CV

Dr. Yousif Abdelrahim

                  Dhahran, Saudi Arabia | +966546388526 | yaelrahim@gmail.com                                                              

  Dr. Yousif Abdelrahim | Wasta Theory, Informal Governance, Sustainable Education, Education Leadership, & Tribalism Research:

• Wasta & Social Networks

• Informal governance

• Institutional Theory.

• Cultural Studies. 

• Tribalism  Research & Tribal Behaviour

• Social, Intimate, & institutional trust

• Cross-cultural psychology

• Organizational behavior

• Higher education - Leadership & Well-being

• Emerging market institutions

• Corruption & Unethical Behavior

Executive Profile

International scholar, academic leader, and higher education strategist with 23+ years of experience across academia and industry. Recognised for original theory development, conceptual scholarship, accreditation leadership, research productivity, and cross-border academic engagement, the winner of the ELETS Education Leadership and Advocacy Award in 2026.

Signature Intellectual Contributions

· Abdelrahim, Y. (2026). Wasta as a Cognitive Model: Rethinking Justice, Responsibility, and Decision-Making. Poster presented at the Association for Psychological Science (APS) Annual Convention, Barcelona, Spain.

      This research advances the argument that wasta is not merely a cultural practice, but an ingrained              cognitive and institutional model that shapes perceptions of justice, responsibility, trust, and moral            action in relational societies. The presentation reframes wasta from a localised social phenomenon           into a broader interdisciplinary framework that connects cultural cognition, institutional behaviour,           organisational decision-making, and informal governance.

The broader research program is organised around five interconnected themes:

•    Wasta as Informal Governance

• Wasta as a Cognitive Model

• Wasta and Institutional Trust

• Wasta and Organisational Decision-Making

• Wasta, Justice, and Moral Cognition

. Developed the Wasta Informal Governance Theory: a componential and institutional framework for emerging market economies.

·  Validate and add tribalism as a cultural dimension to Hofstede’s Cultural Dimension Theory.

·   Created seven conceptual frameworks in governance, management, leadership, and institutional research.

·   Authored an academic reference book contributing to business and management scholarship.

Awards & Recognition

·   ELET Leadership and Advocacy Award.

·   QS Reimagine Education Awards Judge (2023, 2024, 2025, 2026).

·   Honorary recognitions from international academic bodies.

Academic Appointments

Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia - Assistant Professor / Leadership Roles (2019–Present).  University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, USA — Research Associate (2016–2019).

Publications & Research

·   Published articles in Scopus-indexed and Web of Science journals.

·   Research disseminated through SocArXiv, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, ORCID, and scholarly platforms.

·   Mentored MBA and EMBA research projects.

Selected Conferences & Global Engagement

· IBIMA Conferences (Spain, Seville).

· IHIET Conference (France).

.  IHIET Conference (New York, USA)

.  AHFE Conference (Tokyo, Japan).

· ARG Conference (Mauritius). 

· WRF Conferences (Dubai, USA).

· QS Higher Ed Summit Middle East (Kuwait).                                                                                                   . 4th Corporate Governance Conference (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).                                                                        . APS Convention (Barcelona, Spain).                                                                                                                  . ICSMGEE’2026 Conference (Dubai, UAE).                                                                                                      . GCBMS-2024 Global Conference (Dubai, UAE).

Professional Service

      ·  Editorial Board Member, Journal of Human Resource & Sustainability Studies (2026–present). 

·   Editorial board member and journal reviewer.

·   Conference committee member and abstract reviewer.

·   AACSB committee participation and accreditation leadership.

·   Chair of CSR and Community Outreach Committee.

Professional Memberships

·   APS

·   AERA

·   IACCP

·   AACSB

·   OACETT

 Education

PhD, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater,

MBA, Western Governors University,

 BSc, Kuwait University.

Job-Specific Skills

• Strong university-level teaching skills, with demonstrated ability to deliver engaging, student-centred learning experiences.

• Expertise in innovative pedagogical approaches (e.g., experiential learning, project-based learning, research-informed teaching) and familiarity with digital learning technologies and platforms

• Active research agenda with a record of peer-reviewed publications in reputable academic journals and/or conference proceedings.

• Proficiency in standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office) and familiarity with learning management systems and online teaching platforms.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent and collaborative research, with experience or strong potential in securing external research funding.

• Engagement in international research networks and contribution to the visibility of the institution through scholarly activities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong people skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, colleagues, and external stakeholders.

• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

• High level of adaptability, flexibility, and cultural awareness in diverse and international settings.

• Strong ability and willingness to adapt to the demands of a dynamic and international academic environment, effectively managing change and complexity.