An analysis study of human resource development in Saudi Arabia: Toward an effective strategy for local human resource and manpower development

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the Five-Year Development Plans from 1970 through 2004 in regard to human resource development’s conflicting objectives and the primary workforce issues including education (general and higher) and training (technical education and vocational training) improvements that occurred during this period toward the progress of local manpower.

Theoretical Framework. This research was based on the foundations of Adam Smith, human capital theory and the effects of education and training on increasing or decreasing the level of manpower/human capital in Saudi Arabia. In addition, this study analyzed the public and private sector and determined where Saudi Arabia needs more local manpower.

Methodology. The sample for this study consisted of the population of Saudi Arabia, specifically in the areas of manpower and human resource development. The study analyzed individuals who worked in Saudi Arabia from 1970 through 2004. Secondary data were collected from government sources including websites, books and journals. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Tests employed were analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation, and Tukey.

Findings. The development of education and training increased from 1970 through 2004. The Saudi manpower level also increased, but more in the public sector than the private sector; and the private sector still depends on foreign labor.

Conclusions and Recommendations. Human resources and manpower development in Saudi Arabia increased in terms of education and training. However, after 35 years of planning and development, Saudi Arabia still depends on foreign manpower in the private sector, which means the education and training system needs to be reformed to focus more on delivering qualified and skilled manpower. This conclusion elevated concerns about the officials’ commitment to follow Royal decrees in terms of human resource development and the development of the country. Recommendations included that the government of Saudi Arabia should link the training and education system to manpower development; human resource development planning should be consistent, the Saudi government should implement a sophisticated recruiting system; the Ministry of Higher Education should train students abroad before they return; and the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Labor should collaborate effectively to increase the manpower level.