The Impact of Culture on SCM in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract This study sought to find out the effects of culture on supply chain management (SCM) in the context of Saudi Arabia. SCM is a relatively modern area of concern in Saudi Arabia and, if the process is to proceed smoothly for all the involved parties, the right foundations must be laid. In recent years, the Saudi infrastructure has been upgraded, which is likely to have a positive impact on SCM. However, it has been suggested that culture may represent an impediment with regard to the performance of SCM, which is why this study was designed to examine the effects of culture on SCM in the Saudi context. The study applied a mixed-methods research approach that involved conducting a survey and then interviewing six respondents who were considered representative of stakeholders in the field of SCM. The primary data collection tool was the survey, which asked the respondents to rate a number of relevant variables. The interviews were conducted to supplement the data collected via the survey and so to facilitate an in-depth understanding of the key issues. The survey resulted in 36 usable responses. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with six respondents. The survey data were quantitatively analysed, while interview data were qualitatively analysed. The findings of the study confirmed that culture exerts an influence on the performance of SCM. In addition, the gathered data highlighted several important themes, including policies and regulations, as being challenges that are embedded in culture to inhibit SCM performance.