Part 122: Hofstede’s Five Dimensions of Culture

  • Hofstede’s Five Dimensions of Culture tell us about the culture of people
  • Useful for managing teams
  • The five dimensions are
    • Power Distance Index
      • To what extent less powerful members of a group accept the uneven distribution of power
      • Cultures with a high Power Distance Index accept an unequal distribution of power
      • Cultures with a low Power Distance Index expect equal distribution of power, based on knowledge and legitimacy
    • Individualism vs Collectivism
      • Whether a person prefers to work alone or is obligated to others
    • Masculinity vs Feminism
      • Masculine traits include power, self-centeredness, and aggression
      • Feminine traits include emotions
    • Uncertainty Avoidance Index
      • Measures discomfort with uncertainty
      • Cultures with a high Uncertainty Avoidance Index like laws and rules
      • Cultures with a low Uncertainty Avoidance Index are comfortable in different situations
    • Long Term Orientation v Short Term Orientation
      • Short Term expect immediate rewards, while Long Term persevere