[bjornjaja]

Does some of that work time allow people to innovate and grow as an individual (thus possibly adding greater, future benefits to the company)?

I’ve seen instances of western companies run by by-the-books business folks with no concept of the value a “learning culture” and how it can add to future growth.

Then again, not all people will use their time wisely and they simple stand around and chat all day.

[Scapeghost]

For most people in Middle Eastern/Southeast-Asian cultures, "grow as an individual" = knowing the right contacts to get promoted.

You either own the business, are chummy with the owners or their chums, or you generally remain where you were when you joined.

The concepts of personal growth and rewards based on merit are usually limited to Western-style organizations for employees with Western-style education etc.

Many middle/lower class people have been working every day for literally decades for less than US$1000 a month without ever seeing a raise.

[bsanr2]

It's true in America too, though. I'm sure it's not uncommon to see a competent worker get passed over for promotion multiple times while the boss's chums form a conga line through the position.

[Scapeghost]

But people in America have many protections. While in the UAE for example if you publicly complain about a company, boss or government you could get jailed/deported. People often don't even get paid for months and they have no real recourse.

[bsanr2]

Whether or not Americans have protections isn't the topic. It's whether we differ significantly in whether competency know-how or network and camaraderie decide your job prospects.

Also you can be fired for publicly complaining about an employer in at-will states, at the very least.