Just like a certain international football association, averda has a disjointed work culture. Toxic internal politics, nepotism, arrogance & “Lebanese protectionism” are ingrained.
From the senior cronies flows condescending, over-inflated self-belief and a misguided conviction that an inefficient, monopolistic business model from Beirut can be copy-pasted to miraculously grow business in aggressive, lean & highly competitive markets.
This has resulted in failure to convert 10 years’ GCC presence into superior market dominance and credible “wastah” – a damning indictment when local relationships are critical to success and even worse, you understand this.
Inability to transition from family-run to international business is reinforced at company functions that resemble North Korean nationalist rallies. Staff bow & proselytize evangelical style every time a “family” member makes an entrance, and where statements of grandeur like, “business unit on the moon by 2050!!” are fervently applauded. Yes, a lunar rover - being driven by a guy in blue overalls - picking up Richard Branson’s litter from a crater. Profitable growth will come selling reverse vending machines to Jabba the Hutt in the Outer Rim Galaxies..
Any reality-checks upset the “chosen ones”, resulting in the too-regular dismissal of senior expats. Sadly, this practice will continue as long as the “headless chicken masquerading as smart business” routine continues.
List of terminated reads like a who’s who of modern corporate business: COO’s; MD’s; Country / Area Managers; Fleet Managers; Technical & Tendering Directors; and HR professionals (yes, even they aren’t immune!). Which begs the question, “Have ALL these experienced people been incompetent and poor fits, or is the CEO and co just bad at recruiting?”
At last check, Dutch management were flavor of the month. One would sincerely hope this can last long enough to bring desperately needed stability to the regional businesses. Sadly though, when the music stops, it will be the cronies & guys in shiny suits who are left sitting on the chairs. For the rest, make sure your clogs and CV’s are handy..
