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(like the family) accept and expect that power is distributed unequally.
This represents
inequality (more versus less), but defined from below, not from above.
It suggests that a
on the one side versus its opposite, collectivism, that is the degree to
which individuals are
found. The IBM studies revealed that (a) women's values differ less
among societies than
men's values; (b) men's values from one country to another contain a
dimension from
side, to modest and caring and similar to women's values on the other.
The assertive
pole has been called 'masculine' and the modest, caring pole 'feminine'.
The women in
4 - Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI)
search for Truth. It indicates to what extent a culture programs its members
to feel either
possibility of such situations by strict laws and rules, safety and security
measures, and on the
philosophical and religious level by a belief in absolute Truth; 'there can only
be one Truth and
inner nervous energy. The opposite type, uncertainty accepting cultures, are
more tolerant of
5 - Long-Term Orientation (LTO)
deal with Virtue regardless of Truth. Values associated with Long Term
Orientation are thrift
and perseverance; values associated with Short Term Orientation are respect
for tradition,
Fulfilling social obligations, and protecting one's 'face'. Both the positively
and the negatively
rated values of this dimension are found in the teachings of Confucius, the
most influential
Chinese philosopher who lived around 500 B.C.; however, the dimension also
applies to
The Geert Hofstede analysis for the Arab World, that includes the countries
of Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab
Emirates, demonstrates the Muslim faith plays a significant role in the
people’s lives.
Large Power Distance (PDI) (80) and Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) (68) are
predominant Hofstede Dimension characteristics for the countries in this
region. These societies are more likely to follow a caste system that does not
allow significant upward mobility of its citizens. They are also highly rule-
oriented with laws, rules, regulations, and controls in order to reduce the
amount of uncertainty, while inequalities of power and wealth have been
allowed to grow within the society.
When these two Dimensions are combined, it creates a situation where
leaders have virtually ultimate power and authority, and the rules, laws and
regulations developed by those in power reinforce their own leadership and
control. It is not unusual for new leadership to arise from armed insurrection
– the ultimate power, rather than from diplomatic or democratic change.
The Masculinity index (MAS), the third highest Hofstede Dimension is 52,
only slightly higher than the 50.2 average for all the countries included in the
Hofstede MAS Dimension. This would indicate that while women in the Arab
World are limited in their rights, it may be due more to Muslim religion rather
than a cultural paradigm.
The lowest Hofstede Dimension for the Arab World is the Individualism (IDV)
ranking at 38, compared to a world average ranking of 64. This translates
into a Collectivist society as compared to Individualist culture and is
manifested in a close long-term commitment to the member 'group', that
being a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a
collectivist culture is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules.
The predominant religion for these countries is Islam, the practice of the
Muslim faith.
The combination of these two high scores (UAI) and (PDI) create societies
that are highly rule-oriented with laws, rules, regulations, and controls in
order to reduce the amount of uncertainty, while inequalities of power and
wealth have been allowed to grow within the society. These cultures are
more likely to follow a caste system that does not allow significant upward
mobility of its citizens.