World Cultures

Dimensions of Culture

• Hofstede et al.• Compares national cultures• Ways of understanding, not labels• Overlap and Correlation

Individualist vs Collectivist

-Putting the individual first-Common in the U.S.-Subcultures can differ, Both can coexist-Group decision making is by consensus-More personality/opinion in individualist-More loyalty in collectivist societies-Individualism is more diverse population-Indiv=capitalist Collec=social

Low vs High Power DistanceThe degree to which members of society are comfortable with inequality in power, influences, and wealth-India is high power distance-Ability to accept lot in life-Do not challenge authority-Dictates communication channels-low=indiv high=collec-low=empowered to change-Affects performance appraisal methods-Questioning processes, Quality issues-

Low vs High Uncertainty Avoidance

The degree to which people tolerate risk and feel threatened by uncertain or ambiguous circumstances.-Risk vs reward-Affects how people invest-High avoidance yields fewer options-Rolling with the punches

Cooperative vs Competitive

-U.S. is strongly competitive-Affects reward/compensation structures-Affects contractual relationships-Influences social norms-Probably goes with risk level-Team issues (function differently)

Punctuality vs Relationships

-Collectivism-clock time vs event time-Competitiveness-Locus of control

Direct vs Indirect Communication

-High context vcs low context-High context presumes understanding of unwritten

Particularist vs Universalist

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Neutral vs. Affective

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Tight vs LooseText

Conclusion

• How can you improve your cultural awareness?