Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Investment law in Saudi Arabia in atrracting FDI(Saudi Digital Library, 2023) Alghshian, Majed; David, CollinsThis research critically analyses Investment Law of Saudi Arabia in enabling the country to attract higher foreign investment, in alignment with the country's Vision 2030 objectives. The research identifies three key aspects of the country's legal environment crucial for foreign investment: consistency, predictability, and efficiency. Although Saudi Arabia's current Foreign Investment Law embodies principles of equality, protection, and sustainability, complexities and ambiguities are present too which deter potential investors. The research recommends simplification of regulatory provisions and a harmonized policy framework across all governmental bodies to mitigate perceived risks and complexities and improving Saudi Arabia's gravitation to foreign investors.29 0Item Restricted The Role of Saudi Women in the Arts in Shaping Cultural Diplomacy(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Bin Rafaa, Manayer; Reading, AnaThis dissertation examines the role of Saudi women artists within the cultural diplomacy frameworks of Vision 2030. Challenging the prevailing view of cultural diplomacy as a top- down state initiative, this research addresses a critical gap by focusing on the agency of individual artists. Through a qualitative multi method approach analyzing public data, including artworks, digital content, and interviews, this study finds that Saudi women artists are not passive instruments of state policy. Instead, they employ strategic agency to navigate the complex terrain between institutional opportunities and creative autonomy. The findings reveal that artists utilize hybrid spaces and digital platforms to construct multifaceted identities and shape cultural narratives through subtle strategies like quiet encroachment and strategic ambiguity. This research makes a significant contribution by reframing cultural diplomacy as a dynamic, multi directional process, demonstrating how Saudi women artists actively negotiate constraints to become key shapers of their nation's evolving cultural landscape.8 0Item Restricted Understanding Safety Noncompliance in Saudi Work Organizations: Why Workers Ignore Regulations and What Management Can Do?(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alhashem, Sayyid; Urmetzer, FlorianThis study investigates the cultural, organizational, and regulatory reasons for safety noncompliance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia workplaces. Adopting a mixed-methods quantitative design, the study combines Hofstede’s Values Survey Module 2013 (VSM13) and the Nordic Occupational Safety Climate Questionnaire (NOSACQ-50) to evaluate national cultural dimensions and safety climate perceptions among 171 participants from diverse sectors and demographic categories. An international comparison gap analysis between Saudi occupational safety and health (OSH) and labor law and global ISO 45001 standards also underpins the study’s regulatory findings. VSM13 outcomes manifest culturally ingrained characteristics—i.e., high Power Distance (PDI), moderately high Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI), and low Indulgence (IVR)—that inhibit worker voice, support obedience to authority, and deter active safety intervention (Hofstede et al., 2013; Almutairi, Heller, & Yen, 2020). Subgroup analysis indicates that females, less educated, and unskilled participants significantly increased in PDI and UAI, which distinguishes them as potential passive noncompliance risk groups. By contrast, young, highly educated participants exhibited increased individualism and proactive safety orientations, which supports regional modernization effects documented in the literature (Almutairi, 2019; Ahsan, Rana, & Fatima, 2023). NOSACQ-50 results suggest that while employees demonstrate high peer commitment and trust in safety systems, perceptions of managerial justice and empowerment remain low—key dimensions for effective participatory safety leadership (Kines et al., 2011; Tear & Reader, 2023). Regulatory analysis highlights that while Saudi labor law emphasizes employer duty, it lacks enforceable mechanisms for participative safety governance, such as anonymous reporting, climate diagnostics, or worker consultation—mechanisms required under ISO 45001 (ISO, 2018; Choudhry, 2023). It advances safety culture research by describing how national culture, safety climate, and legal infrastructure function in tandem in influencing safety behavior in a non-Western country. It has practical applications in the need for culturally specific communication policies, empowerment of the supervisor, and institutional reforms in filling regulatory holes. These recommendations facilitate sustainable safety governance compatible with Vision 2030 goals of Saudi Arabia (Alqahtani et al., 2024; GOSI, 2023).25 0Item Restricted Britain’s Stance on Saudi–Kuwaiti Relations (1897-1932)(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Otayf, Wael Yahya; Tal, DavidThis thesis examines the politics and shifts in power between external and internal actors in the Arabian Peninsula, specifically the interactions between the leaders of Saudi Arabia (ʿAbdul ʿAziz bin ʿAbdul Rahman Al-Saʿud, the founder of the modern state of Saudi Arabia) and Kuwait (under Mubarak Al-Sabah, who ruled from 1896 to 1915, and his successors through to 1932), both in relation to each other and with the British, who were then the dominant foreign presence in the region. Previous scholarship tended to emphasise external considerations as the sole factor determining policy in the Arabian Peninsula during the early twentieth century, with the turning point in Saudi-British relations typically placed after World War I. This study addresses a gap in the literature by examining the significance of interpersonal relationships and informal diplomacy that emerged in the Gulf region in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and examines how these shaped policy for decades to come. It finds the 1897–1915 period particularly critical to understanding Saudi-Kuwaiti-British relations, as illustrated by Mubarak's initial request for British protection in 1897 and the rise of Ibn Saʿud in 1902. Furthermore, the research focuses on Britain's stance on Saudi-Kuwaiti relations between 1897 and 1932 — that is, the role their relationship (Saudi-Kuwaiti) played in shaping and influencing British policy in the region. Thus, the research focuses more broadly on the role of Saudi-Kuwaiti relations in influencing British policy and vice versa, as well as the rise of Ibn Saʿud, whose ascent had the greatest impact on shaping these dynamics before, during, and after World War I. This research challenges prevailing assumptions about policy development and the role of local actors. By analysing primary source material in both English and Arabic, it provides a more nuanced understanding of early twentieth-century policy formation. It finds that private relationships, personal ambitions and negotiations between individuals were just as important as great power realpolitik in shaping the history of the region. It was also observed that economic considerations and border fluidity played key roles in shaping the region.23 0Item Restricted TRUST IN EPHEMERAL CONTENT IN SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: A MIXED-METHOD APPROACH EXAMINING ONLINE USERS’ PRIVACY CONCERNS IN THE CASE OF SNAPCHAT(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-05-02) Alghamdi, Ream; STANFILL, MELSocial media platforms have transformed online interactions, and they continue to provide individuals with novel means of connecting, sharing, and interacting with various forms of content. Yet, with the growing concerns regarding the privacy of data, security, and trust among users, especially with ephemeral content, it has become increasingly important to understand the relationship between data protection legislation, cultural factors, and user trust in the context of Snapchat's ephemeral messaging. This research focuses on Saudi Arabian and United States university students, examining their attitudes toward privacy threats, experiences with Snapchat's privacy settings, and the ways in which they mitigate data security concerns. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates survey findings and interview data to provide an in-depth analysis of privacy concerns, self-disclosure behaviors, and cultural differences in digital trust. The study reveals how, while Snapchat's disappearing messages give the impression of better privacy, there is little awareness among its users about the app's data retention policies, with possible security risks. The report also determines how the evolving data protection legislation in Saudi Arabia, and in particular the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), affect user trust and compliance attitudes. By comparing Saudi and American perceptions, the study emphasizes the role of cultural norms in regulating privacy and online communication. The study contributes to digital privacy's growing body of literature by offering implications for policymakers, social media companies, and digital literacy activists, emphasizing the need for transparent privacy policies and educational campaigns. The results shape forthcoming discussions on the equilibrium between regulatory compliance and user anticipation in the fast-changing landscape of social media.32 0Item Restricted The Impact of Privacy Awareness on Sharenting and Privacy Management Practices Among Saudi Parents(Kent State University, 2025) alnemre, Afnan; Hollenbaugh, Erin; Egbert, NicholeIn the digital age, parents frequently engage in the practice of sharenting—sharing their children's photos and information on social media—raising concerns about privacy and its implications for identity theft and other risks. This phenomenon has significant impacts on the violation of children’s privacy and their psychological and social well-being. Guided by communication privacy management (CPM) theory, this study aimed to identify the role of privacy awareness and religiosity in sharenting and privacy management practices among Saudi parents, using a quantitative approach and relying on a survey as a data collection method, N =139 were collected from Saudi parents. The findings revealed that extrinsic religiosity demonstrated positive relationship with all sharenting dimensions self-control, social behaviors and implications also with boundary linkages and boundary permeability in CPM. Also, intrinsic religiosity has a negative correlation with boundary permeability, while the study does not find a relationship between intrinsic religiosity and all sharenting dimensions. Additionally, there was a significant negative correlation between privacy awareness and boundary ownership in CPM. Moreover, the study has shown gender differences in sharenting behavior, showing that mothers post more pictures of children. This research aspires to inform initiatives promoting privacy-conscious digital practices among parents and aims to support the development of child protection policies in Saudi Arabia to safeguard children's online privacy.60 0Item Restricted Team Decision-Making through English as a Medium of Professional Medical Communication in Doctor-Doctor Meetings in a Saudi Hospital: A multimethod discourse approach(University of Reading, 2024-08) Alahmadi, Layal; Jaworska, SylviaThis study addresses the gap in understanding decision-making (DM) as a distinct interactional genre in multilingual, multicultural healthcare teams, such as those in Saudi Arabia. While past research focused on DM in doctor-patient interactions, little is known about doctor-doctor communication, especially where English is the medium of professional medical communication (PMC). Effective DM is crucial, as miscommunication can affect patient outcomes. This study explores the language and discursive resources doctors use in team DM, offering insights for professionals and pedagogical implications for improving English medical education in Saudi Arabia, where research critiques graduates’ English without identifying practical workplace needs. A multimethod discourse approach was adopted, combining Genre Analysis (GA), Conversation Analysis (CA), and Interactional Sociolinguistics (IS). Data are weekly doctor to doctor meetings where critical decisions are made. GA revealed two DM types: unambiguous (straightforward, less frequent) and complex (more frequent, extended). Both shared core Moves: Presenting the patient, Pre-decision, Decision, and Closing. Complex DM included Decision execution details and Re-discussing patient status. Both required collective agreement. Complex DM involved elaborated turn-taking and uncertainty, expressed through hedges, hesitation, silences, and pauses prompting rationale. Findings show DM is transactional but relies on relational work. Unambiguous decisions were short and mainly in English. Complex ones used code-switching (CS) and humour. Arabic in CS and humour helped retrieve patient details, defend image, maintain solidarity, and express stress or anger under pressure. This study makes two contributions. First, it presents an authentic view of DM as shaped by hierarchy and epistemic status, which structure asymmetrical interaction and guide members within role boundaries. Second, it addresses the gap in English medical textbooks in Saudi Arabia. Data showed a mismatch between textbook and real-life interaction, limiting student preparation for workplace demands.19 0Item Restricted Exploring the factors contributing to high anxiety during recast in an online environment: insights from Saudi EFL learners’ experiences(University College London (UCL), 2025) ِِAlrefaie, Asma; Solano, VictorAbstract The study explores the factors contributing to anxiety during recasting in an online environment, as well as the attitudes and opinions of Saudi EFL learners. A total of 33 students completed the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS). The EFL students were divided into high and low anxiety groups, and 6 students, both male and female, were selected to participate in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used. The study identified classroom environment and recast feedback, as key contributors to anxiety. Furthermore, students' attitudes and opinions towards recast feedback in an online environment are explored. Limitations, implications, and suggestions for future research are discussed at the end of the study. This study contributes to the understanding of how recasting impacts anxiety in online EFL settings and provides insights into effective teaching practices. Key words: Recast, Anxiety, online, EFL, learners, Saudi, Oral corrective feedback28 0Item Restricted Impact of Continuous Auditing and Centralising the Purchasing Functions for Higher Internal Audit Effectiveness: A Study of Saudi Arabia Companies(Victoria University, 2024-08) Altowaijri, Hamad; Everett, Sophia; DeSilva, ChitraAbstract This research examines internal audit effectiveness and the factors influencing internal auditors’ intentions to use continuous auditing in non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, employing the resource-based theory, this study explores the effects of continuous auditing and the centralisation of purchasing functions on the effectiveness of internal audit. Additionally, utilising the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, this research investigates how performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, effort expectancy and social influence affect internal auditors’ intentions to adopt continuous auditing. The data for this research were gathered utilising a questionnaire method. Questionnaires were distributed to internal auditors in non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia, resulting in 152 completed and useable questionnaires. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. This study employed two multiple regression analyses, estimated using ordinary least squares methods. The findings from the first multiple regression model indicated that both continuous auditing and the centralisation of purchasing functions were significant factors influencing internal audit effectiveness in non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, in the first regression model, continuous auditing and the centralisation of purchasing functions accounted for 20.2% of the variance in internal audit effectiveness. Moreover, continuous auditing was the most important factor affecting the effectiveness of internal audit. The findings from the second multiple regression model revealed that performance expectancy was the sole significant factor influencing internal auditors’ intentions to use continuous auditing. In the second regression model, performance expectancy accounted for 33% of the variance in the internal auditors’ intentions to use continuous auditing. According to the resource-based theory, non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia enhance their internal audit effectiveness and gain a competitive advantage by implementing continuous auditing and centralising purchasing functions. These functions are important for ensuring more efficient and effective audit processes, which can lead to better decision-making and overall organisational performance. Moreover, with respect to the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, there is a need for non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia to develop training programs to enhance their internal auditors’ understanding of the benefits of continuous auditing and its potential for improving internal auditors’ performance. These training courses should focus on demonstrating to internal auditors how implementing continuous auditing can increase their performance efficiency and effectiveness.21 0Item Restricted Influence of Culture and Stigma on Help-Seeking for Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of Saudi University Students in the US(Kent State University, 2024-09) Alshehri, Amer Ali; Ding, Kelemental health help-seeking intentions and acculturation, stigma tolerance, expertness, and self-efficacy among Saudi international students in the United States. Additionally, it sought to explore the impact of anxiety, depression, and the COVID-19 experience on the intention. A cross-sectional survey research design was used to collect data from Saudi students enrolled in American universities. A sample size of 377 was pursued based on sample size estimation for a confidence interval of 95% and a margin of error of 5%. A total of 198 respondents completed the survey covering demographic variables, acculturation, stigma tolerance, expertness, intent, self-efficacy, anxiety and depression assessment, and COVID-19 impact and experience. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)Statistical significance was set at p≤.05. The findings highlighted the importance of considering cultural and individual factors in understanding mental health help-seeking behaviors among Saudi international students. The Theory of Planned Behavior provides a valuable framework for conceptualizing these behaviors. Implications of the findings for mental health interventions and support services for Saudi students in the United States are discussed.34 0
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