Decision making process in higher education institutions: the case of Saudi Arabia.

The aims of this research is to identify the factors that influence the decision making process in Saudi higher education institutions and to find the way to manage these factors so that they exert a positive influence on this process. Based on a pilot study, field work and literature review, the thesis identifies and explores five cultural factors and five structural factors. The cultural factors are: organizational environment, nepotism, innovation, social change and professionalism. The structural factors are: centralization, formalization, routinization, communication and coordination. This thesis studies the influence of these factors using a multi-method approach in order to develop and propose a new approach toward a more efficient decision making processes.
The outcome of this research reveal the lack of efficiency in the decision making process in Saudi higher education institutions. Recommendations for the development of a new approach are made because of the negative influence of the
factors identified. Through an understanding of cultural and structural factors, the data gathered suggests that the adaptation of this approach would lead to greater
efficiency of the decision making process in Saudi higher education institutions by managing the identified factors as a mean of improving the decision making process. A further outcome is an increase in our knowledge and understanding of those factors which influence the decision making process in Saudi Arabia.

A thesis submitted to Middlesex University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.