10.2c Hofstede's Cultural Model Flashcards
What did Hofstede suggest?
A model of cultural dimensions that distinguishes one countries culture from another
How did Hofstede’s cultural model work?
He looked at 30 countries - he scored each country using a scale of 1-100 for each dimension (the higher the score, the more the dimension is likely to be exhibited in that country).
What are the six dimensions in Hofstede’s cultural model?
- Individualism vs collectivism
- Power distance
- Short-termism vs long-termism
- Masculinity vs feminity
- Uncertainty avoidance
- Indulgance vs restraint
What does a high IDV score mean?
Lack of interpersonal connection and little sharing of responsibility beyond family
What does a low IDV score mean?
- Strong group cohesions
- Age/wisdom respected
How is the IDV dimension linked to businesses?
Through reward systems e.g. individual rewards vs profit sharing
What does PD (power distance) dimension consider?
The extent to which inequality is tolerated and whether there is a strong sense of position and status
What does a high PD score indicate?
A culture that accepts hierarchy of power without argument
What does a lower PD score suggest?
A culture that expects equality
What is LTO (long-termism) dimension concerned with?
The different emphasis national cultures have on the time horizons for objectives and performance
What does a high LTO score suggest?
Long-term first - meeting social obligations to ensure good reputation
What does a low LTO score suggest?
Short-term first - greater promotion of equality, creativity encouraged and individualism.
What does MAS (masculinity) dimension consider?
Differences in decision-making style
What features of decision making are in a masculine approach?
- Hard-edged
- Fact-based
- Aggressive
What features of decision making are in a feminine approach?
- Consultation
- Intuitive analysis
What does a high MAS score suggest?
- Men are expected to be tough and assertive
- Distinctions between men and women’s work
What does a low MAS score suggest?
Women and men work together equally
What does UAI (uncertainty avoidance) dimension consider?
Different attitudes to risk-taking
What does a high UAI score indicate?
More support for rules, data, clarity of roles and responsibilities
What does a low UAI score indicate?
A willingness to accept more risk, work outside the rules and embrace change
What does IND (indulgence) dimension consider?
How much the society allows for enjoying life and having fun
What does a high IND score indicate?
That freedom of speech and leisure is important
What does a low IND score indicate?
Freedom of speech and leisure is less important
Critics of Hofstede:
- Generalised about an entire national population
- No evidence that it is representative of whole country
- How accurate is the data?
- How much might the culture of a country change over time?
