BMT Hofstedes Cultural Dimensions

Question 1

what is Hofstede’s cultural dimensions ?

Answer 1

suggests that countries can be categorized into one of six different cultural dimensions (i) power distance, (ii) individualism vs collectivism, (iii) masculinity vs femininity, (iv) uncertainty avoidance, (v) long-term vs short-term orientation, and (vi) indulgence vs restraint.

Question 2

what is Hofstede’s cultural dimensions used for?

Answer 2

It is a situational tool used to support rational decision making in an organization.

Question 3

to which type of companies is this tool valuable?

Answer 3

multinational companies with operations in different regions of the world, where cultural norms and values are different from those in the domestic country.

Question 4

what is Geert H. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions used for:

Answer 4

helps managers to recognize what motivates the workforce, how and why employees behave in the way they do, what they value, and how they make certain decisions. helps managers to understanding the cultural similarities and differences that exist between and across different countries.

Question 5

Power distance from Hofstede’s cultural dimensions:

Answer 5

extent to which a culture accepts and respects authority and status. centralized decision-making, hierarchical structures, and high regard for position or ranking within the organization, such as in the military (the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Those under such an organizational culture accept power differences or inequalities, and show respect for authority. Decision-making is held by those with power and authority, i.e., decision making is centralized.

Question 6

In which countries is the power distance index large?

Answer 6

Latin American and Asian countries, as well as areas of Africa and the Arab world.

Question 7

In which countries is the power distance index low?

Answer 7

many European countries (including Austria, Denmark, and the UK), Canada, USA

Question 8

Individualism vs collectivism in Hofstede’s cultural dimensions:

Answer 8

whether a society values the individual over a team or collective group of individuals in a specific community. affect employees’ behaviour at work

Question 9

Individualism in individualism vs collectivism in Hofstede’s cultural dimensions:

Answer 9

emphasise the needs of the individual over the needs of the group as a whole.
people do not take responsibility for others’ actions beyond themselves
individuals focus on their own personal goals and achievements.

Question 10

collectivism in individualism vs collectivism in Hofstede’s cultural dimensions:

Answer 10

emphasises the importance of the group and social cooperation over the needs of any individual.
integrate relationships in a community or society. providing each other with support and protection.
People are loyal to their designated group and take responsibility and accountability for one another, providing support to all members and acting in the best interest of the group.

Question 11

in which countries is individualism high?

Answer 11

individualism is high in Australia, Italy, the US, and the UK.

Question 12

in which countries is collectivism high?

Answer 12

Costa Rica, Guatemala, Malaysia, Portugal, Serbia, Taiwan, and Venezuela

Question 13

what is Masculinity vs femininity in Hofstede’s cultural dimensions:

Answer 13

focusing on stereotypical male and female traits and the roles they play in communities. In Hofstede’s model, a masculine community exists when men are assertive and competitive while women are caring and nurturing.

Question 14

masculinity in Masculinity vs femininity in Hofstede’s cultural dimensions:

Answer 14

cultures defined by a focus on achievement, competition, status, power, and wealth. more competitive and driven by material rewards.

Question 15

Femininity in Masculinity vs femininity in Hofstede’s cultural dimensions:

Answer 15

societies or cultures that focus on cooperation, relationships, modesty, and overall quality of life. consensus-oriented and driven by intrinsic rewards. (Personal satisfaction, pride, and self-esteem)

Question 16

In which countries is the femininity index large?

Answer 16

femininity is extremely high in Nordic countries, like Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

Question 17

In which countries is the masculinity index large?

Answer 17

high in Japan, Venezuela, and in some European countries like Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland.

Question 18

what is uncertainty avoidance ?

Answer 18

rating of a society’s tolerance for ambiguity, i.e. whether the community is generally comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity.
Essentially, uncertainty avoidance measures society’s tolerance for uncertainty or vagueness

Question 19

when do countries have a high uncertainty avoidance index?

Answer 19

rigid code of beliefs and behaviour, so tend to be intolerant of unorthodox behaviour and ideas.
Such societies are structured, traditional, and rigid in nature. low tolerance for risk-taking due to the intolerance to uncertainty

Question 20

what countries have a high uncertainty avoidance index?

Answer 20

Belgium, Colombia, France, Kuwait, Russia, and South Korea.

Question 21

what is high tolerance index?

Answer 21

less strict rules in society and a culture of openness to change.

Question 22

what happens to countries that have a low uncertainty avoidance index?

Answer 22

relaxed attitude. There is a high tolerance for risk-taking, ambiguity, and uncertainty.

Question 23

which countries have a low uncertainty avoidance index?

Answer 23

China, Denmark, Sweden, and Vietnam.

Question 24

what is long term vs short term orientation

Answer 24

connects the past with attitudes towards the future.

Question 25

what is long term orientation?

Answer 25

high index or score, refers to societies that have more of a focus on the future. prepare for the future. will to adapt traditions and cultural norms in the long term.
People willing to tolerate short-term pain for long-term gain. do not prioritize short-term successes but focus instead on accomplishing long-term success.

Question 26

what is short term orientation?

Answer 26

cultures and traditions are kept. low index for long-term vs short-term orientation.
They focus on prioritizing the present instead of the future.
Societal change is viewed with caution and suspicion.

Question 27

which countries have high long term index scores?

Answer 27

East Asia, in economies like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan Germany, Lithuania, and Russia

Question 28

which countries have a high uncertainty index?

Answer 28

Belgium, Colombia, France, Kuwait, Russia, and South Korea.

Question 29

what does a high index of tolerance for ambiguity?

Answer 29

means there are less strict rules in society and a culture of openness to change.
countries have more relaxed attitude. There is a high tolerance for risk-taking, ambiguity, and uncertainty.

Question 30

which countries have a high tolerance index?

Answer 30

China, Denmark, Sweden, and Vietnam.

Question 31

what is long term vs short term?

Answer 31

connects the past with attitudes towards the future.

Question 32

what is long term orientation?

Answer 32

high index or score, refers to societies that have more of a focus on the future. prepare for the future. will to adapt traditions and cultural norms in the long term.
willing to tolerate short-term pain for long-term gain. do not prioritize short-term successes but focus instead on accomplishing long-term success.
This relies on society’s patience and persistence to achieve long-term and sustainable growth and prosperity.