CAES Morocco: Advanced Leadership Theories, Ethics, and Culture

       Moroccan Culture operates on a polychronic, flexible, communal culture. In terms of agriculture, this means that resources, information (business, technical, or otherwise), and, at times, harvest are shared amongst neighboring farms, friends, and people within the surrounding area (Eberman, 2012). Additionally, due to their flexibility and polychronic values, relationships between business partners, leaders, and friends are prioritized over efficiency, profit margins, and scheduling deadlines. Old Moroccan culture is also not gaudy in terms of displaying wealth as compared to American culture. The buildings are all displayed with same facades and only in the inside can wealth be displayed (Eberman, 2012). This was due to religious values as well as the belief that everyone should equal in their housing and project disparities.       In westernized culture, the moroccan values of building relationships (whether that be during mealtime, at work, or during meetings) can be viewed a

Something that I immediately noticed in Morocco once I arrived was the strong communal spirit amongst the people. As we drove into the city of Casablanca late Sunday night (the few of us with the late flight), I noticed that there were so many people outside hanging out. I remember commenting on how many people were out at the time, and even checking my phone to see what time it really was to gauge the hour of activity. They didn't seem to be doing anything in particular, just walking, sitting and talking, playing soccer, etc., all with one another other. There's been many other little things I've noticed that displays a strong sense of care and respect they have for each other. A major example was the organic farmer we talked to on Tuesday. He told us how all the neighbors look out after another, leaning on each other for advice or extra labor. The farmer said that he had two wells on the farm for irrigation, but he only used one of them. One day his neighbor asked if he c

  Collectivism or communalism is the societal orientation towards putting the needs of the community or group before the needs of the individual within the group. https://www.britannica.com/topic/collectivism This is a common value in family structures that are non-western. The trend also carries over into Moroccan society. In collectivist societies, it is thought that advancing the group instead of the individual can be beneficial in achieving larger goals and building relationships. A very high emphasis is placed on community interdependence, familial ties, and taking care of one another.  Collectivism can have considerable benefits for communities that practice it. However, there are downfalls to having a communal society. Sometimes in communal cultures, families can get so wrapped up in pushing for the needs of the group, that the individual can feel smaller and oftentimes ignored. With this utilitarian view, groups run the risk of compromising the important intricacies of the pers