Explaining the power of informal networks in academia: a jordanian perspective

ABSTRACT

‘Wasta’ is one of the most critical challenges to organisations in Jordan and the Middle East due to its informal nature and the influences it has on various professional decisions made. Views on it vary and are contradictory. Despite the negative perceptions and its perceived harmful effects, its use is commonplace. Studies on Wasta and the factors affecting its use are limited, specifically in the context of higher education. This research explores the power of informal networks ‘Wasta’ and the motives behind individuals’ involvement in a Jordanian higher education institution. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 academics with experience working in private and public universities. The findings identified various motives that work on the societal, organisational, and individual levels that encourage its use in academia and make it a powerful tool for obtaining what is desired yet conceivably deserved. This is the first study that pragmatically contributes to the understanding of the contradictory views of Wasta as well as its prevailing power in affecting work processes in academia.

KEYWORDS:

• Informal networks
• wasta
• motives
• higher education
• Jordan

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Arwa Al-Twal

Arwa Al-Twal Holds a Ph.D. degree in Human Resources Management. She is currently a full-time Assistant Professor and a chairperson of the Human Resources Management department in the Faculty of Business and Finance at the American University of Madaba, Jordan. There, she offers lectures on management, HRM, and business ethics. Her research interests include performance appraisal and performance management within HE context, cross-cultural management, HRM in the Middle East, and women career development. Arwa has participated in a number of local and international conferences and has published articles on HRM, Wasta, and women career development.

Caryn Cook

Caryn Cook Dr Caryn Cook is a senior lecturer in the School of Business at the University of South Wales (USW). Her research interests are qualitative social research, higher education and adult education. Her current research focuses on human resource management (HRM) within post-Soviet spaces, social capital and informal institutions. Caryn is also interested in research on sustainable prosperity in South Wales. A further area of research concerns the tensions of the academic working life, including the work–life balance and work–life conflict, both within the UK and internationally.