Successful international leaders in the private-sector, public-sector, and non-profit sector must fully understand the environment they and their organization operate in. This is hard work and requires consistent dedicated study and focus – especially in the Middle East.
Leaders in the region need to understand the synergistic effects of the political environment, the business environment, the social dynamics, and the religious and tribal dynamics – just to name a few. All of these elements are critical to understanding context – perhaps none so much as the religious and tribal elements together.
PBSs’ Frontline recently did a two-part piece entitled “Bitter Rivals”. This outstanding series lays out for the viewer the dynamics between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran. At its core, the series unpacks the centuries-long dynamics between Shia and Sunni Muslims. I found it a must watch for anyone working in that region or wanting too.
The link to this program can be found here. PBS FrontLine