Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine views of Saudi students studying public administration who had worked in some capacity in the Saudi government prior to beginning school in the United States. A total population of 203 Saudi Arabian students now living and studying public administration in the United States of America was studied. A descriptive design was utilized in the study. A questionnaire was used as a source of collecting the information. The data collected via the survey were interpreted by utilizing percentage of response and frequency of response and the mean of the students surveyed. The findings were as follows: The Saudi students indicated they felt that qualified public administrators are needed at home in Saudi Arabia. Some 44 percent felt public administrators should be trained abroad. Most have found a great many new ideas which they wish to use and implement at home in Saudia Arabia. American universities proved to be the leader in regards to their educational preference. The following conclusions were supported by the data: (1) The present courses of instruction in American universities were preferred by Saudi public administration students. Some deficiencies in American university courses in data processing and computer training did appear; (2) the majority of Saudi students aspired to become upper level managers, executives, and directors; (3) Saudi students plan to receive training which will enable them to step into needed areas. Representative recommendations of this study are: (1) Methods of improving government employee efficiency and morale. A multi-point attack on general inefficiency is recommended: (a) use of several techniques to increase morale and motivation; (b) better placement of qualified Saudi employees in responsible positions, and elimination of foreign employees; (c) expanded training courses from Saudi universities and the Saudi Institute of Public Administration for deserving employees, which will give added incentive and improve ability; (d) expansion of the training base for Saudi public administration employees by training public administration instructors, teachers and professors; (2) a plan should and must be developed to expand the industrial base of Saudi Arabia beyond the limits of petrochemicals. This economic plan must include all segments of the economy; (3) the present Saudi students should be encouraged to pursue additional training to fill specialized needs in Saudi Arabia.