ECON 321

ECON 321: Ideas and Practices of Middle East Business. Does Islamic belief regulate business in the region’s Muslim countries? If so, what are those beliefs and what are their effects? What about other cultural notions such as knowing a person’s social background, the importance of social networks, the belief in “right timing,” establishing and maintaining “honorable” relations, working through “intermediaries,” building “trust,” and so forth? Is there a social rhythm to the business day that is particular to the region? Do women entrepreneurs have to operate differently than their male counterparts? Besides reading and studying primary texts and analytical studies, the class will engage business leaders from the Yemeni and foreign community to discuss their experiences working in the region.