5 dimensions of Culture (5 marks)

Question 1

Power Distance Index

Answer 1

This is when less powerful members of society accept and expect that power is distributed unequally. People in society exhibiting large power index accept a hierarchical order in which everybody has a place. In societies with low power index, people strive to equalise the distribution of power and demand justification of inequalities of power

Question 2

Individualism vs Collectivism

Answer 2

Individualism can be defined as a preference for a loosely-knit social framework in which individuals are expected to only look after themselves and their immediate families. Its opposite, collectivism, can be defined as a preference of a tighly-knit framework where individuals can expect their families and members of an in-group to take care of them in return for loyalty. A society’s position of this dimension is reflected in whether people’s self-image is defined in terms of “I” or “we”.

Question 3

Masculinity v Feminity

Answer 3

The masculine side represents a preference in society for achievements, heroism, assertiveness and material rewards for success. Society at large is more competitive. Its opposite, feminity, stands for a preference for cooperation, modesty, caring for the weak and quality of life.

Question 4

Uncertainty avoidance

Answer 4

Societies that are secure do not feel threatened by the views of others and tend to take risks. Societies that do not feel secure require policies and procedures to control and minimise the effects of uncertainty and risks.

Question 5

Long vs short term orientation

Answer 5

Societies that are short term orientated cultures tend to be looking for virtues in the past or present whereas long term orientated cultures search for them in the future.