Dimensions of culture

Question 1

Hofstede’s dimensions of culture

Answer 1

Power distance

Question 2

Power Distance Index (PDI)

Answer 2

It refers to the inequality that exists between individuals with power and without power.
A lower index shows that people are questioning the authority and making attempts to distribute power. In contrast, a higher index signifies that hierarchy has already been established in society without a doubt.

High Power Distance Index shows that people accept the unequal distribution of power and acknowledge the status of a leader. Here the culture agrees with the power difference and inequality and shows respect for authority and rank. Important characteristics include

Complex hierarchies
Centralized organizations
Large gaps in compensation

Low Power Distance Index shows that power is dispersed and shared and is not distributed unequally. According to this dimension, one should delegate as much as possible and involve everyone in the decision-making process, which will be affected by the decisions at one time or another. Here the culture encourages flat organizational structure, and the onus is on participative management and decentralized decision-making. Important characteristics include

Flat organizations
Equal power between supervisors and employees

Question 3

Power distance in Morocco

Answer 3

At a score of 70, Morocco is a hierarchical society.
This means that people accept a hierarchical order in which everybody has a place and which needs no further justification. Hierarchy in an organization is seen as reflecting inherent inequalities, centralization is popular, subordinates expect to be told what to do and the ideal boss is a benevolent autocrat.

Question 4

Power distance Tips

Answer 4

The Kingdom of Morocco is run by constitutional monarchy, and it is also a hierarchical society where people from lower status perceive inequalities as normal and acceptable.
More, according to Carte and Fox (2010) in Arabic cultures “power in companies is held by a few people at the top” that give directives.

Rich people should help the poors. People at the top need to be close to

Question 5

Individualism Versus Collectivism (IDV)

Answer 5

It explores the extent to which individuals in a society are integrated into a specific group, the ties that people have within their community and the perceived dependence and obligation on groups.

Individualistic societies have loose ties and relate to the relation of the individual with his immediate family. Here people take a minimum responsibility for the action of another person, and the onus is on attaining personal goals.

Collectivism relates to integrated relationships existing in a society that extends to families and others into in-groups. In such a society, people are loyal to their group and take responsibility for the well-being of one another. They are loyal to their group, which in turn defends the interest of all its members.

High IDV score encourages the accomplishment of an individual. Important characteristics include

Respect for privacy
The expectation of individual rewards for the hard work
Enjoying challenges
The high value placed on people’s time, freedom and privacy

Low IDV score shows that suppressing emotions can endanger harmony. It signifies that wisdom is essential and one should never give negative feedback in public. Important characteristics include

Maintaining group harmony is most important
Emphasis on becoming skilled

Question 6

collectivism in Morocco

Answer 6

Morocco, with a score of 46 is considered a collectivistic society.
This is manifest in a close long-term commitment to the member ‘group’, be that a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules and regulations. The society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group.

Question 7

Collectivisme Tips

Answer 7

In Morocco, family means a lot and group relationships are very important.

Collectivism can also be attributed to the Islamic religion and tradition.

But nowadays in big cities, this is slowly changing.

Question 8

Uncertainty Avoidance Index

Answer 8

It refers to how people cope with anxiety in a society and is often described as the tolerance level of society for uncertainty or vagueness.

Societies with high UAI score opt for stiff laws, guidelines and codes of behaviour. It believes only in truth, and people make life as predictable as possible. The people are clear about their expectations, goals are set, and parameters are defined at the onset. There is a low tolerance for risk-taking and uncertainty. Important characteristics include

Societal conventions
People are allowed to be expressive and can show emotions
Society is structured, conservative and rigid

A society with high energy
Societies with low UAI score shows acceptance of various ideas and thoughts. There are few regulations, and the environment is free-flowing, and people are open and relaxed. The titles are less relevant, and respect is given to the individuals who can cope under all circumstances. There is a high tolerance for risk-taking, ambiguity and uncertainty because of lax regulations and rules. Important characteristics include

Minimal urgency
Inclination towards open-ended learning
Open to change
More inclined towards decision-making

Question 9

Uncertainty Avoidance Index in Morocco

Answer 9

Morocco scores 68 on this dimension and thus has a very high preference for avoiding uncertainty. Countries exhibiting high Uncertainty Avoidance maintain rigid codes of belief and behaviour and are intolerant of unorthodox behaviour and ideas. In these cultures there is an emotional need for rules (even if the rules never seem to work) time is money, people have an inner urge to be busy and work hard, precision and punctuality are the norm, innovation may be resisted, security is an important element in individual motivation.

Question 10

Uncertainty Avoidance Index tips

Answer 10

Morocco maintains rigid codes of belief and behavior because of religion and traditions.

The notion of Maktoub (Destiny)
The repetition of Morocco “Insha Allah” which means God willing

Question 11

Masculinity vs. Femininity

Answer 11

It refers to role distribution between males and females in society.

Masculinity in this dimension is described as a penchant for assertiveness, heroism, achievement and material rewards in society. Femininity in this dimension is the counterpart of masculinity and is described as a penchant for modesty, cooperation and caring for the weak in the community.

In a feminine society, women play a subservient role and share caring views equally with men. Modesty is perceived as a virtue, and importance is given to a good relationship with supervisors. In a masculine society, the females are competitive and assertive, although a bit less than the men. Being strong and assertive is considered a good trait in this society. There is always a gap between male and female values.

High MAS score indicates that people are motivated by specific targets, and there is a norm for differentiated gender roles. Important characteristics include

A feeling of importance and pride
Strong ego
Achievement, success and money are important
Low MAS score indicates that success is achieved through collaboration and negotiation, and work-life balance is essential in terms of organizational culture. Important characteristics include

Onus on quality of life
Consensual relationships

Question 12

Masculinity vs. Femininity in Morocco

Answer 12

Morocco gets an intermediate score of 53 on this dimension and this in inconclusive.

Question 13

Masculinity vs. Femininity tips

Answer 13

Morocco is a country that believes in full of virility, but also has female repressed unconscious.

That is why Morocco gets an intermediate score of 53 on this dimension and is inconclusive.

Question 14

Long-Term Orientation vs. Short-Term Orientation

Answer 14

It refers to the connection of the past with current as well as future challenges.

Societies with high long-term orientation indicate that steadfastness is valued and traditions are kept and honoured. It puts its focus on the future and involves a delay in short-term success to achieve long-term success. The emphasis is on long-term growth, perseverance and persistence. Important characteristics include

Modesty
Emphasis on obligations and virtues
Thrift is seen as a positive value
Societies with short-term view tend to place the onus on truth and consistency. It includes delivering short-term success and putting the burden on the present instead of in the future. The emphasis is on quick and fast results. Important characteristics include

Emphasis on rights and values
Strong convictions

Question 15

Long-Term Orientation vs. Short-Term Orientation in Morocco

Answer 15

With the very low score of 14, Moroccan culture is clearly normative. People in such societies have a strong concern with establishing the absolute Truth; they are normative in their thinking. They exhibit great respect for traditions, a relatively small propensity to save for the future, and a focus on achieving quick results.

Question 16

Indulgence vs. Restraint

Answer 16

It considers the tendency of society to fulfil its desires.

Countries that have high IVR score encourage free fulfilment of an individual’s emotions and drives. The society fosters dialogues and debate in meetings, prioritizes mentoring, coaching and feedback and emphasize work-life balance. Important characteristics include

Having fun
Enjoying life
Optimistic approach
Freedom of speech

Countries that have low IVR score put their onus on suppressing gratification. There are strict social norms and more regulation of people’s behaviour and conduct. People are professional and avoid jokes and fun activities in the formal sessions. Important characteristics include

Rigid and controlled behaviour
Pessimistic attitude

Question 17

Indulgence vs. Restraint in Morocco

Answer 17

Morocco’s low score on this dimension (25) indicates that is has a culture of Restraint. Societies with a low score in this dimension have a tendency to cynicism and pessimism. Also, in contrast to Indulgent societies, Restrained societies do not put much emphasis on leisure time and control the gratification of their desires. People with this orientation have the perception that their actions are Restrained by social norms and feel that indulging themselves is somewhat wrong.

Question 18

Fons Trompenaars’s dimensions of culture

Answer 18

Universalism vs. particularism 
Individualism vs. collectivism 
Achievement vs. ascription 
Internal vs. external control 
Neutral vs. emotional 
Sequential vs. synchronic

Question 19

Universalism vs. particularism: Universalism

Answer 19

People place a high importance on laws, rules, values, and obligations.

The rules are more important than the relationship

What’s right is right regardless of circumstances or who is involved.

Treat everyone the same – no exceptions

Detail written legal contracts are very important

Question 20

Universalism vs. particularism: particularism

Answer 20

Fit their actions to a particular situation

The relationship is more important than the rules

particular circumstances are more important than rules.

Written contracts are less important, mutual trust is more important

Question 21

Individualism vs. collectivism: Individualism

Answer 21

People are expected to make their own decisions and to only take care of their own needs.

Such societies assume that quality of life results from personal freedom and individual development.

Decisions are often made on the spot, without consultation.

More frequent use of «I»

Question 22

Individualism vs. collectivism: collectivism

Answer 22

These people believe that an individual’s quality of life improves when they take care of each other.

The community comes before the individual.

People are mainly oriented towards common goals and objectives.

These people are integrated into groups which provide help and protection in exchange for a strong sense of loyalty.

Question 23

Achievement vs. ascription: Achievement

Answer 23

These societies accord status to people on the basis of their performance.
Respect for superior in on hierarchy depends on his/ her knowledge and skills.

Titles are used to reflect the the competence of a person

People are accorded status based on how well they perform their functions

Question 24

Achievement vs. ascription: ascription

Answer 24

These societiesattribute status by birth ,gender, age, social standing, education…

Titles are used to reflect the influence of a person on his/ her organization

Status is attributed based on who or what a person is.

Question 25

Internal vs. external control: Internal control

Answer 25

Focus is on self, own group and own organization .

Often dominating attitude and tendency to aggressiveness .

These people are vocal about their opinions and believe they can change their environment.

Question 26

Internal vs. external control: External control

Answer 26

Focus is on other, that is customer, partener,colleague .

Often flexible attitude, willing to compromise and keep the peace.

Tend to avoid conflicts and remain silent to maintain harmony with other people.

Question 27

Neutral vs. emotional: Neutral

Answer 27

People are taught that it is incorrect to overtly show feeling.

Reason influences their actions far more than their feelings.

Statements are monotonic and lack of emotional ton .
Do not reveal what they arethinking or feeling.

Question 28

Neutral vs. emotional: Emotional

Answer 28

People freely express their emotions.

Behaviour is warm, expressive.

It’s welcome and accepted to show emotion even spontaneously.

Statements are emotional and dramatic.

Question 29

Sequential vs. synchronic: Sequential

Answer 29

Time commitments are taken seriously and staying on schedule is a must.

Past or present-oriented: emphasize the history and tradition of the culture .

Question 30

Sequential vs. synchronic: Synchronic

Answer 30

Time commitments are desirable but are not absolute and plans are easily changed.

In a future-oriented culture, most human activities are directed toward future prospects .

Doing a lot of things in the same time.

Question 31

Hall’s theory

Answer 31

Hall’s theory is based on 4 important factors : Context, Time, Space and Information.

Question 32

Context

Answer 32

In high-context cultures there are many contextual elements that should be taken into account and help people to understand the rules. Many things are not said directly, much is taken for granted. Examples of high-context cultures are the cultures of France, Spain, Italy, Middle East, Japan, Russia.

In low-context cultures ideas are expected to be outspoken very straightforward, most of the things require explanation. Written instructions, contracts and documents have more value in negotiations.

Examples of countries with low-context cultures are Germany, Switzerland, USA, Scandinavia.

Morocco would be categorized as a HIGH-CONTEXT CULTURE

Question 33

time

Answer 33

Monochronic time
M-Time, as he called it, means doing one thing at a time. It assumes careful planning and scheduling and is a familiar Western approach that appears in disciplines such as ‘time management’.
Monochronic people tend also to be low context.

Polychronic time
In Polychronic cultures, human interaction is valued over time and material things, leading to a lesser concern for ‘getting things done’ – they do get things done, but more in their own time.
Aboriginal and Native Americans have typical polychronic cultures, where ‘talking stick’ meetings can go on for as long as somebody has something to say.
Polychronic people tend also to be high context.

Morocco would be categorized as a POLYCHRONIC CULTURE

Question 34

space

Answer 34

Hall was the first scientist, who started to categorize cultures by their attitude to personal space.

Some people need more space in all areas. People who encroach into that space are seen as a threat.

Personal space is an example of a mobile form of territory and people need less or greater distances between them and others. A Japanese person who needs less space thus will stand closer to an American, inadvertently making the American uncomfortable.
Some people need bigger homes, bigger cars, bigger offices and so on. This may be driven by cultural factors, for example the space in America needs to greater use of space, whilst Japanese need less space (partly as a result of limited useful space in Japan).
In cultures with low territoriality (area) people have less ownership of space and boundaries are less important to them. They are ready to share territory with little thought. People with low territoriality tend to be high context.
Individuals from high territoriality cultures tend to show more concern for ownership. They seek to mark up the territory in their possession. People high territoriality tend to be low context.

Question 35

information

Answer 35

Information Culture is the part of organizational culture where evaluation and attitudes towards information depend on the situation in which the organization works.

In an organization everyone has different attitudes, but the information profile must be explained, so the importance of information should be realized by executives. The Information Culture is also about formal information systems (technology), common knowledge, individual information systems (attitudes), and information ethics.
Information Culture does not include written or conscious behavior and what seemingly happening in the organization. Information Culture is affected by the behaviors of internal factors of organization more than external factors.

Question 36

Schwartz theory of basic values

Answer 36

Shalom Schwartz identifies seven cultural values in three pairs, usually arranged in a circle.

Question 37

Embeddedness vs. Autonomy

Answer 37

Embeddedness
This is a focus on sustaining the social order, of avoiding change and retaining tradition. It is significant where people are living or working closely with others and where conformance withgroup normsis important. Embeddedness cultures value tradition, security, obedience.

Autonomy
The price and opposite of embeddedness is autonomy, where individuals have control over their choices as opposed to having to consider others and shared rules. In practice, autonomy is about freedom as opposed to the policed control of embeddedness culture.
Autonomy is divided into two types: affective and intellectual.

Affective Autonomyis the independent pursuit of pleasure, seeking enjoyment by any means without censure. In many societies there are limits when affective autonomy leads to taking banned substances or acting in ways that distresses or harms others.
Intellectual Autonomyis the independent pursuit of ideas and thought, whether it is theoretical, political or whatever. In embeddedness cultures it is hard to police what people are thinking, though actions can be taken to monitor intellectual publishing and discussions.

Question 38

Mastery vs. Harmony

Answer 38

Mastery
In a mastery culture, individuals seek success through personal action. This may benefit the person and/or the groups to which they belong, sometimes at the expense of others. Mastery needs independence, courage, ambition, drive and competence.

Harmony
In a harmony culture, rather than seek self-improvement, people are happy to accept their place in the world. People here put greater emphasis on the group than on the individual.

Question 39

Hierarchy vs. Egalitarianism

Answer 39

Hierarchy
In hierarchical cultures, there is a clear social order, with some people in superior positions while others are in inferior positions. People here accept their position in the hierarchy and are expected to be modest and have due self-control.

Egalitarianism
In the egalitarian culture, everyone is considered to be equal and everyone is expected to show concern for everyone else.

Question 40

The three logics of philippe d’iribane

Answer 40

In “La logique de l’honneur”, Philippe d’Iribarne makes a comparison of three firms: French, Dutch and American, which carry out the same production with almost identical equipment in different places.

Question 41

The logic of consensus (Dutsh)

Answer 41

The boss is a peer, at the same level as everyone else, having no special status.
When making a decision, the boss first consult his or her subordinates to gain their agreement.
The same is done in return, constantly seeking consensus in a convivial way.
Decisions are made through long discussions that need to engage each collaborator.
A word of equal where the majority has to respect the minority opinions.
Limitations : strong social pressure is brought to bear to achieve an agreement and to restrict more aggressive displays of opinions.
The process leaves the workers to withdraw.
High levels of absenteeism and employees turnover.

Question 42

The logic of contract (US)

Answer 42

In the American company , a subordinate works for his or her immediate boss who set objectives , judge their work quality and can order them to do things
An American contract is very detailed and uses clauses that anticipate all of the problems that might arise during its execution
The factory has many rules and procedures that have to be followed
Several are quite detailed to reduce arbitrariness and ensure equity
Even if contractual relations can temper deviations , a spirit of community also plays a significant role in maintaining equitable work relations in the US
Personal interest and morality are not opposed as they are in France
The logic of contracts differs greatly from one where honor plays the central role
Both types arise as products of specific social and historical experiences

Question 43

The logic of honor (French)

Answer 43

Each profession is guided by a set of rights and duties
The French workers or executives tend to act to what they believe is fair in giver circumstances.
Their assessment follow their group’s norms
Bosses are accepted as superiors insofar as they show themselves deserving the position
The existence of bosses who don’t deserve the title , the «wanna be bosses» or petits chefs
the subordinate does not like his or her bosses to interfere with their job
The French hate being treated like servants , a dreadful role
Each employee will do what is needed according to his or her personal reading of the situation , wich making coordination difficult
The system is not conflict free , the workplace conflict might take the form of violent verbal exchanges
This shows how attached they are to their ideas and their work