Were talking about Masculinity and Femininity;

Geert Hofstede is an intercultural expert who identified

five value dimensions which are followed and deeply preserved in
most cultures. These value dimensions, or typologies, are
individualism versus collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, power
distance, masculinity versus femininity, and long- versus shortterm orientation.

Masculinity and Femininity have nothing to do with Gender.

Instead they discuss (from a cultural perspective) ones social role
in society. In summary, masculinity is associated with big power,
often forceful, result-oriented,competitive while femininity is
related to personal connection, collaborative work, mainattention
is to the process rather than the result and supportive.
Masculinity is associated with strength, aggressive and task
oriented whilefemininity is more focused on sharing emotions,
democratic, cooperation andcommunication.

Country, or cultural values, are common beliefs and shared ideas

about what is right or wrong, good or bad, just or unfair in a
society. These values are pervasive among the individuals within
a given culture and they cause people to behave differently under
similar circumstances. Indeed, values "determine how individuals
will probably respond in any given circumstance

Saudi Arabia has one of the largest male/female gaps. The life of
a woman is very restricted, with laws concerning leaving the
house, dress code, and servitude to the male. Consequences for
breaking out of these sex-based roles are strongly punished. Saudi
Arabia is a masculine society. The masculine country lives in order
to work. Managers are expected to be decisive and confident. To
emphasize fair and competitive performance, they must battle
and conflict resolution.

MAS shows the level of traditionally masculine values that prevail

in a society including, competition, achievement/success,
assertiveness, and lack of a concern for others. A low score, a
feminine society, places emphasis on being motivated by liking
what you do, working to live, and caring for others.
Saudi Arabia's score places it as a masculine society as opposed
to a feminine society, although its ranking is not as high as some
other countries.
"Live to work" is prominent in masculine societies. Islamic work
ethic is a commitment toward fulfillment, work is a virtue and an
obligation.
Mangers are decisive and assertive and highly committed to work
ethic.
Avoid open admission of error because weakness is not
considered manly.

Culture of Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia's economy is petroleumbased; 75% of budget revenues and 90% of export earnings come
from the oil industry. Saudi Arabia is one of the few fastest
growing countries in the world with a high per capita income of
$20,700. Extreme heat and aridity are characteristic of most of
Saudi Arabia The Kingdom occupies about 80 percent of the
Arabian peninsula Islam. Islam's two holiest sites, Mecca and
Medina, are located in the country. Public theatres and cinemas
are prohibited. Saudi Arabian dress follows strictly the principles
of hijab

Culture of Saudi Arabia It is common to remove your shoes

before entering a building. Alcohol and pork are illegal. The
"thumbs up" gesture is offensive. Women in Saudi Arabia are
not permitted to drive vehicles. Gifts are not necessary, but
appreciated. Avoid admiring an item too much, your host may feel
obligated to give it to you. When offered a gift, it is impolite to
refuse. Visitors are expected to abide by local standards of
modesty however, they should not adopt native clothing.
Traditional clothes on foreigners may be offensive. Despite the
heat, most of the body must always remain covered. Women
should always wear modest clothing in public. Importance of
religion: Islam governs everything! No civil code of law
Shariha (Islamic Law) = law! No other religion tolerated
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4. Cultural Values Dimensions (by Geert Hofstede) Culture is the
sum of the values, rituals, symbols, beliefs, and thought
processes that are learned, shared by a group of people, and
transmitted from generation to generation

High Masculinity (MAS) A High Masculinity ranking indicates the

country experiences a high degree of gender differentiation. In
these cultures, males dominate a significant portion of the society
and power structure, with females being controlled by male
domination. The Masculinity index (MAS), the third highest
Hofstede Dimension is 60, only slightly higher than the 50.2
average for all the countries included in the Hofstede MAS
Dimension. This would indicate that while women in the Arab
World are limited in their rights, it may be due more to Muslim
religion rather than a cultural paradigm.