Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory
long term orientation
Connection of the past with the current and future actions/challenges
indulgence-restriant
Measure of happiness; whether or not simple joys are fulfilled
uncertainity avoidance
Society's tolerance for ambiguity
feminminity
a preference for cooperation, modesty, caring for the weak and quality of life
indulgence
a society that allows relatively free gratification of basic and natural human desires related to enjoying life and having fun (believe we are in control of our own lives and emotions
restraint
a society that control gratification needs and regulates it by means of strict social norms (believe other factors dictate their life and emotions
collectivism
a. - describes a society in which tightly integrated relationships tie extended families and others into in-groups (loyalty and support when conflict arises)
power distance
a. the extent to which the less powerful members of organizations and institutions accept an expect that power is distributed unequally
masculinity
achievement, heroism, assertiveness, and material rewards for success
individualism-collectivism
degree to which people in a society are intergrated into groups
Hofstede's cultural dimensions
discribes the effects of a scoiety's culutre on the values of its members and how these values relate to behavior
individualistic
loose ties that often only relates an individual to his/her immediate family ("I" vs. "We")
low uncertainty avoidance
more acceptance of differing thoughts/ideas, fewer regulations, ambiguity is more accustomed to, the environment is more free-flowing
low context cultures
more meaning to the verbal part of the message, say what you mean and mean what you say
high context cultures
much meaning is indirect and can be found by unwritten rules and subtle behavior. Messages are genral and they are very tentative with language
high power distance
people accept the distribution of power
Low power distance
power to be equally distributed
high uncertainty avoidance
stiff codes or behavior, guidelines, laws, and generally rely on absolute truth
low long term orientation
traditions are honored and kept while steadfastness is valued
