Cultural Dimension

Theory

What is cultural dimension theory?

This theory is to be used as a guide in understanding the difference in culture between countries.

Image source: http://www.presseurop.eu/files/images/article/beppe-giacobbe-eurolandia.jpg?1345561823

How can we use this theory?

This theory can help us to understand the people, how they think, the way they approach others.

We can also use this theory to find out our own approach to others, how we interact with other people.

In analyzing events or news, we can use this theory to understand the what kind of country; what kind of people they are.

Hofstede's Cultural Dimension Theory

Image source: http://references4u.blogspot.com/2012/07/hofstede-cultural-dimension-theory.html

Power Distance HIGH POWER DISTANCE AND LOW POWER DISTANCE

SummaryThis dimension refers to the degree of inequality that exists and is accepted among people with and without power.

Image source: http://students.depaul.edu/~jborger/

TypesThere are two types: High power distance and Low power distance.

Example: High power distance

Image source: http://renews.biz/wp-content/assets/HV-transmission-line-BFS-Man.jpg

Respect for authorityWide salary range from top to bottomEveryone has specific place

In a high PD country such as Malaysia, you would probably send reports only to top management and have closed door meetings where only a select few, powerful leaders were in attendance.

Example: Low power distance

All have equal rightsRespect for individuality Narrow salary range from top to bottomNo set hierarchy

Individualism - CollectivismINDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE SOCIETIES

Summary This dimension focuses on relationship between the individual and the group.  Highly individualistic cultures believe individual is most important unit. Highly collectivistic cultures believe group is most important unit.

Image source: http://www.dcaci.com/individualism-versus-collectivism/

TypesThere are two types: Individual and Collective societies.

Example: Individual societies

Lose connection with people Little sharing or responsibilityPeople taking care of themselvesMaking decisions based on individual needs"I" mentality

Image source: http://www.fee.org/files/imgLib/20121114_MethodologicalIndividualismCROP1.jpg

Example: Collective societies

Primary loyalty to groupDecision-making based on what is best for the groupDependence on organization and institutions "We" mentality

Image source: http://misfitpolitics.co/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012-DNC-Logo-CMYK-960x400.jpg

Masculinity - FemininityMASCULINE AND FEMININE SOCIETIES

Summary This dimension is about relation between gender and sex appropriate behavior.

Image source: http://rebeccapaps.blogspot.com/2011_04_01_archive.html

TypesThere are two types: Masculine and Feminine societies.

Example: Masculine societies

Men are assertive, ambitious, and competitive

Women are supportive, nurturing, and deferent

Image source: http://www.avoiceformen.com/portal/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Masculinity.jpg

Example: Feminine societies

Fewer rigid gender roles

Men and women are more equal

Uncertainty AvoidanceHIGH UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE AND LOW UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE

Summary This dimension is about fear to the unknown situation and things.

Image source: http://betanews.com/2012/09/27/10-issues-that-erode-cloud-confidence/

TypeThere are two types:High uncertainty avoidance andLow uncertainty avoidance

Example: High uncertainty avoidance

People work well within a structured environment, under strict laws, rules and guidelines.

Example: Low uncertainty avoidance

People can tolerate uncertainty and welcome freedom of opinions, try to have as few rules as possible and more concern with long-term strategy than what is happening on a daily basis.

Time OrientationSHORT-TIME AND LONG-TIME ORIENTATION

SummaryThis refers to how much society values long-standing – as opposed to short-term – traditions and values.

Image source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-30/vast-pools-of-money-still-ignore-sustainable-investing.html

TypeThere are two types: Short time and Long time orientation.

Example: Short time orientation

Short-term oriented cultures value traditional methods, take a considerable amount of time to build relationships, and value oriented towards the past and present.

Example: Long time orientation

Long-term oriented cultures see time as linear and looks to the future rather than the present or the past, do anything to achieve a goal and value rewards.

References

Demowaiyan.org. Retried on April 10, 2013 from http://www.demowaiyan.org/2013/03/blog-post_21.html

Douglas S. Wilbur (2013). Leveraging Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory to Improve the Quality of Information Operations. Retried 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. Retried on June 25, 2013 from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htm

Weeklyeleven.com. Retried 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.