The effect of national culture on managing human resources in the Lebanese services sector

Abstract

The main aim of our research is to shed the light on the effect of culture on the role of human resources in Lebanese services sector. It will help notice the challenges faced by human resources departments and thus leave us with recommendations for better application of human resources practices in Lebanese companies. This research paper can be used to help align the western human resources theories with the Lebanese reality and culture which will be profitable for banks, hotels, hospitals and schools since it will increase the efficiency of human resources practices. The sample taken is a group of 8 human resources managers in different services companies in Lebanon. Lebanese culture has its effect on HR practices some of them are positive, whereas others are negative. After conducting the interviews, the researchers found out that the Lebanese culture endorses diversity within the workplace. However, this diversity is not always managed properly due to norms and values which facilitate the presence of Wasta. The researchers discovered that wasta plays a major role in most HR practices especially recruiting and selecting.