Post on 12-May-2015
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Hand-out
Or 1.15 pm?
Geert Hofstede
• Our model is based on the pioneering work of Geert Hofstede, Professor of Organizational Anthropology and International Management
• Hofstede defines culture as:“The collective programming of the human mind, which distinguishes the members of one society or group from those of another.”
5 Dimensions
• The five dimensions represent elements of common structure in the cultural systems of the countries
• The five dimensions are:1. Power distance2. Individualism3. Masculinity4. Uncertainty avoidance5. Long-term orientation
Power Distance
• This dimension indicates the extent to which less powerful people in a society accept that power is distributedunequally
• In cultures with a high power distance,employees accept the power andauthority of superiors
Individualism
• Individualism refers to the extent to which people are expected to stand up for themselves
• The opposite of individualism is collectivism, which refers to the extend predominantly as a member of the group or organization
Masculinity
• Masculinity refers to the value placed on male or female values. Masculine cultures value competitiveness, ambition and material possessions
• Tender cultures (low score) place more value on relationships and quality of life
Uncertainty Avoidance
• This dimension indicates the extent to which people feel threatened by uncertain situations
• Cultures that score high on uncertainty avoidance prefer rules and structured circumstances
Long-term orientation
• This dimension indicates the importance to attached to the future versus the past and the present. In short term oriented societies people respect tradition and reciprocation of gifts and favours
• Eastern nations tend to score especially high here, with Western nations scoring low and the less developed nations very low; China scored highest andPakistan lowest
Power distance & learning
• Teacher & learnersare each otherequals
• Teacher is not treated with a lot of respect
• Learner plays central role
• Independent knowledge
• Unbalanced relation between teacher and learner
• Teacher is treated with a lot of respect
• Teacher plays a central role
• Teacher is the guru (personal wisdom)
Individualism & learning
• A student does not take the floor without approval of the group
• Harmony and consensus are important values
• Learning is for young people and ends when you become part of the group
• A student is responsible for themselves and can undertake action when he wants
• Conflicts are OK and part of a healthy process
• Learning is a lifelong process
Masculinity & learning
• Average results are good enough
• Students act inconspicuous. Ego has to be hidden
• The choice for a study is based on intrinsic motivation
• Students are asking for another change to do a test/exam after average results
• Students are competing. It is good to stand out in class. Ego is important
• The choice for a study is based on future career possibilities
Uncertainty avoidance & learning
• Teachers are supposed to know everything and know all the answers
• The didactical path has to be highly structured
• There is a critical attitude towards new technology and methodologies
• There is not such a thing as the ultimate answer. A teacher can admit that he doesn't know the answer
• Learning can take place in a more open situation
• New methodologies and technologies are welcome