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Localization of human resources in the State of Qatar: Emerging issues and research agenda

Justin Williams (School of Business, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia)
Ramudu Bhanugopan (School of Business, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia)
Alan Fish (School of Business, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia)

Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues

ISSN: 1753-7983

Article publication date: 23 August 2011

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an overview of the concept of “localization” of human resources in Qatar. Relative to the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCCCs), economic development began late in Qatar due to political and economic factors such as the influx of an immigrant labour force and changes in the education system. Now, with one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and the highest per capita income, Qatar has vigorously embraced rapid economic expansion. However, in a small country awash with natural resources, and with a population engulfed by expatriates, the issue of “localization” is a pressing economic and social issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the national human resource situation in this atypical context, and seeks to determine the factors that impact on “localization” in this small, yet important Gulf nation.

Findings

There are some common barriers to “localization” throughout the GCCCs. These can be summarized as: an inefficient quota system; a culture that is focused more on prestige than performance; strict cultural practices concerning women in the workforce; education systems that are not market driven; and an inequitable social contract and distribution of oil and natural gas wealth in the GCCCs.

Originality/value

While much attention has been directed to the concept of “localization” in developing countries, “Qatarization” has received no attention in the scholarly literature, despite the resounding political and economic role that Qatar has in the GCCCs.

Keywords

Citation

Williams, J., Bhanugopan, R. and Fish, A. (2011), "Localization of human resources in the State of Qatar: Emerging issues and research agenda", Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, Vol. 4 No. 3, pp. 193-206. https://doi.org/10.1108/17537981111159966

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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