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:

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:

Power Distance HIGH POWER DISTANCE AND LOW POWER DISTANCE

Summary This dimension refers to the degree of inequality that exists and is accepted among people with and without power. Image source: /

Types There are two types: High power distance and Low power distance.

Example: High power distance Image source: Respect for authority Wide salary range from top to bottom Everyone 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 rights Respect for individuality Narrow salary range from top to bottom No set hierarchy

Individualism - Collectivism INDIVIDUAL 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:

Types There are two types: Individual and Collective societies.

Example: Individual societies Lose connection with people Little sharing or responsibility People taking care of themselves Making decisions based on individual needs "I" mentality Image source:

Example: Collective societies Primary loyalty to group Decision-making based on what is best for the group Dependence on organization and institutions "We" mentality Image source:

Masculinity - Femininity MASCULINE AND FEMININE SOCIETIES

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

Types There are two types: Masculine and Feminine societies.

Example: Masculine societies Men are assertive, ambitious, and competitive Women are supportive, nurturing, and deferent Image source:

Example: Feminine societies Fewer rigid gender roles Men and women are more equal

Uncertainty Avoidance HIGH UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE AND LOW UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE

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

Type There are two types: High uncertainty avoidance and Low 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 Orientation SHORT-TIME AND LONG-TIME ORIENTATION

Summary This refers to how much society values long-standing – as opposed to short-term – traditions and values. Image source:

Type There 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 Douglas S. Wilbur (2013). Leveraging Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory to Improve the Quality of Information Operations. Retried on June 25, 2013 from hofstede%E2%80%99s-cultural-dimensions-theory-to-improve-the-quality-of-information-operhttp://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/leveraging- Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions. Understanding Workplace Values Around the World. Retried on June 25, 2013 from Weeklyeleven.com. Retried on June 1, 2013 from By:Soe Moe Tun ( ) Under Graduate Studies Program (Computer Science) Albukhary International University, Malaysia.