“Pick candidates that are socially flexible” Aouni Kawas
The Beirut explosion was the product of 30 years of negligence and corruption on the part of the Lebanese government.
In the years preceding the explosion, Lebanon faced severe social, economic and political challenges. The government’s proposal to impose fees on WhatsApp users served as a catalyst, prompting widespread protests against financial hardship, inadequate living standards, and systemic corruption.
Currency devaluation resulting from questionable central bank practices caused significant business closures and prevented new ventures. This contributed to unemployment exceeding 30%. Kawas Consulting experienced an 80% decline in local operations, leading to expansion into Paris-based services and increased focus on Gulf and African markets.
Cultural Considerations for GCC Recruitment
Management recruitment in Gulf Cooperation Council regions requires understanding distinct cultural practices. Business discussions often follow personal conversations about family and interests—contrasting sharply with European norms. Phrases like “In Sha Allah” carry ambiguous meanings. Candidates must demonstrate cultural awareness and social adaptability.
Impact of Nationalization Policies
Localization initiatives create recruitment challenges by limiting qualified local talent availability. High-demand candidates often demand premium compensation packages. International experts frequently experience frustration when supervising less-experienced local counterparts earning substantially higher salaries.
2021 HR Market Outlook
COVID-19 disruptions continued affecting employment prospects. Escalating GCC-Iran tensions threatened broader economic recovery. Governments prioritized military spending over human capital investment necessary for sustainable growth.
