPANIONS TO TRANSFER FROM HOSPITALS TO SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES IN SAUDI ARABIA(University of San Diego, 2025) Noshili, Fahad; Connelly, CynthiaAbstract Purpose/Aim: This study assessed the readiness of chronically ill patients in Saudi Arabia for transfer from hospitals to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). It aimed to identify factors that influence this readiness and provide suggestions for making transitions easier. Background: Maintaining chronic patients' ability to transition from hospitals to SNFs is critical for healthcare continuity and quality. However, patients' preparedness for this transition may vary by various factors, including clinical status, caregiver support, and demographics. Conceptual Framework: This study is based on Meleis's Transitional Theory, which highlights the significance of understanding the processes and factors that affect transitions in healthcare environments. This framework is especially pertinent for analyzing the transfer of patients with chronic illnesses from hospitals to SNFs in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive correlational cross-sectional design was employed. A convenience sample of 123 chronic patients and their companions (families) in hospitals was recruited and enrolled in Saudi Arabia hospitals. After providing informed consent, participants completed surveys that included standardized measures to assess chronic patients' readiness to transition from hospitals to SNFs. The study utilized descriptive and inferential statistical analyses to evaluate variables such as sociodemographic characteristics, clinical profiles, caregiver support, and perceived barriers to transition. Findings: Education, income, chronic illness, self-rated health, and caregiver preparedness significantly predicted readiness to transfer patients from hospitals to SNFs in Saudi Arabia. Education level, income, and self-reported health predicted greater readiness; caregiver involvement positively influenced transition quality. Length of stay, age, and sex made no difference. The findings underscore the importance of interventions to improve caregiver training, financial support, health literacy, and standardizing discharge planning to improve patient transitions. Implications: Policy interventions are needed to help the patient transition from hospital to SNFs in Saudi Arabia. The most common recommendations addressed improving caregiver education, financial support resources, resource allocation using a standardized discharge planning process, and caregiver training programs promoting preparedness. In line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, these measures are intended to create patient- centered care, create fewer obstacles to readiness, and improve overall healthcare outcomes.39 0Item Restricted Evaluating the Long-Term Impact of Riyadh Season Event on Sustainable Tourism Development within Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Framework(Taylor's, 2025) Aldawsari, Ahmed; Katahenggam, NagathisenAccording to Vision 2030 for Saudi Arabia, sustainable development and economic diversification depend mostly on tourism. Large-scale entertainment event Riyadh Season is now a main project aiming at drawing guests, fostering cultural interaction, and improving the travel industry. Emphasizing economic impact, cultural transformation, and environmental sustainability, this study uses a quantitative approach to evaluate the long-term implications of Riyadh Season on sustainable tourist development. By utilizing survey data and secondary sources, this research evaluates how Riyadh Season aligns with Vision 2030’s sustainable tourism objectives. It examines the effectiveness of existing tourism practices, identifies key challenges and opportunities, and suggests strategies for long-term sustainability. The findings aim to provide practical insights for event organizers, businesses, and local communities, ensuring that Riyadh Season continues to support responsible tourism growth while balancing economic, cultural, and environmental priorities.6 0Item Restricted Effect of Western Culture on Women in Saudi Arabian Leadership Positions and Their Contribution Towards the Vision 2030 Agenda(The University of Arizona, 2025) Alneel, Fatimah; Lopez, JamesonThis study aims to investigate the impact of Western education and acculturation on Saudi women in the context of Vision 2030, with an emphasis on their careers and leadership positions in higher learning institutions. Employing qualitative interviews, the research obtains first-hand narratives from Saudi women who received education abroad and currently occupy leadership positions in universities. It further explores the struggles the women encounter in their daily lives and as part of their professions via themes such as culture, gender, and the institutional setting; at the same time, it discusses the positive impact of Western education in offering various career prospects as well as bringing about social change. The work also compares and contrasts Saudi and Western cultures of education and other cultures of education and how these impact women's careers and their role in Vision 2030. The study has implications for education and culture in relation to the roles of women in Saudi Arabia, and it informs the existing debates on women's rights and policies in KSA.14 0Item Restricted The Role Of The Board Of Directors Of Shareholding Companies Listed On The Saudi Stock Exchange In Achieving The Saudi Vision 2030 Towards A Sustainable Economy: A Study In Saudi Regulations And Legal Reform Proposals(Southern Methodist University, 2025) Alshiddi, Norah; Dean Camp, Martin L; First, Primary Advisor; Norton, Joseph JThe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has adopted a modern vision of economic reform, Vision 2030, using KSA’s economic resources to create a more diversified and sustainable economy. The KSA has launched several programs to help achieve these goals, including the National Transformation Program (NTP), which enacted numerous legal reforms to empower the private sector to be consistent with current international standards. The KSA issued a new Companies Law, amended Implementing Regulation of the Companies Law for Listed Joint Stock Companies (IRCL), and amended the Corporate Governance Regulations (CGR) to meet international best practices in corporate governance in order to create a sustainable private sector able to contribute a solid financial market. Since joint-stock companies are the basis of the financial market, the Vision 2030 programs have addressed them with the intention of supporting their sustainability and social responsibility. A joint-stock company's board of directors (BoD) has broad authority to supervise and plan the company's affairs. Whenever the BoD is competent and enlightened, its decisions will advance the company's sustainability planning. Therefore, the main focus of this study will be to examine how well the new legal reforms meet international standards and how they affect the BoDs of shareholding companies listed on the Saudi Exchange in in terms of their ability to achieve corporate sustainability. More specifically, this analysis will address the impact of legal reforms on the following areas: formation of the board, board committees, fiduciary duties of the board, and the board's role in regulating the relationship with stakeholders and in corporate social responsibility (CSR). These are important categories of analysis, as they relate to the success of companies in implementing the corporate governance best practices that make corporate sustainability possible. This dissertation will highlight the importance of these aspects of corporate sustainability in relation to the best corporate governance practices, and it will analyze the adequacy of Saudi laws for achieving sustainability. The principles of sustainability are inherent in Vision 2030 and its executive programs. However, the corporate governance practices in Saudi Arabia do not promote the adoption of sustainability. Saudi legal rules still need to address many factors that significantly shape the composition of the BoD and the roles which enable the BoD to fulfill its obligations to promote sustainability for the company and to adhere to the principles of best corporate governance. Deficiencies persist in Saudi legislation regarding several crucial elements in the formation of the BoD and its committees, such as the diversity of members, the inclusion of women, the proportion of independent members, and the extent of relevance between the selection of members of the BoD and its committees and the achievement of the company's objectives. Additionally, the committees' objectives need to be enhanced to align with the company's sustainability. The BoD has significant roles that affect its ability to carry out corporate sustainability effectively. Fiduciary duties and their influence on the board's decision-making capabilities are of particular importance. Although the Companies Law emphasized the fiduciary duties of the BoD for the first time, the current formulation of fiduciary duties may restrict the BoD from pursuing sustainable value for the company. Understanding the primary value of fiduciary duty is critical to determine if the company is acting for the shareholders' benefit or the company's long-term viability. Furthermore, regulating relationships with stakeholders contributes to establishing good value for the corporation, thus maximizing the organization's value. Some international corporate governance practices obligate the BoD to regulate the relationship with stakeholders. In Saudi Arabia, although the CGR encourages such regulation, this encouragement is not mandatory, which affects some critical aspects of dialogue with stakeholders. Moreover, CSR plays a crucial role in shaping the company's strategy towards sustainability. The CGR states that CSR policy is instituted by the ordinary general assembly (OGA) in accordance with the BoD's recommendation. This text may hinder a BoD's ability to embrace CSR as a strategic decision to maximize the company's long-term value. Chapter One provides a general introduction. Chapter Two highlights the background of Saudi shareholding companies, Saudi corporate governance and its theories, as well as corporate sustainability. Chapter Three covers the composition of the BoD, the BoD’s independence and diversity, and women's participation in the BoD in Saudi Arabia. The chapter will examine practices in Saudi Arabia compared with international practices in order to highlight the relationship between the BoD’s composition and the attainment of corporate sustainability. Chapter Four discusses the formation of board committees and how they relate to sustainability. Analysis in this chapter will focus on committee formation in Saudi Arabia compared with international practices. Chapter Five highlights some of the most critical roles of the BoD regarding practical aspects key to the creation of long-term value for the company. Specifically, this chapter focuses on fiduciary duties and the BoD's roles towards stakeholder involvement, as well as the BoD's role in CSR, because these roles are considered practical measures of the company's progress toward sustainability. The chapter will present the concepts defining these roles, analyze the current work in Saudi Arabia per the Companies Law and CGR, compare this with corporate governance practices to evaluate the ability of these roles to fulfill sustainability, and suggest developing the necessary roles. Chapter Six will outline proposals for legal reform in the IRCL and the CGR in concert with the issues discussed in this study. This dissertation is one of the early studies of the key provisions related to the BoD in the Companies Law and the CGR from the perspective of corporate sustainability. This study aims to improve the BoD's performance by providing recommendations to reform the IRCL and the CGR in ways which will enhance the sustainability of the economy and fulfill the aspirations of the Saudi government expressed by Vision 2030.16 0Item Restricted A framework to adopt construction 4.0 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Impact of Institutional Pressures, Ambidexterity and Organizational Resources on Intention to Adopt(University of Newcastle, 2025) Alyami, Abdullah; Thayaparan, Gajendran; Marcus, Jefferies; Tanvi, NewazConstruction 4.0 is the construction industry’s response to Industry 4.0, a technological revolution to adopt innovative methodologies and modern technologies to boost productivity and efficiency in modern workplaces. Construction 4.0 is driven partly by an accelerated pace of urbanization, the resulting heightened demand within the construction industry, and the construction industry’s reputation for lack of modernization. It marks a paradigm shift characterised by the integration of digital technologies, automation, real-time data, and artificial intelligence across all stages of the construction lifecycle. The extant literature suggests that Construction 4.0 adoption is influenced by organizational resources (technology, people, process, and education), ambidexterity (exploration and exploitation), and institutional pressures (normative pressure, memetic pressure, and coercive pressure). The predominant discourse of existing studies on the implementation of Construction 4.0 have focused on its impact on work procedures, project completion times, quality, and safety measures, despite the significant influence of organizational resources, ambidexterity, and institutional pressures on the successful adoption of Construction 4.0. Less attention has been paid to how internal organisational factors and external institutional forces interact to shape the strategic intent to adopt Construction 4.0 technologies. This study addresses this gap by investigating the influence of three critical constructs: organisational resources (technology, people, processes, education and training), organisational ambidexterity (exploration and exploitation capabilities), and institutional pressures (coercive, normative, and mimetic) on the intention to adopt Construction 4.0 within the Saudi construction industry. Hence, this study investigates the influence of organizational resources, ambidexterity, and institutional pressures on the adoption of Construction 4.0 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ultimately, the study has developed a framework for implementing Construction 4.0 in the Saudi construction industry. This research developed a theoretical model proposing eighteen (18) hypotheses, based on theories related to strategic resources (Resource-Based View), strategic flexibility (ambidexterity), and institutional pressures (institutional theory) to understand their impact on Construction 4.0 adoption. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, and a conceptual model was developed to measure the influencing factors. A quantitative research methodology was adopted, underpinned by a positivist paradigm. Data was collected through a questionnaire completed by 261 professionals in construction organizations in Saudi Arabia. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was adopted to test the hypotheses, examine the relationships between variables, and validate the conceptual model. The results of the SEM confirmed 13 of the 18 hypotheses, revealing that institutional pressures significantly influence exploration orientation. This orientation, in turn, positively impacts key organizational resources—particularly human capital, education and training, and processes—needed for the adoption of Construction 4.0. The intention to adopt C4.0 was found to be most strongly influenced by the development of these organizational resources. Moreover, the study identified five dominant adoption pathways that integrate external institutional forces and internal strategic capabilities. These pathways offer a nuanced understanding of how adoption dynamics unfold in practice, especially in contexts undergoing rapid socio-economic transformation. These findings offer theoretical and practical contributions. Theoretically, it advances the discourse on digital transformation in construction by integrating three organizational theories into a single explanatory model. The integration of organizational theories provides a deeper understanding of Construction 4.0 adoption dynamics. Empirically, it provides evidence-based insights specific to the Saudi Arabian context, an emerging market undergoing rapid reform aligned with Vision 2030. Practically, the study offers an empirically validated framework tailored to the Saudi construction context, which can inform decision-makers, policy developers, and construction professionals seeking to enhance productivity through digital transformation in alignment with national strategic ambitions.16 0Item Restricted The Impact on Women’s Citizenship in the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030(University College London, 2024) AlOwain, Haifa; Walker, JulianThe dissertation examins the concept of Inclusive Citizenship and develops an analytical framework based on it, reviews post-Vision 2030 changes in policies, and analyzes them through the lens of the framework to understand their impact of women’s citizenship practices as the case study, providing a lens through which to explore broader issues of citizenship and participation.21 0Item Embargo Empowering Educators, Transforming Futures: An Explanatory Multiple Case Study of the Smou Schools in Saudi Arabia(University of Denver, 2025) Alzandi, Hana; Hesbol, KristinaSaudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes educational reform as a critical pathway for national development, highlighting the role of educators in fostering student success. The Smou program, a professional development initiative, seeks to enhance the instructional and leadership capacities of school leaders and teachers in elementary public schools. This study explores how school leaders navigate their role in supporting teachers’ application of Smou program strategies and how teachers perceive their preparation for implementing these strategies in their instructional practices. Using an explanatory multiple case study approach, the research explores two elementary schools in the Mecca region—one high-performing and one low-performing—selected based on their performances in the Smou program. Data collection methods included 21 semi-structured interviews with school leaders and teachers. The study employs professional capital theory (Hargreaves & Fullan, 2012) as an analytical lens, focusing on human, social, and decisional capital to explore educators’ preparedness, collaboration, and instructional decision-making. Findings revealed differences in how school leaders invested in their human capital (HC) and how this, in turn, influenced social capital (SC) and decisional capital (DC) in both schools. In the high-performing school, school leaders actively engaged in professional development, mentoring, and collaborative decision-making, and fostering a culture of shared learning (SC). This collaborative environment enabled teachers to exchange best practices, increasing their ability to make informed instructional decisions (DC). In contrast, the low-performing school experienced frequent turnover in leadership, leading to a gap in institutional knowledge and weak investment in leaders’ human capital. As a result, teachers in this school reported challenges in applying Smou strategies, limited collaboration, and a lack of sustained support. These differences highlighted how variations in school leaders’ human capital influence teachers’ capacity to integrate new instructional approaches. This study contributes to the discourse on professional development and educational leadership in Saudi Arabia by offering insights into how capacity-building initiatives can be optimized to support teachers and school leaders in driving instructional improvement. The findings have implications for policymakers, educational practitioners, and stakeholders seeking to reform public education and refine professional development programs within the framework of Vision 2030.29 0Item Restricted The Impact of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 on Intellectual Property(City, Univeristy of London, 2024) Alsamman, Mohammed; Masiyakurima, PatrickIntellectual Property (IP) is defined as legal protection given to creations of the human mind in the form of inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, images and other identification used in business and trade. Patent law is an important sub-discipline of law and could be said to be a field of law that deals with the protection of the interests of the creators of new works and inventions.1 Global IP filings have reached a total of 3.5 million worldwide in 20222. Additionally, countries like China have seen substantial growth in IP filings, driven by strong innovation cultures and flexible legal frameworks3. It is against this background that a more detailed analysis of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its potential impact on the nation’s IP profile is conducted.18 0