Relational gatekeeper behaviour of HR managers in the Middle East: the role of informal networks

Abstract

Wasta, the informal network context omnipresent in the Middle East, is widespread in human resource management (HRM) practices. Yet, its influence on the behaviour of HR managers has not been explored. Utilizing relational gatekeeping theory and the informal network perspective in conjunction with in-depth expert interviews with HR managers, we seek to explore whether and how informal networks (wasta) influence and shape their role in an Arab Middle Eastern context. Our findings indicate that the level of wasta penetration in organizations is reliant on the relational gatekeeping behaviours of HR managers. Furthermore, we show how HR managers compensate for structural deficiencies by leveraging their wasta-derived power to amplify their voices. Nevertheless, the findings also emphasize the significance of power sharing in reducing the expansion of culturally derived power associated with wasta, thereby limiting power dynamics and authority to that derived from the formal organizational hierarchy. These insights advance knowledge on gatekeeping behaviour in the Arab Middle Eastern context and contribute new knowledge regarding the operational modes of informal networks within organizations. Our findings underscore the pivotal role that HR managers play in shaping the organizational culture. From a practical perspective, we offer actionable solutions, such as power sharing through committee work, to enhance the effectiveness of the HR function.

Keywords:

• HRM
• HR managers
• institutional complexity
• informal networks
• power dynamics
• leadership
• relational gatekeeping
• wasta
• Jordan
• Middle East
• emerging markets

Disclosure statement

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

Data availability statement

The participants of this study did not provide written consent for their data to be shared publicly. Consequently, due to the sensitive nature of the research, supporting data are not available.

Notes

1 In addition to the tribalism and collectivism origin of wasta, other explanations for its origin might also include economic factors (e.g.: high levels of unemployment and poverty (Alsarhan & Al-Twal, 2023; Loewe et al., 2007), legal factors (e.g. legislative gaps, complicated laws, a wide range of discretion in the texts of regulations, and absence of formal legal structures) (Berger et al., 2015); and political factors (e.g.: the nature of political systems, such as those that feature a patriarchal style, over-bureaucratization, and repression) (Al-Ramahi, 2008).