Hofstede's cultural dimensions

Individualist / Collectivist

How people define themselves and there relationships with others

What year?

1984, then 2001

Low uncertainty avoidance

Accept ambiguity and lack of structure, more inclined to take risks and think outside the box, rules are rejected or ignored

High uncertainty avoidance

Avoid ambiguity, strict code of behaviour, belief in absolute truths

Masculinity

Distinct roles, men are assertive,ambitious, competitive, women are supportive and nurturing

Long term / Short term orientation

Extent to which a culture has a future orientated mentality

Power distance

Extent to which people promote and legitimise power and status differences between individuals

Femininity

Fewer rigid gender roles, men and women are more equal, interpersonal relationships,

Method

Gathered data from 100,000 IBM employees, surveyed workers from 50 countries and 3 regions

Short term orientation

Immediate gratification, make money, spend money, less willing to sacrifice

Individualist

Individual is the most important, Independence over dependence, reward individual achievement, Value uniqueness of individual

Hofstede's cultural dimensions

Individualist/Collectivists Uncertainity avoidance Power distance Masculinity/Femininity Long term/Short term orientation

Low power distance

Minimal power differences, power can be achieved through work, superiority not rigid

Uncertainty avoidance

People within a culture are made nervous by situations which they perceive as unstructured, unclear, or unpredictable

High power distance

Power is a scarce resource, Natural and inevitable, Centralisation of power

Masculinity/Femininity

Relationship between gender and sex appropriate behaviour

Long term orientation

Savings, do anything to achieve a goal, eye on the prize

Conclusion

That there are five dimensions used to differentiate and rate cultures

Collectivist

Views, needs, and goals of the group are the most important, Obligation to group is norm, Self is defined in relation to the group, Focus on cooperation, not competition

Aim

Wanted to determine values of which countries vary