The Impact of Changes in Socio-institutional arrangements on Organisational Justice in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study investigates the socio-institutional arrangements in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that can influence organisational justice in the retail sector. Socio-institutional arrangements refer to both social and governmental structures which take place by arranging and undertaking formal policies (Schneider et al., 1997). Gender equality is considered as a cornerstone of justice amongst societies. Therefore, societal traditions were examined to understand the correlation between traditions, government policies and gender equality. A sample of 10 interviewees were chosen, and semi-constructed interviews were conducted. This sample represented female employees, male employees, businesspeople and officials at the government. This helps scrutinise different levels of justice perceptions comprehensively. It was unique to this study that the sample has been chosen to reflect intersectionality in gender studies such as gender, tribe and class. This research has underpinned earlier studies that indicate traditions and misinterpreting religious texts as barriers of gender equality. However, this has been also challenged in order to provide a theme that simulates how the dynamics of gender equality function in Saudi. It was recognised that the government has a great influence on people's traditions and interpretations of religion. This was evident through analysing various governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of Saudi. Additionally, this study helps recognise the international community pressure that may influence the legislative climate in the Kingdom. This international pressure reinforces feminist movements within the Kingdom albeit these movements are not yet a real influence. This study contributes to the literature of organisational justice and its junctions with social justice, gender equality and the Saudi labour market.