Cultural Dimension

Theory

What is cultural dimension theory?

This theory is used to understand the differences among cultures.

How can we use this theory?

It can help to understand the people…

…how they think…

…how they approach others.

Hofstede's Cultural Dimension Theory

Image source: http://references4u.blogspot.com/2012/07/hofstede-cultural-dimension-theory.html

Power Distance THE DEGREE OF INEQUALITY

Summary

It is used to measure the equality or inequality among people in a society.

Types

There are two types:

High power distanceLow power distance

Examples

High power distance Low power distance

Respect for authority Respect for individuality

Examples

High power distance Low power distance

Everyone has specific place No set hierarchy

Examples

High power distance Low power distance

Wide salary range Narrow salary range

Countries Example

High power distance Low power distance

MalaysiaArab countriesRussiaIndiaChina

JapanAustraliaCanada

Hofstede's Cultural Dimension Theory

Image source: http://references4u.blogspot.com/2012/07/hofstede-cultural-dimension-theory.html

Individualism - CollectivismTHE STRENGTH OF THE TIES PEOPLE HAVE

Summary

It focuses on relationship between the individual and the group.

Image source: http://www.healthinsurance.org/_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/faqs/2010/09/individual_group1.jpg

Types

There are two types:

Individual societies Collective societies

Examples

Individual societies Collective societies

Loose connection with people

Loyalty to group

Examples

Individual societies Collective societies

Decision based on individual needs

Decision based on group needs

Examples

Individual societies Collective societies

People taking care of themselves

Dependence on organization

Countries Example

Individual societies Collective societies

U.S.AAustraliaCanadaGreat Britain

EcuadorIndonesiaPanama

Hofstede's Cultural Dimension Theory

Image source: http://references4u.blogspot.com/2012/07/hofstede-cultural-dimension-theory.html

Masculinity - FemininityTHE DISTRIBUTION OF ROLES BETWEEN GENDERS

Summary

This is about relations between gender and sex appropriate behavior.

Types

There are two types:

High Masculine societiesLow Masculine societies

Examples

High Masculine societies Low Masculine societies

Men are providers.Women are supportive.

Men and women are more equal.

Countries Example

High Masculine societies Low Masculine societies

VenezuelaJapanHungary

NetherlandsNorwaySweden

Hofstede's Cultural Dimension Theory

Image source: http://references4u.blogspot.com/2012/07/hofstede-cultural-dimension-theory.html

Uncertainty AvoidanceTHE DEGREE OF ANXIETY

Summary

This is about fear to the unknown situation.

Types

There are two types:

High uncertainty avoidanceLow uncertainty avoidance

Examples

High uncertainty avoidance Low uncertainty avoidance

People work well under structured environment.

People welcome freedom of opinions.

Examples

High uncertainty avoidance Low uncertainty avoidance

People work well under strict laws.

People concern with long-term strategy.

Countries Example

High uncertainty avoidance Low uncertainty avoidance

PortugalUruguayGreece

SingaporeJamaicaDenmark

Hofstede's Cultural Dimension Theory

Image source: http://references4u.blogspot.com/2012/07/hofstede-cultural-dimension-theory.html

Time OrientationTHE EXTENT OF THE TIME ORIENTATION OF A CULTURE

SummaryThis describes whether gratification should be immediate or deferred.

Image source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-30/vast-pools-of-money-still-ignore-sustainable-investing.html

Types

There are two types:

Short time orientationLong time orientation

Examples

Long time orientation Short time orientation

Relationships are ordered by status.

Status is not a major issue in relationships.

Examples

Long time orientation Short time orientation

Leisure time is not too important.

Leisure time is important.

Examples

Long time orientation Short time orientation

Emphasis on persistence

Emphasis on quick results

Countries Example

Long time orientation Short time orientation

ChinaHong KongJapan

U.S.AGreat BritainCanada

List of References

Demowaiyan. Retrieved on April 10, 2013, from http://www.demowaiyan.org/2013/03/blog-post_21.html

Douglas S. W. (2013). Leveraging Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory to Improve the Quality of Information Operations. Retrieved on June 25, 2013, from http://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/leveraging- hofstede%E2%80%99s-cultural-dimensions-theory-to-improve-the-quality-of-information-oper

Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions. Understanding Workplace Values Around the World. Retrieved on June 25, 2013, from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htm

Weeklyeleven. Retrieved on June 1, 2013, from http://www.weeklyeleven.com/local/mandalay-news-and-local/

By: Soe Moe Tun (111100119)Under Graduate Studies Program (Computer Science)Albukhary International University, Malaysia.