Hofstede's model

Question 1

Hofstede’s definition

Answer 1

anthropological perspective

Culture is understood as “the unwritten rules of the social game, or more formally the collective programming of the mind that distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from another” (Hofstede et al. (2010: 516).

Question 2

levels of mental programming

Answer 2

human nature - inherited/ universal
culture- specific to group or category/ learned
personality- specific to individual/inherited and learned

Question 3

characteristics of culture

Answer 3

• symbols
• heroes
• values(morals)
• rituals (wedding)

Question 4

6 dimensions

Answer 4

• power distance
• uncertainty avoidance
• individualism vs. collectivism
• MASCULINITY VS FEMINITY
• LONG TERM O. VS SHORT TERM Orientation
• INDULGENCE VS RESTRAINT

Question 5

power distance

Answer 5

acceptance of unequality as normal by people with very little power and influence in society.
• Hofstede (2011: 9) emphasizes that power and inequality are characteristic of any society and although all societies are unequal, some are more unequal than others.

LOW SCORES
• such cultures believe that power differences should be minimal
• subordinates expect to be consulted
• people at all levels reach out to people to all other levels
• people with little power believe that they can gain more power through hard work
• ideal bosses are democratic • pluralistic governments
HIGH SCORES
• accept differences in power in society as natural
• the role of hierarchy is decisive subordinates are not consulted
• people in superior positions give instructions to subordinates
• respect for those of higher status • autocratic governments

Question 6

uncertainty avoidance

Answer 6

“indicates to what extent a culture programs its members to feel either uncomfortable or comfortable in unstructured situations. Unstructured situations are novel, unknown, surprising, and different from usual” (Hofstede, 2011: 10).
• The extent to which people in a culture feel threatened by uncertain or unknown situations.
LOW SCORES
• accept ambiguity and less structured context more easily
• individual people are more open to innovations and in general ideas which are different from what they are used to
• rules are frequently ignored • punctuality has to be taught or reinforced
HIGH SCORES
• do not feel comfortable in ambiguous situations
• therefore, there are strict codes of behaviour
• tendency to support beliefs in absolute truths
• work organizations have precise rules and require punctuality people tend to be also more emotional, and motivated by inner nervous energy

Question 7

individualism vs collectivism

Answer 7

It addresses how people define themselves and their relationships with others
• Hofstede (1980, 2011) considers this dimension fundamental in all societies world-wide.

LOW SCORES South Korea
• a close long-term commitment to the member ‘group’, extended family
• loyalty over-rides most other societal rules and regulations
• everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group
• offence leads to shame and loss of face • employer/employee relationships are perceived in moral terms (family-like)
• hiring and promotion decisions take account of the employee’s in-group
HIGH SCORES Netherlands
• individuals are expected to take care of themselves and their immediate families only
• offence causes guilt and a loss of self-esteem
• the employer/employee relationship is a contract based on mutual advantage
• hiring and promotion decisions are supposed to be based on merit only

Question 8

masculinity vs. feminity

Answer 8

This dimension focuses on the relationship between men and women and what is considered a gender-appropriate behaviour.
biological sex is not taken as a firm basis for distinctions between gender roles
• It is important to understand that this dimension is not about individuals, but about expected emotional gender roles (Hofstede, 2011: 12).

prototypical masculine culture • highly success oriented • it is important to be regarded as successful and to reach your goals
• status is an important aspect in this, Status symbols like cars, impressive houses, clothes etc. play a big role.
• people work hard to achieve a high living standard
• long working hours and dedication to work are needed in order to achieve this
LOW SCORES Netherlands
• prototypical feminine culture • it is important to keep the life/work balance
• making sure that all are included • an effective manager is supportive to his/her people
• decision making is achieved through involvement
• managers strive for consensus • people value equality and quality in their working lives
• conflicts are resolved by compromise and negotiation

Question 9

orientation

Answer 9

related to the choice of focus for people’s efforts: the future or the present and past.

Long-term orientation encourages thrift, savings, perseverance toward results, and a willingness to subordinate oneself for a purpose; e.g., China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan
Short-term orientation is consistent with spending to keep up with social pressure, less savings, preference for quick results, and a concern with face; e.g., Pakistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Canada

Question 10

indulgence vs resistance

Answer 10

focused on gratification versus control of basic human desires related to enjoying life