Cultural Dimension
Theory
What is cultural dimension theory?
This theory is used to understand the differences among cultures.
How can we use this theory?
It can help to understand the people…
…how they think…
…how they approach others.
Hofstede's Cultural Dimension Theory
Image source: http://references4u.blogspot.com/2012/07/hofstede-cultural-dimension-theory.html
Power Distance THE DEGREE OF INEQUALITY
Summary
It is used to measure the equality or inequality among people in a society.
Types
There are two types:
High power distanceLow power distance
Examples
High power distance Low power distance
Respect for authority Respect for individuality
Examples
High power distance Low power distance
Everyone has specific place No set hierarchy
Examples
High power distance Low power distance
Wide salary range Narrow salary range
Countries Example
High power distance Low power distance
MalaysiaArab countriesRussiaIndiaChina
JapanAustraliaCanada
Hofstede's Cultural Dimension Theory
Image source: http://references4u.blogspot.com/2012/07/hofstede-cultural-dimension-theory.html
Individualism - CollectivismTHE STRENGTH OF THE TIES PEOPLE HAVE
Summary
It focuses on relationship between the individual and the group.
Image source: http://www.healthinsurance.org/_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/faqs/2010/09/individual_group1.jpg
Types
There are two types:
Individual societies Collective societies
Examples
Individual societies Collective societies
Loose connection with people
Loyalty to group
Examples
Individual societies Collective societies
Decision based on individual needs
Decision based on group needs
Examples
Individual societies Collective societies
People taking care of themselves
Dependence on organization
Countries Example
Individual societies Collective societies
U.S.AAustraliaCanadaGreat Britain
EcuadorIndonesiaPanama
Hofstede's Cultural Dimension Theory
Image source: http://references4u.blogspot.com/2012/07/hofstede-cultural-dimension-theory.html
Masculinity - FemininityTHE DISTRIBUTION OF ROLES BETWEEN GENDERS
Summary
This is about relations between gender and sex appropriate behavior.
Types
There are two types:
High Masculine societiesLow Masculine societies
Examples
High Masculine societies Low Masculine societies
Men are providers.Women are supportive.
Men and women are more equal.
Countries Example
High Masculine societies Low Masculine societies
VenezuelaJapanHungary
NetherlandsNorwaySweden
Hofstede's Cultural Dimension Theory
Image source: http://references4u.blogspot.com/2012/07/hofstede-cultural-dimension-theory.html
Uncertainty AvoidanceTHE DEGREE OF ANXIETY
Summary
This is about fear to the unknown situation.
Types
There are two types:
High uncertainty avoidanceLow uncertainty avoidance
Examples
High uncertainty avoidance Low uncertainty avoidance
People work well under structured environment.
People welcome freedom of opinions.
Examples
High uncertainty avoidance Low uncertainty avoidance
People work well under strict laws.
People concern with long-term strategy.
Countries Example
High uncertainty avoidance Low uncertainty avoidance
PortugalUruguayGreece
SingaporeJamaicaDenmark
Hofstede's Cultural Dimension Theory
Image source: http://references4u.blogspot.com/2012/07/hofstede-cultural-dimension-theory.html
Time OrientationTHE EXTENT OF THE TIME ORIENTATION OF A CULTURE
SummaryThis describes whether gratification should be immediate or deferred.
Image source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-30/vast-pools-of-money-still-ignore-sustainable-investing.html
Types
There are two types:
Short time orientationLong time orientation
Examples
Long time orientation Short time orientation
Relationships are ordered by status.
Status is not a major issue in relationships.
Examples
Long time orientation Short time orientation
Leisure time is not too important.
Leisure time is important.
Examples
Long time orientation Short time orientation
Emphasis on persistence
Emphasis on quick results
Countries Example
Long time orientation Short time orientation
ChinaHong KongJapan
U.S.AGreat BritainCanada
List of References
Demowaiyan. Retrieved on April 10, 2013, from http://www.demowaiyan.org/2013/03/blog-post_21.html
Douglas S. W. (2013). Leveraging Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory to Improve the Quality of Information Operations. Retrieved on June 25, 2013, from http://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/leveraging- hofstede%E2%80%99s-cultural-dimensions-theory-to-improve-the-quality-of-information-oper
Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions. Understanding Workplace Values Around the World. Retrieved on June 25, 2013, from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htm
Weeklyeleven. Retrieved on June 1, 2013, from http://www.weeklyeleven.com/local/mandalay-news-and-local/
By: Soe Moe Tun (111100119)Under Graduate Studies Program (Computer Science)Albukhary International University, Malaysia.
