Culture Flashcards
Define culture
A pattern of shared basic assumptions that the group learned as it solved its problems, that has worked well enough to be considered valid, and, therefore, to be taught to new members as the correct way to perceive, think, and feel in relation to those problems
Dimensions of Hofstede’s Model of National Culture
- Power Distance Index
- Individualism vs Collectivism
- Masculinity vs Femininity
- Uncertainty Avoidance Index
- Long Term Orientation vs Short Term Orientation
- Indulgence vs. Restraint
Power Distance Index
Degree to which the less powerful members of a society accept and expect that power is distributed unequally.
How a society handles inequalities among people
Individualism vs.
Collectivism
Individualism is a preference for a loosely-knit social framework where
individuals are expected to take care of themselves and their immediate family
Collectivism represents a preference for a tightly-knit framework in society
Masculinity vs.
Femininity
Masculinity represents a preference in society for achievement, heroism,
assertiveness and material rewards for success (Society is more competitive)
Femininity stands for a preference for cooperation, modesty, caring for the weak
and quality of life
Uncertainty (UAI)
Avoidance Index
Degree to which the members of a society feel uncomfortable will uncertainty
and ambiguity. (Trying to control the future or just letting it happen)
Long Term Orientation vs. Short Term Normative Orientation
Degree to which societies maintain links to the past and how they deal with the
present and future
Normative Societies (Low score): Prefer to maintain time-honoured traditions
and norms while viewing societal change with suspicion
Pragmatic Societies (High score): Encourage thrift and efforts in modern
education as a way to prepare for the future
Indulgence vs.
Restraint
Indulgence: Stands for a society that allows relatively free gratification of basic
natural human drives related to enjoying life and having fun
Restraint: Stands for a society that suppresses gratification of needs and
regulates it by means of strict social norms
Critical aspects to culture
Things held in common:
- Historical aspect
- Observed behavioural regularities when people interact
- Group norms
- Habits of thinking, mental models, linguistic paradigms
- Shared meanings
Levels of culture (countries)
o Artifacts: Visible products of the group; architecture of physical environmental,
language, art, emotional displays, rituals, literature, clothing, manners and behaviour
o Espoused Values: Set of beliefs, norms, moral, ethical and operational rules of behaviour
that are conscious and explicitly articulated because they serve the normative or mortal
function of guiding members
o Basic Assumptions: They define what to pay attention to, what things mean, how to
react emotionally and
Culture of companies - Inventories
o Artifacts: Visible products of the firm; architecture, office layout, dress code, uniforms,
office location, recruiting practices, training practices and customer interaction
o Espoused Values: Stated values, rules of behaviour, official mission statements, public
statements of identity. Refers to how organizational members represent the
organization themselves and others (Can be a projection for the future)
o Basic Assumptions: They are unconscious rules, values, behaviours that are deeply
embedded and taken-for-granted
Six leadership styles
- The Charismatic/Value Based Style - stresses high standards, decisiveness and innovation
- Team Oriented Style - instills pride, loyalty, collaboration
- The Participative Style - encourages input
- The Humane Style - stresses compassion and generosity
- The Self-Protective Style - emphasizes procedural, “face saving” procedures
- The Autonomous Style - individualistic, self-centric approach
