10.2c - Hofstede's Cultural Model

Question 1

Hofstede’s cultural model definition

Answer 1

A model of cultural dimensions that distinguishes one country’s culture from another

Question 2

How did the Hofstede cultural model work?

Answer 2

It looked at 30 countries and scored them on a scale of 1-100 for each dimension

Question 3

What are the different dimensions in Hofstede’s cultural model?

Answer 3

• Individualism vs collectivism
• Power distance
• Indulgence vs restraint
• Masculinity vs femininity
• Short-termism vs long-termism
• Uncertainty avoidance

Question 4

What does the IDV dimension indicate?

Answer 4

The level of sharing in a country

• A high IDV has a lack of sharing and responsibility beyond family (USA 91)
• A low IDV has strong group cohesions and age/wisdom is respected (China 20)

Question 5

What does the PD dimension indicate?

Answer 5

The extent to which inequality is tolerated and whether there is a strong sense of position and status

• A high PD accepts hierarchy of power without argument (China 80)
• A low PD expects equality (UK 35)

Question 6

What does the LTO dimension indicate?

Answer 6

The emphasis on time horizons for business planning and objectives

• A high LTO meets social obligations and puts long-term first (South Korea 100)
• A low LTO has a greater promotion of equality and individualism and puts short-term first (Australia 21)

Question 7

What does the MAS dimension indicate?

Answer 7

The differences in decision-making style

• A high MAS means men are expected to be the provider and there are distinctions between male and female work (Japan 95)
• A low MAS means male and females work together equally (Sweden 5)

Question 8

What does the UAI dimension indicate?

Answer 8

The different attitudes to risk-taking

• A high UAI means more support for rules, data and responsibilities (Belgium 94)
• A low UAI score means a willingness to accept more risk and embrace change (Singapore 8)

Question 9

What does the IND dimension indicate?

Answer 9

The extent to which the society allows for enjoying life and having fun

• A high IND means freedom of speech and leisure is important (Australia 71)
• A low IND means freedom of speech and leisure is less important (China 24)

Question 10

Disadvantages of Hofstede’s cultural model:

Answer 10

• May not be representative of whole country
• Is information accurate?
• Culture may change over time

Question 11

How can Hofstede’s cultural model be applied in businesses?

Answer 11

• Internal communication
• Operational issues such as outsourcing
• Marketing and customer service
• Recruitment and HR
• Leadership