Organizational talent management initiatives and practices in construction industry

Abstract

The Saudi Commercial Attaché in Kuala Lumpur aiming to provide a set of services and commercial programs for Saudi companies to export their product to the World and Asian Markets. Although Malaysia is a country with a high potential to consume and accept Saudi exports, Saudi companies are reluctant to enter the Malaysian market. Many factors contributing to this issue; among them knowledge challenges, resource challenges, procedure challenges and external challenges. The aim of this project is to examine the key factors causing low numbers of Saudi companies penetrating the Malaysian market. The study uses action research methodology to establish interventions to improve the Saudi companies in penetrating the Malaysian market. The action research was done on two cycles, the first done using mixed research methodology using a survey with 46 managers from Saudi companies and interviews with two of the economic officers in the attaché. The result of the first action research cycle indicated that procedure is the most significant and frequently mentioned challenge. The second cycle including the intervention include making a booklet documenting the exporting procedures and an orientation session with 26 of Saudi companies operating in food and beverages sector. The result of t-test indicated significant difference between pre and post intervention, the participants described the booklet and the intervention as helpful. The intervention was successful as 17 of the companies signed up for follow up on the exportation procedure with the Saudi Commercial Attaché.