Abstract: | Executive Summary Youssef Mohammed has returned to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after completing a Ph.D. in Business. He is expected to take a leadership position within a family business that is experiencing a multitude of operational and strategic problems. For Youssef, the problem is whether to accept a position where he directs an organizational‐change effort or as a detailed, hands‐on manager as family tradition commands. In addition, Youssef wonders if the Western‐management principles he has learned would be effective in the Kingdom. The case provides background information on doing business in Saudi Arabia, highlighting differences between U.S. and Middle‐Eastern business practices. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |