As countries in the Arab region experience political and economic upheavals, a frequent explanation is that these events are the result of differences among generations. This argument claims that protests stem from an unemployed youth clashing with a system dominated by hidebound, older leaders.
This explanation, however, is too simplistic. Experience from around the world shows that generational differences and their impact are more subtle. For example, the UK's younger generation is socially liberal but unsympathetic to the welfare state that the older generations support and need.
Of course, young people in the Middle East are experiencing high unemployment levels, 25% on average, with women in the Gulf even worse affected. In response, some governments have developed specific policies for these groups. The problem is that these measures only go part of the way.
By applying the correct lens, Middle Eastern governments can build on the common ties among generations, and turn their differences into a source of complementary strengths, rather than competing priorities. If Middle Eastern states are to craft more effective economic reforms, and keep their societies intact, they will need a more subtle approach than reallocating benefits from one group to another. Instead, they should accurately grasp the relationships among generations.
Take, for example, technology. We recently carried out some research of three main defined Arab generations: the Arab national generation (ages 49 to 65 years old); the Arab regional generation (ages 36 to 48 years old); and the Arab digital generation (ages 15 to 35 years old). Surveying nearly 3,000 Arabs in 11 countries, we found surprising commonality around digital media and technology.
All three generations have a strong and growing appetite for technology, with minimal statistical differences in access to devices and connectivity.
The one key divide, however, exists in their relationship to content and in the specific use of technology. While the oldest generation is much more inclined to in-person, face-to-face dialogues with the public sector, the youngest generation is more reliant on digital platforms and social media. This has major implications on the pace and depth of integration of digital platforms and social media within public service broadcasting but also the pace of development of electronic, mobile and smart government initiatives.
New technologies provide governments with the means to directly engage with their constituents, becoming more accessible and transparent. Many governments have not yet capitalised on technologies like social media that allow for two-way communication channels; they continue to focus on one-way means to issue official announcements.
To take full advantage of digital technology, Middle Eastern governments should also increase the range of government services offered electronically. A means to let citizens express their views on infrastructure projects – voting on whether to fund a new bridge or airport, for example – would increase transparency and give people a sense that they have a say in how their country is run.
Our research also found some differences in attitudes to the workplace. For example, while the eldest generation values punctuality and willingness to teach, the younger generation is inspired by a higher level of flexibility and innovation. Given that many Middle Eastern states are seeking to diversify their economies away from natural resources and to promote knowledge-based industries, this particular difference is vital. The technology companies that will drive future growth need the qualities exhibited by the younger, Arab digital generation, such as innovative thinking, risk-taking and flexible working arrangements.
The Middle East is characterised by highly adaptive generations with active two-way exchanges of ideas and behaviour that means populations are moving at a faster pace than governments. As governments seek to develop their economies, better meet their citizens' needs, and build more stable societies, they must understand the differences among generations – and the technological ties that unite them.
Ramez T Shehadi is partner at Booz & Company, and Jayant Bhargava is principal
Shehadi and Bhargava spoke at the Abu Dhabi Media Summit 2013, powered by Twofour54, sponsors of the Spotlight on Abu Dhabi series
