Hofstede – cultural behavior
Professor Geert Hofstede did between 1967-1973 a survey within IBM including 116,000 participants in 72 countries. More countries have later been complemented to this survey. Hofstede used 4 dimensions to present the result of the survey, illustrating how cultural differences between countries can be explained. The dimensions are Power distance, Individualism, Masculinity and Uncertainty Avoidance. Later there has been a fifth and sixth dimension added, Long Term Orientation and Indulgence versus Restraint.
Power distance describes to what extent the less powerful members of an organization accepts that power is distributed unequally
Power distance describes to what extent the less powerful members of an organization accepts that power is distributed unequally
Individualism describes to what extent people look after them selves and their immediate family as opposed to the other side of this dimension, called collectivism, which is when people belong to groups who look after them in exchange for loyalty
Masculinity describes to what extent the dominant values in society are achievement, success and competition. The opposite is called femininity and this is when the dominant values in society are caring for others, quality of life and solidarity
Uncertainty Avoidance describes to what extent people feel threatened by uncertainty and ambiguity and try to avoid these situations.
Long Term Orientation describes to what extent people in a society exhibit a pragmatic future-oriented perspective rather than a normative historical point of view.
Indulgence versus Restraint describes happiness and the importance of leisure, controlling your own life and freedom of expression. Indulgence stands for a society that allows relatively free gratification of drives related to enjoying life and having fun. Restraint stands for a society that suppresses gratification of needs.
Sources:
http://geert-hofstede.com/index.php
Geert Hofstede, Culture's Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values, 1980, Beverly Hills (link to latest edition)
Geert Hofstede, Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions and Organizations Across Nations, 2001, Thousand Oaks (link to latest edition)
Sources:
http://geert-hofstede.com/index.php
Geert Hofstede, Culture's Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values, 1980, Beverly Hills (link to latest edition)
Geert Hofstede, Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions and Organizations Across Nations, 2001, Thousand Oaks (link to latest edition)
