i know some of it is, maybe even a lot, but it goes beyond that.
i work in finance so let me give you an example based on my experience looking for work in the ME.
i have seen many postings for accounting/finance managers over the last 6 months (which is the level i was looking for). for those who don't work in finance, an accounting manager can be many things. i came across some postings where the employer was looking for an indian applicant. the position itself was managing a team of accounting clerks, taking care of all the journal entries and maintaining the general ledger. for such a position, excellent communications and organizational skills are not essential, and the level of problem-solving required is not top notch.
other accounting/finance manager positions i came across were paying far higher wages and they were looking for people with western education/experience. in these cases the candidate would be more of a partner to the business. he/she would need excellent communication skills as the person would have to deal with non-finance managers in the business (and senior managers in other countries), as well as superior multi-tasking/problem-solving/organizational etc. skills because in addition to taking care of the general ledger, the candidate would take charge of financial reporting, budgeting, analysis work, financial negotiations etc.
both were accounting managers and the westerner in the second position will be making more than the indian in the first.
i can't speak for other industries, but in finance titles mean nothing. an accounting manager making 10,000 might be getting what he deserves even though another accounting manager is making 25,000 because the two positions are nothing alike.
women in canada still don't receive equal wages for equal work, so i don't doubt that discrimination happens in the ME. but i think it is also the case that many westerners in the ME are working in more senior level positions that require skills that are not easily taught in one semester at school.
i find it hard to believe that a company will pay 50% more in wages to get a westerner if someone else will do the job for less. what i find more likely is that if the company is paying 50% more, then there is a reason for it. anyone who has ever interviewed will know that 2 people with identical resumes regarding education and work experience can end up being nothing alike when interviewed. problem-solving, multi-tasking, communication, negotiation, organization, etc. - these are the kinds of skills that the companies are most likely paying higher wages for. i'm not saying that westerners are the only people with such skills, in fact many westerners need work in these areas too, but my experience in egypt has led me to believe that the education system here pays no attention to these skills, and many companies don't help matters with their rigid structures that keep all of the decision-making power at the top of the pyramid.
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"Even a stopped clock gives the right time twice a day." Withnail & I
i know some of it is, maybe even a lot, but it goes beyond that.
i work in finance so let me give you an example based on my experience looking for work in the ME.
i have seen many postings for accounting/finance managers over the last 6 months (which is the level i was looking for). for those who don't work in finance, an accounting manager can be many things. i came across some postings where the employer was looking for an indian applicant. the position itself was managing a team of accounting clerks, taking care of all the journal entries and maintaining the general ledger. for such a position, excellent communications and organizational skills are not essential, and the level of problem-solving required is not top notch.
other accounting/finance manager positions i came across were paying far higher wages and they were looking for people with western education/experience. in these cases the candidate would be more of a partner to the business. he/she would need excellent communication skills as the person would have to deal with non-finance managers in the business (and senior managers in other countries), as well as superior multi-tasking/problem-solving/organizational etc. skills because in addition to taking care of the general ledger, the candidate would take charge of financial reporting, budgeting, analysis work, financial negotiations etc.
both were accounting managers and the westerner in the second position will be making more than the indian in the first.
i can't speak for other industries, but in finance titles mean nothing. an accounting manager making 10,000 might be getting what he deserves even though another accounting manager is making 25,000 because the two positions are nothing alike.
women in canada still don't receive equal wages for equal work, so i don't doubt that discrimination happens in the ME. but i think it is also the case that many westerners in the ME are working in more senior level positions that require skills that are not easily taught in one semester at school.
i find it hard to believe that a company will pay 50% more in wages to get a westerner if someone else will do the job for less. what i find more likely is that if the company is paying 50% more, then there is a reason for it. anyone who has ever interviewed will know that 2 people with identical resumes regarding education and work experience can end up being nothing alike when interviewed. problem-solving, multi-tasking, communication, negotiation, organization, etc. - these are the kinds of skills that the companies are most likely paying higher wages for. i'm not saying that westerners are the only people with such skills, in fact many westerners need work in these areas too, but my experience in egypt has led me to believe that the education system here pays no attention to these skills, and many companies don't help matters with their rigid structures that keep all of the decision-making power at the top of the pyramid.
___________________________________________
"Even a stopped clock gives the right time twice a day." Withnail & I