Hofstede Cultural Framework

1. Power Distance
2. Individualism vs.
Collectivism
3. Masculinity vs.
Femininity
4. Uncertainty Avoidance
5. Long Term
Orientation

Power Distance
...the extent to which the less powerful members
of institutions and organizations within a country
expect and accept that power is distributed
unequally.

Power Distance at Work

Hierarchy
Centralization
Salary range
Participation
Ideal Boss
Privilege & status
symbols

Individualism vs. Collectivism

Individualist societies:
ties are loose and
everyone looks out for
himself or herself
Collectivist societies:
people integrated into
strong, cohesive
groups; protection is
exchanged for loyalty

Individualism / Collectivism
at Work
Employee-employer
relationship
Hiring and promotion
decisions
Managerial focus
Task vs. relationship
priority

Masculinity vs. Femininity

Masculine societies:
social gender roles are
distinct (men focus on
material success; women
on quality of life)
Feminine societies:
social gender roles
overlap (both quality of
life)

Masculinity / Femininity at Work

Centrality of work
Ways of managing &
decision making
Fem: equality,
solidarity, quality of
work life
Mas: equity, compete,
performance
Conflict resolution

Uncertainty Avoidance
the extent to which
the members of a
culture feel threatened
by uncertain or
unknown situations.
NOT the same as risk
avoidance
Presence of rules

Uncertainty Avoidance at Work

Necessity of rules
Time orientation
Precision &
punctuality
Interpretation of
What is different
Appropriateness of
emotional displays

Long term orientation

Confucian Dynamism
The newest
dimension
three universal
dimensions and two
fourth dimensions
Truth vs. Virtue: What
one believes vs. What
one does

Confucian Dynamism
Short-term orientation
Social pressure to
keep up with the
Joneses
small savings
expect quick results
concern with
possessing Truth

Long-term orientation
Thrift: being sparing
with resources
large savings
perseverance toward
slow results
concern with respecting
the demands of Virtue