Part A:

I have met with Y.J. an HR admin (he preferred as if his name stayed confidential) l, on Thursday 12th of
April in his office in the company’s Headquarters (Tadhamon Capital) bank.

During this interview I have asked questions about his work in the company like his tasks and
responsibilities, questions about his knowledge and expectations for the industry and some more
general questions about his experience working in the industry.

I can to realize how significant the banking industry is for the economy and how well connected they are
to each other by the way the can be effected by one another.

I also found out about the many tasks one is required to do in a single job position which can be
challenging sometimes, also I learned how banks are very traditionally structured as the management
styles.

The banking sector in Bahrain is still maintain its good ranking even through some challenges and
difficulties due to some economic issues in the region.

The company he works in provides many opportunities for personal development like professional
courses for its employees which is a big advantage

The banking sector has been playing a vital role in the Bahrain development as a primary financial center
in the region. At December 2016, banking sector assets raised over US$192 billion, which was more than
twelve times of the annual Gross Domestic Product.

The traditional administrative personnel functions, performance management, development and

motivation all make a combination of HR department responsibilities/tasks. It is also responsible for the
process of recruiting suitable staff for all the different areas of bank’s operations and day to day
employment practices; which include benefit administration and remuneration, developing job
description policies, leave management, performing and development planning and administration
among many other responsibilities.

The position
When asked about his job tasks Y.J said that some of his tasks are: to screen candidates for possible jobs,
interview them and testing the applicants for the specific job position. He also has to keep track of
current employees’ vacations, leaves and sick days. To monitor the office activities and maintain Human
Resource records by recoding new hires, terminations and any changes in job classification. Another
important task he said he was responsible for is keeping track and documenting the actions of the staff
of Human Resource by having completed forms, reports and logs. One more thing he said he does was
completing related results for accomplishing the Human Resource department and organization mission.
He mentions several situations where he was asked to interview candidates for open job opportunities
in his department because he had the needed knowledge of what was need to these specific positions
and has the skills required for interviewing candidates. Then after having a sit with a number of
candidates he goes through their results and decides which one was best applicant, then he decides if
he will call them to sign a contract or for a second interview.

The skills
After asking him about the main skills he or any person in this position need to efficiently do the work he
said that: communication and media is very important to inform and entertain via written, oral and
visual media. Because as he said HR department does not only communicate face to face but he
sometimes need to collect information through phone calls and communicate with other departments
using emails. Another important skill he stated was administration and management, he explained this
by giving an example on he is required to have strategic plans shared with other departments like the
financial department in order to achieve maximum level of productivity within the organization.
Interpersonal skills and enthrall intelligence are very important, he added.

Personality and values

A person in this job has to be social and a people person, as he is required to meet a lot of job seekers
and potential candidates. During his work he has to interview people and gather valuable information in
order to evaluate and compare between candidates applying for the job. He also must have credibility
and confidentiality as values because of the nature of his position and the important and valuable
information he gathers.

What is required? (experience, knowledge and recommendations)

Answering what sort of experience and knowledge needed for the job he said that there are many
professional courses that can be taken regardless of whether a person is just starting out in their HR
career or actually has a number of years of experience in the field.
And like any field of work, practical HR experience in any commercial environment will give a person
good understanding of how organizations function and work.
He expanded by saying that educational requirements can be different from an employer to another.
Most of them will require a bachelor’s degree, in business or human resources preferably. If a person
does not have a bachelor’s degree, they might need experience along with education. For example,
having a high school diploma, at least three years of HR experience is needed. And having an associate’s
degree, will require a person to have at least two years of experience.

Part B: the analysis

All countries are affected by the banking industry. But it’s subservient to many factors, specially to the
government and the economy. Banks cannot behave independently from the government and economy
and has to provide services that are based on particular laws that can affect their growth and offerings.
PEST analysis will be provided for Bahrain and the regional Banking sector.

political

The banking sector looks all powerful — but it’s susceptible to a bigger giant: the government.
Banking sector is affected by the government laws, the government can get involved in banking matters
at any time, which makes the industry a subject to political influences. This can include: corruption
between political parties or even particular governmental laws like labor laws, tariffs and political
stability.

The central bank of Bahrain has worked on a strict timetable to have full application of Basel III Pillar
One rules by 2015. In November 2012, local incorporate banks were told to provide quarterly updated
information on their capital adequacy and liquidity ratios. The CBB got the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR)
to a level of 60% on January 1, 2015, that is meaning rise to 100% by 2019. The 3% leverage ratio is
starting in January 2018, along with reporting commencing in 2017. “From the beginning of 2013 we
asked banks to report on their ratios,” Yousif Hassan Yaqoob Yousif, director of the CBB’s retail banking
supervision directorate, told OBG. “The objective is that we do not get surprised.”

economic

The banking industry is tied to the economy, whether is economy thrived or at recession periods, the
income flows are affect the proportion of access capital banks have, the spending habits and their
causes and also affected if customers spend funds at banks or borrows them.

furthermore, when inflation raises, banks face backlashes. Inflation also has an effect on currency and its
value which causes instability. Investors think twice before they provide their funds when a certain
country’s currency value is high.

Bahrain kept its status as a financial center for the GCC region and even beyond. New financial
institutions have opened offices locally in 2013, and Bahrain continues to be an innovative driver and
expanding its Islamic finance sector. In 2014 it ranked as the GCC’s leading of Islamic finance market and
second out of 92 countries, according to the ICD-Thomson Reuters Islamic Finance Development
Indicator.

Banks globally are also affected by exchange rates /stable currencies like how the US dollar influence
other currencies, spending habits, and inflation rates in other countries.

 Bahrain's banking sector is capitalized well and the local-currency deposits are fairly high.
wholesale and retail banks are doubtfully going to have to seek major injections of capital to
keep their ratios consistent with Basel III standards.

the 2011-2012 Global Competitiveness Report has ranked Bahrain to be the least competitive
economy among the Gulf countries. This ranking primarily reflected the success of some of the
GCC countries progressing their ranking on Bahrain’s expense, which in turn did not change its
position.
The authorities and political forces must find a way through out of the political challenges
because the country's economy cannot tolerate any further losses. (Ali, J., & Gulf News. (2011,
December 18). Political challenges affect Bahrain rank. Retrieved from)
https://gulfnews.com/business/analysis/political-challenges-affect-bahrain-rank-1.952617
 Based on the irregular social conflict that has persisted since 2011, Bahrain is continuing to face
difficulties to convince investors that it’s political situation is under control. A reduction could
arise from repeated political turbulence or a deepening economic slowdown reflected on asset
prices, specifically property. Factors that support the rating include strong relatively capital
buffers and determinations fo encouraging greater diversification—with greater focus on wealth
management, Islamic finance, insurance and accounting. (EIU Digital Solutions. (n.d.). Financial
services. Retrieved from)
http://www.eiu.com/industry/article/1215030305/bahrain-banking-sector-risk/2017-01-12

Sociocultural

Cultural influences, such as buying behaviors and necessities, affect how people see and use banking
options. People turn to banks for advice and assistance for loans related to business, home, and
academics. Consumers seek knowledge from bank tellers regarding saving accounts, bank related credit
cards, investments, and more.

People are affected by cultural influences like buying behaviors and necessities on their banking options.
They tend to turn to banks advice and assistance for loans related to many things like businesses and
homes or academics. The consumers take use the knowledge from bank tellers in regards to saving
accounts, investments and more.

Consumers seek a whole and smooth banking experience. And technology is now being developed to
give them the ability of buying products easier, without needing direct assistance from banks.

Technological

before, it used to be expected to visit a bank to make changes to financial accounts. But not anymore.

Technology is changing how consumers are managing their funds. Most banks are offering a mobile app
to view accounts, transfer funds, and pay bills on smartphones.

Debit cards are changing too. Chips are being implemented, demanding users to insert the card into
debit machines rather than them being swapped.

Technology development, faster and more effective internet and smartphones penetration rates mean
the future is digital banking. This makes importance on advanced and new customized products and
pricing in order to improve the banking capabilities and reach the expectations of today’s tech-savy
customers.” Al Aali added.

Technological and sociocultural

“Digital bank meem launches operations in Bahrain”

Digital retail banking arm of Gulf International Bank that offers Shariah-compliant services .meem, the
digital retail banking services arm of Gulf International Bank (GIB), has been officially launched in
Bahrain.

Rasheed Al Maraj, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, has attended the launch, and said: “We are
pleased to see meem digital banking begin its operations in Bahrain. The launch underlines the Central
Bank of Bahrain’s ongoing commitment and success in attracting FinTech specialists to the kingdom and
strengthening the country’s FinTech ecosystem.”

It gives the customers the ability to open and manage their accounts, make everyday transactions
through the bank’s online channel, supported by services such as video contact centre, e-mail, web chat
and social media, a statement was said.

The bank stated that meem’s Bahrain inauguration is a "major innovative step as it concretes the way
for more and bigger expansion across the GCC".

(Digital bank meem launches operations in Bahrain. (n.d.). Retrieved from )

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/banking-finance/394964-digital-bank-meem-launches-operations-in-
bahrain

reflection:

Banks provide and offer many responsibilities and career development options. Many of the banking
firms are offering excellent benefits for their employees, this includes medical insurance and disability
insurance, sick leave and vacation and retirement plans and options. These firms are highly supervised
financial operations, in order to make them safe and rewarding places to work in. these careers offer
their employees integrity and stability.

There are so many opportunities to expand an employee’s knowledge and skills while working at a bank.
Most of banks offer “on-the-job” training and cheer them to get more and higher education through a
range of courses, seminars and training programs. Banks are often setting up tuition support and
reimbursement programs for job-related coursework in order to help their employees grow and
enhance their capabilities for current and future positions

Financial institutions only hire candidates that are honest and trustworthy. They look for people that
have the ability to calculate and balance numbers correctly. because the government regulates many
features of the banking industry, the employees are required to stand by to all the rules and regulations
that banks must follow.

This is why I am very interested in working in the banking industry.

References:

Why a Career in Banking? (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2018, from http://www.banktalenthq.com/job-
seeker/why-a-career-in-banking/
Bahrain banking sector remains resilient. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2018, from
https://home.kpmg.com/bh/en/home/media/press-releases/2017/06/kpmg-report--bahrain-banking-
sector-remains-resilient-in-challen.html

EIU Digital Solutions. (n.d.). Financial services. Retrieved April 14, 2018, from
http://www.eiu.com/industry/article/1215030305/bahrain-banking-sector-risk/2017-01-12

Site designed and built by Hydrant (http://www.hydrant.co.uk). (2015, September 19). Bahrain remains
a leading regional centre for banking and finance. Retrieved April 14, 2018, from
https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/bahrain-remains-leading-regional-centre-banking-and-
finance

PESTLE Analysis for the Banking Industry. (2017, April 05). Retrieved April 14, 2018, from
http://pestleanalysis.com/pestle-analysis-for-banking-industry/

(n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2018, from https://www.bbkonline.com/AboutUs/Divisions/Pages/HR.aspx

Banking in Bahrain. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2018, from http://www.banksbahrain.org/banking-in-

bahrain/

appendix:

The interview:

This interview took place at the financial harbor on Thursday, April 12, 2018

At 12pm with Y.J HR admin in Tadhamon Capital investment bank.

What has brought you into working for in this industry?

Being a business student, we have many options in working, for me I chose the financial
industry because its witlessly, challenging and rewarding.

Has your job been beneficial for your personal life, other than earnings and salary? how?

Yes, knowing the world’s economic events at eco-popular events may enhance your view
towards the situation, lineally which will improve your decision making process.

What skills are need to perform efficiently in this job?

Time management skills, interpersonal skills and enthrall intelligence

 What could be gained from working in this industry?

Many things, first self-discipline and knowledge about the financial situation worldwide and
locally which is relevant to our everyday life activities

Are there any opportunities for personal development? Expand..

Yes, many; being a part of the most popular and best financial institutions which will
enhance the personal development.

How do you see the industry in Bahrain in the future?

According to recent findings in Bahrain we are moving towards a new age/stage where our
credit rating will be improved which will enhance the investment opportunities and the
economy as well and it is a positive thing.

Is the industry facing any challenges now? will it face any in the future?

Yes there are many risks like credit risk , market risk , liquidity risk and operational risk.

How long have you been working in this industry?

Over 5 years

Can you give me an example of some challenges you have faced and how you overcame them?

As an investment firm we face the challenge of lack of investors (capital) which will perhaps
pause or postpone our operational process or investment opportunities and that is a huge
challenge for us and the solutions are suggested within the operational team and it is mainly
confidential information.

What are some of your best achievements?

Being promoted with a young age in less than two years working in the company with a high
responsibility occupation.

How would you like to describe the management style of your company?

It is very traditional starting with chairman, vice-chairman, board members, CEO, 4 directors
(investment-treasury-operation-investor relation), associates, senior associates and finally
principals.

What are some of your responsibility?

Many, I have verity of responsibilities concerning the office administration for example: the
monitoring of the office activities and maintain the Human Resources records, screening for
candidates for employment, tracking vacations, maintaing the documents for the staff of
human recourse and completing forms, logs and reports

How do you think the job can be improved?

 Employees must come on time because we have as we have a flexible working hours
employees can take advantage of it and not attend early which might lead to some delays in
the work flow.

Each department should be more cooperative and helpful with other departments for faster
and more efficient work flow.

The letters: