Chapter 7: Hofstede Flashcards
(27 cards)
What are the 6 Hofstede dimensions
- Power Distance
- Collectivism v Individualism
- Uncertainty Avoidance
- Feminine V Masculine
- Short-term V Long-term
- Restraint v Indulgence
How can you define power distance?
The extent to which the less powerful members of organizations and institutions (like family) accept and expect that power is distributed.
What are examples of countries with a high power distance?
Japan, Korea, Russia
What is typical for CEO’s in high power distance countries?
To be involved in negotiations and to be the final decision maker
How is the power distance in Western Europa and North America
Informal, they use names and dress casually
What do they use in Asia
Bows or Handshakes?
Bows
What is the biggest risk when having people from opposite ends of the power distance spectrum negotiate?
Negotiators from low power distance cultures may be frustrated when those from high power distance countries seek approval from supervisors. Contrary the latter may feel pressured by the pace imposed by others.
Where is innovation bigger?
country with high power distance or country with low power distance
A country with low power distance, people feel more free to do what they feel is right
What does the dimension ‘uncertainty avoidance’ deal with?
A society’s tolerance for ambiguity. It indicates to what extent a culture programs its members to feel either uncomfortable or comfortable in unstructured situations
What is typical for high uncertainty avoidance cultures
They have formal bureaucratic negotiation rules and trust only family and friends.
What is typical for low uncertainty avoidance cultures?
They prefer to work informally with flexibility
What do negotiators from high-risk avoidance countries seek in negotiations
Specific commitments in terms of volume, timing, and requirements.
What do negotiators from low-risk avoidance countries seek in negotiations
A rough estimate of volume and timing, with constantly changing requirements.
What does the dimension ‘collectivism - individualism’ resemble?
The degree to which people in a society are integrated into groups
What are characteristics of Individualistic cultures? (4)
- put tasks before relationships
- tolerate open conflict
- place the needs of the individual above those of the group
- expect the other party to have the authority to make the decision
What is an example of a country with a collectivistic culture?
China
What do managers from collectivistic cultures value? (4)
- Solidarity
- Loyalty
- Strong interdependence among individuals
- Members define themselves in terms of the groups to which they belong
What is a critical error when trying to understand collectivism - individualism
Not understanding the other’s main interest
Why do people from collectivistic societies not force their opinions on someone
Opinions are individualistic
What does the dimension feminine-masculine refer to?
The distribution of values between genders
What are characteristics of the masculine pole of the spectrum? (4)
- Assertive
- Competitive
- Independent
- task-oriented (results in win-lose situation)
What are characteristics of the feminine pole of the spectrum? (4)
- modesty
- Empathy
- social relations
- cooperation
What are people from a masculine culture focused on in negotiations?
The specifics of the agreement, and not so much on the overall impact on the other party.
What are people from a feminine culture focused on in negotiations?
More likely to be concerned with longer-range effects. Details can be worked out later.
