Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Lisa Walker in Saudi Arabia

Wicks, Andrew C., ...

Case

Lisa Walker in Saudi Arabia

Wicks, Andrew C.; Nolan, John

E-0435 | Published April 13, 2020 | 2 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

Product Details

Lisa Walker, a Wharton MBA graduate, was assigned to work in Saudi Arabia as part of her position at JPMorgan Chase. Walker has some trepidation, given Saudi Arabia's posture toward women. Initially, things were good and Walker felt respected and welcomed. After a while, however, the country's customs and dictates toward women began to wear on her. Walker encountered some resistance from male clients and colleagues, had to wear an abaya when she went out in public, and was allowed to enter some buildings only through the women's entrance. When these experiences begin to take a toll on Walker's professional performance, she must decide how to proceed.