‘Wasta’ is one of the most cohesive traditions in Arab society, forging social bonds that extend deep into the workplace. But is there a place for it in the modern, international labour market? Radhika Punshi and David Jones, co-founders of the first human capital ‘think tank’ in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), The Talent Enterprise, examine wasta’s impact on the region’s workforce. The Edge also canvassed some local business people to find out their take on the concept of this phenomenon in Qatari business circles.
