Cultural Dynamics
Dec 21, 2015
Cultural Dynamics
National Differences in Culture
What is CULTURE?– shared system of values and norms that offer a
design for living Values: abstract ideas about what is good, right and
desirable Norms: social rules and guidelines that prescribe
appropriate behavior in particular situations
Determinants of Culture
Norms/ Values
Social Structure•Group and individual•Social classes and mobility
Language•Spoken and silent
ReligionPolitical
Philosophy
Economic Philosophy
Education
Cultural Issues Technological and Material Culture Communication and Language Aesthetics Education Religion Attitudes and Values Social Organization
Values and Attitudes
Marketing Activities Wealth, Material Gain, and Acquisition Work Ethic Change Risk Taking Competitiveness Status Symbols Nationalism
Categorization of Cultures
Low Context vs. High Context
Hofstede’s Dimensions of Culture• Masculine/ Feminine
• Risk Avoidance
• Power Distance
• Individualism/ Collectivism
I. High and Low Context Cultures
High Context Cultures (Japan, Saudi Arabia)– Meaning of individual behavior and speed
changes depending on the situation
– Nonverbal messages full of important and intended meanings, subtle
– Important to “read between the lines”
I. High and Low Context Cultures
Low Context Cultures (USA)– Intentions are expressed verbally, directly
– Situation is not allowed to change the meaning of words and behavior
– Straight talk
Factors/ Dimensions
High Context Low Context
Lawyers Less Important Very Important
A Person’s word Is his or her bond Is not be relied upon, “get it in writing”
Responsibility for organizational error
Taken by highest level Pushed to lowest level
Space People breathe on each other
People carry a bubble of private space with them
Time Polycronic – everything in life must be dealt with in term of its own time
Monocronic – time is money
Negotiations Are lengthy – know each other first
Proceed quickly
Country Examples Japan, Middle East Canada, U.S., Northern Europe
Silent Languages
Five different silent languages– Time– Space– Material possessions– Friendship patterns (reciprocity)– Agreements (emphasis on legal contracts)
All have important economic implications
II. Hofstede’s Model
Power Distance: tolerance of inequalities of intellectual and physical capabilities
Individualism versus collectivism: relationship between individual and his or her fellows
II. Hofstede’s Model
Uncertainty avoidance: acceptance of ambiguous situations and tolerance of uncertainty.
Masculinity versus femininity: identification of gender and work roles (Japan - HI; Sweden - LO)
Confucian Dynamics: long term vs short term orientation
Individualism and Power Distance
Figure 3-5 Source: G. Hofstede, “The Cultural Relativity of Organizational Practices and Theories,” Journal of International Business Studies 14 (Fall 1983), pp. 75-89.
1218243036424854606672798591
11 28 44 61 77 94 111
Small power distanceLow individualism
COS PAKTAL
COL
PERKORTHA
CHLPHL
EAF
HOK
MEX
YUG
WAFSIN
EQA
VENIDO
POR
GUA
PAN
PHI
MAL
JAMURUGRE
TURBRA ARA
INDJPNARG
SPA
SAF
FRA
BELITA
FINGER
SWISWEIRE
NOR
AUTISR
DEN
NZL CAN
NET
GBR USA
AULSmall power distanceHigh individualism
Large power distance
Low individualism
Large power distance
High individualism
Power Distance Index (PDI)
SAL
ira
Uncertainty Avoidance and Masculinity
Figure 3-6 Source: G. Hofstede, “The Cultural Relativity of Organizational Practices and Theories,” Journal of International Business Studies 14 (Fall 1983), pp. 75-89.
DEN
NOR
SWE
NET
FIN
SIN
HOK
MAL
JAM
IREGBR
INDPHISAF
AUL
USA
NZL
CANIDO
EAF WAFIRA
THA ARA
PAKTAI
SWI
GER
AUT
MEX
VEN
BEL
ARG
COLITA
JPN
GRE
CHLCOS
YUG
ISRBRA
POR GUAURU
SALPERPAN
TURSPAFRA
KOR
Weak uncertainty avoidance Feminine
Weak uncertainty avoidance Masculine
Strong uncertainty avoidance Feminine
Strong uncertainty avoidance Masculine
8
16
24
32
40
48
56
64
72
80
88
96
104
110
5 23 41 59 77 95
Masculinity Index (MAS)
Hofstede’s Classification of Triad CountriesHofstede’s Classification of Triad Countries
Japan North America W. Europe(Canada, USA, Great Britain) Northern Continent
Individualism low high high low
Powerdistance
high low low high
Masculinity high high low high
Risk tolerance low high high low
Context high low high low