The Geert Hofstede analysis for Ecuador
is similar to other Latin American countries where there
is very large power distance,
strong uncertainty avoidance, and low individualism. This
is indicative of a society with significant inequalities
of power and wealth. There is a high concern for rules,
regulations, and controls, is slow to accept change,
and is risk adverse.
There is a high emphasis placed on close ties with individuals,
or relationships, whereby everyone takes responsibility
for fellow members of their group. Ecuador has one of
the highest
masculinity rankings in Latin America. This indicates that
the country experiences a high degree of gender differentiation
of roles. The male dominates a significant portion of the
society and power structure.
Ecuador
is similar to many Latin American countries when
analyzing Hofstede's Dimensions.
Ecuador's highest Hofstede Dimension is Power Distance
(PDI), with a ranking of 78. The high Power Distance
(PDI) is indicative of a high level of inequality of
power and wealth within the society. This condition
is not necessarily subverted upon the population, but
rather accepted by the society as their cultural heritage.
Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) is Ecuador's second highest
Dimension ranking at 67, indicating the society’s
low level of tolerance for uncertainty. In an effort
to minimize or reduce this level of uncertainty, strict
rules, laws, policies, and regulations are adopted
and implemented. The ultimate goal of this population
is to control everything in order to eliminate or avoid
the unexpected. As a result of this high Uncertainty
Avoidance characteristic, the society does not readily
accept change and is very risk adverse.
Ecuador has
one of the lower Individualism (IDV) rankings (8),
compared
to other Latin countries (average 21). The score
on this Dimension indicates the society is Collectivist
as compared to Individualist. This is manifest in
a
close long-term commitment to the member 'group',
be that a family, extended family, or extended relationships.
Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and
over-rides most other societal rules and regulations.
The society fosters strong relationships where everyone
takes responsibility for fellow members of their
group
In many of the Latin American countries, including
Ecuador, the population is predominantly Catholic (see
Religions Graph below). The combination of Catholicism
and the cultural dimensions shown in the Hofstede Graphs
above, reinforce a philosophy predicated in the belief
that there is an absolute ‘Truth”. As Geert
Hofstede explains about peoples with a high Uncertainty
Avoidance Index, their attitude is, “There can
only be one Truth and we have it.” More Geert Hofstede Details
For
dress, formality increases as you move inland.
Inland, business dress should be conservative.
Men should wear dark suits and women should dress
conservatively and modestly -- a suit or dress
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