Cultural Balance of Web Design3
IntroductionAs I am a teacher of a technical subject (web programming and design), I have found thatthis subject matter has a commonality amongst a variety of cultures that would normally beseparated by tradition and language. Technical aspects of web development seem to be void of interpretation and filters that most of us have developed from our heritage and upbringing. Theoutcome of that technical development, however is read and interpreted by the entire Internet andis available to virtually the entire world. These cultural differences shape the way that the Web isseen and understood. Everything, from class distinctions to sexuality, drives the way that wemight navigate a web site.Hofstede's Dimensions of CultureDuring 1978-83, the Dutch cultural anthropologist Geert Hofstede conducted detailedinterviews with hundreds of IBM employees in 53 countries. (Marcus, Gould 2000) Throughstandard statistical analysis of fairly large data sets, he was able to determine patterns of similarities and differences among the replies. From this data analysis, he formulated his theorythat world cultures vary along consistent, fundamental dimensions. His research has pointed to 5strong differences in culture that might help us to fine tune the development of a web userinterface. His five dimensions of culture are the following: (as sited in McLoughlin 1999)
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Power Distance Index (PDI) that is the extent to which the less powerful members of organizations and institutions (like the family) accept and expect that power is distributedunequally.
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