Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item 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.25 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.17 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 feedback26 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.19 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.12 0Item Restricted Exploring Saudi Arabia's Appeal for Foreign Direct Investm(University of Edinburgh, 2024-08-28) Gedair, Suliman; Liu, LingThis capstone project investigates the factors that make Saudi Arabia an appealing destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) within the framework of Vision 2030. The research evaluates the Kingdom’s strategic location, abundant natural resources, favorable regulatory reforms, and sector-specific initiatives aimed at diversifying its economy beyond oil dependence. Through a comprehensive analysis of economic, infrastructural, and policy-based factors, the study highlights Saudi Arabia’s potential to attract and sustain global investments. By examining the incentives and structural advantages provided to foreign investors, this project offers insights into Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a competitive and sustainable player in the global market.30 0Item Restricted Wearing the Abaya: Changes in Generation preferences in relation to Colour and Style(university of the arts london, 2024-09-18) Alghamdi, Ghaida; Jin Hur, YoungThe Abaya is considered an important part of all women in Saudi Arabia. In previous research, there is limited knowledge of the preferences of wearing an Abaya’s specific deigns. Regarding the new changes in Saudi. This research examines the Preferences of Generation Z and Millennials in wearing the Abaya relating to style and color. A quantitative research was conducted targeting a population women of the age 18- 43 years old. The survey measured Abaya preferences depending on style and color. Based on a local research, three styles were chosen in two different colors related to their wearing intentions. The groups were divided into two generations for a comparative analysis within and between groups. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA (Age, Style, and color). This study showed that Generation Z is more likely to wear the color black more than blue. Even though they showed that minimal preferences to the presented styles. On the other hand, Millennials preferred the formal style of the Abaya more than the other styles. The results of this study are expected to be used as an experimental information in various fields, such as fashion and social psychology, to expand the research area based on the fashion evolvement in relation to culture in Saudi Arabia.16 0Item Restricted How can takeover regulation aid Saudi Arabia to achieve its Saudi Vision 2030? A comparative analysis between Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority Merger and Acquisition Regulation with UK’s Takeover Code(University College London, 2024-06-05) Alsebyani, Mohammed; De La Pena, FranciscoThis research presents a comparative analysis of how Saudi Arabia can amend its takeover regulations to align with the country's Vision 2030 objectives. By examining and comparing the Saudi regulatory framework with the UK Takeover Code, the study aims to provide actionable recommendations for the Saudi Capital Market Authority. Furthermore, it offers broader suggestions on how to improve the Saudi takeover code to meet international standards. This research presents a comparative analysis of how Saudi Arabia can amend its takeover regulations to align with the country's Vision 2030 objectives. By examining and comparing the Saudi regulatory framework with the UK Takeover Code, the study aims to provide actionable recommendations for the Saudi Capital Market Authority. Furthermore, it offers broader suggestions on how to improve the Saudi takeover code to meet international standards.25 0Item Restricted FACTORS INFLUENCING INFORMATION ADOPTION FROM SOCIAL MEDIA: THE CASE OF HEALTH INFORMATION IN SAUDI ARABIA.(Aston University, 2024) Almalki, Saad; Uren, Victoria; Hull, MatthewThe current study aimed to further understand attitudes toward source credibility by studying it in the context of social media use as a health information source among social media users in Saudi Arabia. During COVID-19 outbreak, the social isolation that people experienced led to social media being widely used as a medium for disseminating health information, and this has now become increasingly prevalent. Specifically, this study set out to identify which factors influenced the positive adoption of health information from social media platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study adopted a mixed methods design through using an online questionnaire, incorporating a novel vignette design, to gather quantitative data, and follow- up interviews for collecting qualitative data. The designed vignettes were a set of verified and unverified profiles on social media belonging to medical and non-medical experts. Based on collecting data from 397 participants to the questionnaire and 23 interviews, interesting findings were revealed. The study provides empirical support for the influence of source characteristics as heuristics to guide information adoption. Characteristics including sources’ knowledge, qualifications, verification mark and similarity between receiver and sender influence people’s attitudes towards source credibility. Furthermore, the findings confirmed that characteristics of information/content have a significant influence on participants' use of social media platforms as a health information sources. Timeliness, completeness, relevance and accuracy, are confirmed to influence people's attitudes toward adopting health information from social media platforms. It is believed that the current study is one of the few empirical studies to have examined the factors influencing the adoption of social media information by implementing a novel vignette design within a questionnaire. Hence, this study might make a methodological contribution with regard to using vignette design within quantitative methods. Furthermore, there also practical contributions can be made to policy makers with regard to employing social media to convey health and other types of information to the Saudi population..28 0Item Restricted PERSPECTIVES OF INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES IN SAUDI ARABIA ABOUT THE CURRENT MODEL TO IDENTIFY STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES(Washington State University, 2024) Alwadei, Hassan Mesfer; Dunn, MichaelInstructional coaches support teachers in referring and evaluating students through the learning disability (LD) identification process in Saudi Arabia. The instructional coaches also help students as they do day-to-day learning and assessment tasks. This study explored instructional coaches’ perspectives about the current model for identifying students with LD, its effectiveness, and the potential implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) as an alternative model. This study used semi-structured interviews with 12 instructional coaches to evaluate Saudi Arabia’s current identification methods. The results highlighted significant concerns about accuracy of identification and the risks of misidentifying students with LD. The findings suggest that MTSS, although it is not currently employed in Saudi schools, could provide a more reliable and comprehensive approach to addressing students’ academic and behavioral needs. Emphasizing the need for culturally- and linguistically-appropriate Special Education practices, the study advocates for MTSS’s gradual implementation with teacher training. This study contributes to the understanding about LD identification in Saudi schools and positions MTSS as an alternative solution for more effective support and identification. This study includes practical implications and recommendations for future research.50 0