Geert
Hofstede™ is
the trademark of Dr. Geert Hofstede, Velp, Netherlands
Dr.
Geert Hofstede conducted
perhaps the most comprehensive study of how values
in the workplace are influenced by culture. From
1967 to 1973, while working at IBM as a psychologist,
he collected and analyzed data from over 100,000
individuals from forty countries. From those
results, and later additions, Hofstede developed
a model that identifies four primary dimensions
to differentiate cultures. He later added a fifth
dimension, Long-term Outlook.
As
with any generalized study, the results may or may
not be applicable to specific individuals or events.
In addition, although the Hofstede's results are
categorized by country, often there is more than
one cultural group within that country. In these
cases there may be significant deviation from the
study's result. An example is Canada, where the majority
of English speaking population and the minority French
speaking population in Quebec has moderate cultural
differences.
Geert
Hofstede's dimensions analysis can assist the business
person or traveler in better understanding the intercultural
differences within regions and between counties.
"Culture
is more often a source of conflict than of synergy.
Cultural differences are a nuisance at best and
often a disaster." - Dr.
Geert Hofstede
Geert
Hofstede has recently received greater
academic scrutiny for his methods of defining
and delineating National Cultural Consequences.
Geert
Hofstede Analysis is discussed
on each Country's page in this Website
with the following format:
Power
Distance Index (PDI) focuses
on the degree of equality, or inequality, between
people in the country's society. A High Power
Distance ranking indicates that inequalities
of power and wealth have been allowed to grow
within the society. These societies are more
likely to follow a caste system that does not
allow significant upward mobility of its citizens.
A Low Power Distance ranking indicates
the society de-emphasizes the differences between
citizen's power and wealth. In these societies
equality and opportunity for everyone is stressed.
Individualism
(IDV) focuses on the
degree the society reinforces individual or collective,
achievement and interpersonal relationships.
A High Individualism ranking indicates
that individuality and individual rights are
paramount within the society. Individuals in
these societies may tend to form a larger number
of looser relationships. A Low Individualism ranking
typifies societies of a more collectivist nature
with close ties between individuals. These cultures
reinforce extended families and collectives where
everyone takes responsibility for fellow members
of their group.
Masculinity
(MAS) focuses on the degree
the society reinforces, or does not reinforce,
the traditional masculine work role model of
male achievement, control, and power. A High
Masculinity ranking indicates the country
experiences a high degree of gender differentiation.
In these cultures, males dominate a significant
portion of the society and power structure, with
females being controlled by male domination.
A Low Masculinity ranking indicates the
country has a low level of differentiation and
discrimination between genders. In these cultures,
females are treated equally to males in all aspects
of the society.
Uncertainty
Avoidance Index (UAI) focuses
on the level of tolerance for uncertainty and
ambiguity within the society - i.e. unstructured
situations. A High Uncertainty Avoidance ranking
indicates the country has a low tolerance for
uncertainty and ambiguity. This creates a rule-oriented
society that institutes laws, rules, regulations,
and controls in order to reduce the amount of
uncertainty. A Low Uncertainty Avoidance ranking
indicates the country has less concern about
ambiguity and uncertainty and has more tolerance
for a variety of opinions. This is reflected
in a society that is less rule-oriented, more
readily accepts change, and takes more and greater
risks.
Geert
Hofstede added the following fifth (5th) dimension
after conducting an additional international study
using a survey instrument developed with Chinese employees
and managers. That survey resulted in addition of the
Confucian dynamism. Subsequently, Hofstede described
that dimension as a culture's long-term Orientation.
Long-Term
Orientation (LTO) focuses
on the degree the society embraces, or does
not embrace, long-term devotion to traditional,
forward thinking values. High Long-Term
Orientation ranking indicates the country
prescribes to the values of long-term commitments
and respect for tradition. This is thought
to support a strong work ethic where long-term
rewards are expected as a result of today's
hard work. However, business may take longer
to develop in this society, particularly for
an "outsider". A Low Long-Term
Orientation ranking indicates the country
does not reinforce the concept of long-term,
traditional orientation. In this culture, change
can occur more rapidly as long-term traditions
and commitments do not become impediments to
change.
Discussion
of Geert Hofstede Dimensions are available
on each country page, plus additional web
site links and reading materials that are
applicable to that country.
Hofstede,
Geert. (1994)Uncommon
Sense about Organizations: Cases, Studies and Field
Observations299 pages. Thousand
Oaks CA: Sage Publications, hardcover - A collection
of 17 chapters around the topics: I. The impact of
jobs on people; II. Power and control in organizations;
and III. Studies in training settings. All chapters
are based on Geert Hofstede's research, and all present
counter-intuitive outcomes. Chapters are suitable
for classroom use in a course of Organizational Behavior.Paperback
Edition
Thanks
to the Global Leadership MBA Graduates from University
of Texas - Dallas
who have work diligently on collecting the information for this
Website
Thank
you to Kimberley
Roberts for her frequent contributions to this
site.
Power
Distance Index (PDI) focuses
on the degree of equality, or inequality, between
people in the country's society. A High Power
Distance ranking indicates that inequalities
of power and wealth have been allowed to grow
within the society. These societies are more
likely to follow a caste system that does not
allow significant upward mobility of its citizens.
A Low Power Distance ranking indicates
the society de-emphasizes the differences between
citizen's power and wealth. In these societies
equality and opportunity for everyone is stressed.
More excellent
information on the 
Network -
site by 