“Culture is more

often a source of
conflict than a
synergy”

Professor Geert Hofstede

 • Gender is very important in this dimension and
the roles of men and women are clearly defined
in countries with high scores. There are specific
values which are considered to be feminine
such as reaching agreements, being kind to
others and building relationships. The values
Masculinity considered to be masculine include being
assertive, strong and competitive. There is often
a clear difference between work that women do
and work that men do. For those with lower
scores, the roles can be exchanged and they can
take on each others’ characteristics.
 • This dimension deals with traditional values.
In cultures who score highly in this
dimension, it is important to be loyal and
Long-term committed to a job or to people. There is a
orientation high value placed on education and training.
The cultures with low scores value
spontaneity and creativity as well as new
ideas.
 • This dimension looks at the structure of
power in a culture or society. Cultures with
high scores have clear leaders and the space
Power between leaders and those below them is
distance large. Decisions are made at
the top. Cultures with lower scores tend to
have flatter organisations and people are
considered to be more equal. Decision-
making can be made at different levels.
 • This dimension deals with how nervous
people become when they do not know
what to expect. Cultures with high scores are
uncomfortable when they do not know what
Uncertainty to expect. They like to follow guidelines
Avoidance which have been set out. Those with lower
scores do not like to follow rules and accept
both change and risk more easily. They often
look at the long-term goals rather than what
is happening at the moment.
 • This dimension deals with the relationships
people have with each other. In cultures with
Individualis high scores people have fewer interpersonal
relationships. They depend more on
m themselves. Those with a low score are very
loyal to the group they belong to. Harmony
is essential in groups.