Gilligan , very articulate post . I might add that management skills are still in an immature state within Middle Eastern culture an MBA does not create an instant manager , far from it .
As inadequacies are exposed usually by the exponential growth of organisations and increased competition , the fear factor of failure spreads upwards and outwards leading to ever increasing "defensive posturing " and indecision on the part of our leaders . Who is exactly in charge around here ? as you rightly stated the extreme centralisation and desire to comply with local cultural behaviour , i.e fear of offending , lead to indecision on a grand scale . This renders all middle management impotent (in the managerial sense) except for administrative issues and minor changes to daily routine.
Success is judged by how far up the management ladder one climbs , sadly not by the morale and good will , not to mention loyalty one engenders within the work force. Save a few Dhs and you are successful , the attitude of the corner shop manager or rug trader , I think we deserve better than that . Why isn,t it possible ?...please don,t mention oil prices .