Dr.B.D.Tripathi

Five Dimensions of Culture In his work as founder of Personal

Research at IBM, Europe , Hofstede compared cultures of 23 countries on 5 dimensions and published in “Cultures and Organizations -2005”

Power Distance (PD) – The extent to which members of a society accept that power in society and organizations is and should be distributed equally, i.e. workers have more chances to influence Govt. decisions –India, when compared to Philippines or UAE

Power DistanceLow Power Distance High Power DistanceThere should be Minimum

inequalities since it can exploitation others

Superiors and subordinates are same in Orgn.

Hierarchy in Org. only for convenience

Subordinates should be consulted

Individuality should be respected

Inequality is unavoidable & every one has a place they deserve

Superiors and subordinates are different kind of people

Hierarchy in Org. reflects natural difference

Subordinates should be told

Authority should be respected

Five Dimensions of CultureUncertainty Avoidance (U.A.) – The

creation of set of rules & structures to eliminate ambiguity in organizations and support those beliefs which promise certainty and conformity. i.e. Germans, Indians & French when compared to Swedes & British. The attitude of uncertainty avoidance is much frowned in high PD countries i.e. Germany and Philippines

Uncertainty Avoidance (U.A.)Low U.A. High U.A.Uncertainty in life is

threatening, must be reduced

Predictability & clarity are preferred

Concern about securityFormal rules are necessaryConsensus is better than

conflictThere is inner urge for

hard work

Uncertainty is fact of life it should be taken when comes

Ambiguity is tolerated

Readiness to take riskThe fewer rules ,betterCompetition & conflict

can be constructiveHard work as such is not

a virtue

Five Dimensions of CultureMasculinity (MASC) – The extent to which

the society values assertiveness ( Masculinity) and caring (Femininity). Masculinity pertains to the society in which social gender roles are clearly distinct. Men to be assertive, focused on work goals & material success i.e. Japan, Australia high. Women to be more tender, modest and caring for quality of life i.e. Denmark and Sweden.

Masculinity/FemininityMasculinity FemininityDistinct gender rolesMen are assertive,

women are nurturingAcquisition of wealth Ambition motivatesLive to work Sympathy for successfulManager are expected to

be decisive & assertive Stress on competition

and performance

Fluid gender rolesMen & Women, both in

nurturing roleQuality of lifeService motivatesWork to liveSympathy for unfortunateManager use intuition &

strive for consensusStress on Co-operation

and environmental awareness

Five Dimensions of CultureIndividualism – The degree of

preferences of individuals expected to look after themselves and immediate families. Loyality towards oneself and towards a group. Just reverse of collectivism i.e. USA and Britain stands high , where as Pakistan, UAE stands low.

IndividualismCollectivist Individualist

‘We’ mentalityIdentity based on social

groupDecisions are primarily

based , what is good for group

Relationship prevails over task

Focus is on belongingness to an organization

Values differ according to group

‘I’ mentalityIdentity based on individualDecisions primarily based

on individual needsTasks prevail over

relationshipFocus is on individual

initiative & achievementValues standards apply to

all

Five Dimensions of CultureShort term VS Long term Orientation – Short term orientation includes fostering virtues related to past and present spl. Respect for tradition, fulfilling social obligations etc. Long term orientation includes fostering virtues oriented towards the future, spl. Perseverance and thrift, relationships as status and sense of shame

Short term VS Long term OrientationShort term Orientation Long term orientation

Need for achievement & self determination

Loyalty towards vary as per business needs

People should be rewarded according to their ability

Stress is on short term profits

Managers & employees are in different camps

Need for accountability, self discipline

Develop and maintain life long net work

Large social & economical difference should not be tolerated

Stress is on future market position

Owner, Manager & worker share the same aspiration