Cultural Dimensions of Innovation

http://files.gereports.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/GIB-results.pdfhttp://www.eiu.com/site_info.asp?info_name=cisco_innov_09&page=noads&rf=0

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/03/0312_innovative_countries/1.htm

http://www.geert-hofstede.com/geert_hofstede_resources.shtml

No. 2 – South KoreaOverall score: 2.26Innovation inputs score: 1.75Innovation performance score: 2.55GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $1.3 trillionForeign Direct Investment: $74.6 billion

No. 3 – SwitzerlandOverall score: 2.23Innovation inputs score: 1.51Innovation performance score: 2.74GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $309.9 billionForeign Direct Investment: $621.7 billion

No. 4 – IcelandOverall score: 2.17Innovation inputs score: 2.00Innovation performance score: 2.14GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $12.9 billion

No. 5 – IrelandOverall score: 1.88Innovation inputs score: 1.59Innovation performance score: 1.99GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $198.5 billionForeign Direct Investment: $149.1 billion

No. 6 – Hong KongOverall score: 1.88Innovation inputs score: 1.61Innovation performance score: 1.97GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $318.2 billionForeign Direct Investment: $1.1 trillion

No. 7 – FinlandOverall score: 1.87Innovation inputs score: 1.76Innovation performance score: 1.81GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $201.2 billionForeign Direct Investment: $121.9 billion

No. 8 – U.S.Overall score: 1.80Innovation inputs score: 1.28Innovation performance score: 2.16GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $14.6 trillionForeign Direct Investment: $2.7 trillion

No. 9 – JapanOverall score: 1.79Innovation inputs score: 1.16Innovation performance score: 2.25GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $4.5 trillionForeign Direct Investment: $597 billion

No. 10 – SwedenOverall score: 1.64Innovation inputs score: 1.25Innovation performance score: 1.88GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $358.4 billionForeign Direct Investment: $289.6 billion

No. 11 – DenmarkOverall score: 1.60Innovation inputs score: 1.55Innovation performance score: 1.50GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $213.6 billionForeign Direct Investment: $163.2 billion

• Power Distancethe degree of equality/inequality between people in a particular society• Individualismthe degree to which a society reinforces individual or collective achievement and interpersonal relationships• Masculinitythe degree societies reinforce, or do not reinforce, the traditional masculine work role model of male achievement, control, and power• Uncertainty Avoidancethe level of acceptance for uncertainty and ambiguity within a society• Long-Term Orientation

There are only seven (7) countries in the Geert Hofstede research that have Individualism (IDV) as their highest Dimension: USA (91), Australia (90), United Kingdom (89), Netherlands and Canada (80), and Italy (76). The high Individualism (IDV) ranking for the United States indicates a society with a more individualistic attitude and relatively loose bonds with others. The populace is more self-reliant and looks out for themselves and their close family members.

The low Individualism ranking is manifest in a close and committed member 'group', be that a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount. The society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group.

South Korea displays Hofstede Dimensions similar to Latin American countries.

The Hofstede Dimensions for the Netherlands are very similar to that of other Scandinavian countries.A low Masculinity (MAS) may be indicative of a low level of differentiation and discrimination between genders. In this culture, females are treated more equally to males in all aspects of society. This low Masculinity ranking may also be displayed as a more openly nurturing society.

The Hofstede Dimensions for the Netherlands are very similar to that of other Scandinavian countries.A low Masculinity (MAS) may be indicative of a low level of differentiation and discrimination between genders. In this culture, females are treated more equally to males in all aspects of society. This low Masculinity ranking may also be displayed as a more openly nurturing society.

Mexico is similar to many Latin countries when Hofstede's Dimensions are compared and analyzed.

Mexico's highest Hofstede Dimension is Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) (82), indicating the society’s low level of tolerance for uncertainty. In an effort to minimize or reduce this level of uncertainty, strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations are adopted and implemented. The ultimate goal of this population is to control everything in order to eliminate or avoid the unexpected. As a result of this high Uncertainty Avoidance characteristic, the society does not readily accept change and is very risk adverse.

Characteristics Tips

High PDI

•Centralized companies.•Strong hierarchies.•Large gaps in compensation, authority, and respect.

•Acknowledge a leader's power.•Be aware that you may need to go to the top for answers

Low PDI

•Flatter organizations.•Supervisors and employees are considered almost as equals.

•Use teamwork•Involve as many people as possible in decision making

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htm

Characteristics Tips

High IDV

•High valuation on people's time and their need for freedom.•An enjoyment of challenges, and an expectation of rewards for hard work.•Respect for privacy.

•Acknowledge accomplishments.•Don't ask for too much personal information.•Encourage debate and expression of own ideas.

Low IDV

•Emphasis on building skills and becoming masters of something.•Work for intrinsic rewards.•Harmony more important than honesty.

•Show respect for age and wisdom.•Suppress feelings and emotions to work in harmony.•Respect traditions and introduce change slowly.

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htm

Characteristics Tips

High MAS

•Men are masculine and women are feminine.•There is a well defined distinction between men's work and women's work.

•Be aware that people may expect male and female roles to be distinct.•Advise men to avoid discussing emotions or making emotionally-based decisions or arguments.

Low MAS

•A woman can do anything a man can do.•Powerful and successful women are admired and respected.

•Avoid an "old boys' club" mentality.•Ensure job design and practices are not discriminatory to either gender.•Treat men and women equally.

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htm

Characteristics Tips

High UAI

•Very formal business conduct with lots of rules and policies.•Need and expect structure.•Sense of nervousness spurns high levels of emotion and expression.•Differences are avoided.

•Be clear and concise about your expectations and parameters.•Plan and prepare, communicate often and early, provide detailed plans and focus on the tactical aspects of a job or project.•Express your emotions through hands gestures and raised voices.

Low UAI

•Informal business attitude.•More concern with long term strategy than what is happening on a daily basis.•Accepting of change and risk.

•Do not impose rules or structure unnecessarily.•Minimize your emotional response by being calm and contemplating situations before speaking.•Express curiosity when you discover differences.

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htm

Characteristics Tips

High LTO

•Family is the basis of society.•Parents and men have more authority than young people and women.•Strong work ethic.•High value placed on education and training.

•Show respect for traditions.•Do not display extravagance or act frivolously.•Reward perseverance, loyalty, and commitment.•Avoid doing anything that would cause another to "lose face".

Low LTO

•Promotion of equality.•High creativity, individualism.•Treat others as you would like to be treated.•Self-actualization is sought.

•Expect to live by the same standards and rules you create.•Be respectful of others.•Do not hesitate to introduce necessary changes.

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htm

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