February 18Intercultural Communication: Hofstede’s Cultural DimensionsHofstede’s Value Dimensions One of the earliest attempts to use statistics to measure cultural values Surveyed over 100,000 managers in a multinational organization from 50 countries After analysis, ranked the countries from 1 to 50 on four dimensions: Individualism vs. Collectivism High Uncertainty Avoidance vs. Low Uncertainty Avoidance High Power Distance vs. Low Power Distance Masculine vs. FeminineIndividualism vs. CollectivismIndividualism The individual is the single most important component of society Stress independence over dependence Individual achievement is rewarded Uniqueness of individual is valued US, Australia, Great Britain, New ZealandCollectivism The group is the most important component of society Emphasis is on collaboration rather thancompetition Don’t stand out. One should sacrifice for the group One’s identity stems directly from the in-groupHigh vs. Low Uncertainty AvoidanceHigh Uncertainty Avoidance Avoid by establishing rules for members Do not tolerate deviant ideas Seek consensus Believes more in absolute truths Portugal, Greece, Peru, JapanLow Uncertainty Avoidance More easily accept uncertainty as a wayof life Are not as threatened by different people or ideas Dislike structure associated with hierarchy Like fewer rules Great Britain, Jamaica, Sweden, USHigh vs. Low Power DistanceHigh Power Distance Power and authority are facts of life Everybody has a rightful place Superiors considers subordinates to be different from them Inequality become institutionalized India, Brazil, Mexico, SingaporeLow Power Distance Guided by laws and norms that intentionally minimize power distinctions All people should have access to power People are equals New Zealand, US, IsraelMasculine vs. FeminineMasculine Highly defined gender roles Promote career success Assertiveness is valued Acquisition is valued over interpersonal relationships Japan, Italy, MexicoFeminine Men do not need to be assertive and can assume nurturing roles. People and the environment are important Promotes sexual equality Interdependence is the ideal Sweden, Norway, FinlandBrainstorm What might be some criticisms of Hofstede’s work? Outdated due to ___________ Look at the majority of the ________ culture without considering how ______________ societies might influence statistics Managers w/i one organization ◦ Managers◦ One organization
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