Cultural value & dimensions

Topics

1. Cultural value dimensionsMasculinity/Femininity

Power distance

Long term orientation

Achievement v.s ascription

Universalistic v.s particularistic

Specific v.s. diffuse

Affective v.s. neutral

Masculinity- refers to assertiveness, materialism, and a lack of concern for others

Femininity- refer to a concern for others, for relationships, and for the quality of life

In the GLOBE study, gender egalitarianism measures roles men and women are suited for– Denmark and New Zealand most gender

egalitarian; Eastern Europe and Nordic Europe

– Iran and Qatar are the least gender egalitarian; Middle East, Confucian Asia, Germanic Europe

Masculinity and Femininity

In masculine cultures, there is division of gender roles

Masculine cultures emphasize on work goals (earnings) and achievement

In feminine cultures, the social gender roles overlap

Feminine cultures emphasize on having a good working relationship with direct superior and cooperating well with one another

Major Differences between “Feminine” and “Masculine” Cultures

"Feminine" cultures "Masculine" cultures

Flexible sex roles Complementary sex roles

Emphasize nurturance Emphasize achievements

Quality of work life Economic growth

Work in order to live Live in order to work

Environmental issues Business performance

Example

Sweden Japan

Netherlands Austria

Costa Rica Italy

Finland

Power distanceRefer to the level of acceptance by a society of the unequal distribution of power in institution

In large power distance cultures, superiors and subordinates consider each other as existentially unequal → organizations centralize powers as much as possible in few hands at the upper level

Subordinates expect to be told what to do, the ideal boss plays the benevolent autocratic role

Rewards and punishments based on age, rank, status, title and seniority

In small power distance cultures, the hierarchical system is just an inequality of roles, established for convenience; roles may be changed. → Organizations are fairly decentralized

Small power distance cultures value equal power distribution, equal rights and relations, and equitable rewards and punishments based on performance

Power distance

Major Differences between Small Power Distance and Large Power Distance Cultures

Small power distance cultures Large power distance cultures

Emphasize equal distance Emphasize power distance

Individual credibility Seniority, age, rank, title

Symmetrical interaction Asymmetrical interaction

Emphasize informality Emphasize formality

Subordinates expect consultation Expect direction

Example

Austria Malaysia

Israel Arab countries

Denmark India

Canada/USA Philippines

Long-term orientation

Based on Confucian dynamism dimension underlying Chinese values, attitudes and behavior

Long-term orientation refers to the extent to which members of a culture accept delayed gratification of their material, social and emotional needs

Short-Term vs Long-Term Orientation Characteristics

Short-term orientation characteristics

Long-term orientation characteristics

Personal survival/security Social order

Personal respect/dignity Hierarchical respect

Individual face-saving Collective face-saving

Short- to medium-term planning Long-term planning

Spending centered Thrift centered

Short- to medium-term outcomes Long-term outcomes

Example

Pakistan China/HongKong/Taiwan

Canada/USA Japan

UK South Korea

Zimbabwe Brazil

Power Distance and Individualism

Power Distance and Uncertainty Avoidance

Hofstede country comparisons

Achievement v.s. Ascription

Refers to the source of power and status in societyIn achievement society status and power is based on individual achievement (job performance, level of education, experience…)In ascription society, status are ascribed on the basis of class, age, gender…People from ascription society tend to live up to their ascribed status

Universalistic v.s Particularistic

Refers to how we judge others’ behavior

Universalistic cultures apply rules and system objectively, without consideration for individual circumstances → all persons falling under the rule should be treated the same

Particularistic cultures puts the obligation on relationships and is more subjective → people in this culture are more likely to pass on insider information to a friend

In particularistic cultures, judgments focus on the exceptional nature of present circumstances → must sustain, protect or discount this person no matter what the rules sayA universalist will think of particularists as “they cannot be trusted because they will always help their friends.”A particularist conversely think of universalists as “you cannot trust them; they would not even help a friend.”

Universalistic v.s Particularistic

Affective v.s. Neutral

In cultures high on affectivity, people would openly express emotionsIn cultures high on neutrality, emotions and feelings are controlledHumor and jokes help to loose up the audiences in US and England but not in a professional setting in GermanyRaising voice for important issues is seen as a sign of extra concern in Nigeria, but a sign of loss face in Malaysia

Specific v.s. Diffuse

Refers to involvement in relationships

Specific-oriented cultures separate work and personal issues and relationship. Businesses are impersonal

Diffuse-oriented cultures spill work into personal relationships and vice versa.

Independent and Interdependent Self-construal

Exist within each individual regardless of his or her cultural identityRefer to the degree to which people conceive of themselves as separate or connected to others respectivelyIndependent construal of self: an individual is a unique entity with an individuated collection of feelings, cognitions, and motivationsInterdependent construal of self: importance of relational connectedness

Characteristics of the Independent Self and the Interdependent Self

Independent self Interdependent self

Self-orientation Other-orientation

Personal self-esteem Collective self-esteem

Personal achievement Group achievement

Relational autonomyRelational connectedness

Universalistic-based principles

Particularistic-based principles

Personal self-esteem vs collective self-esteem

Personal self-esteem (independent self): feeling good about oneself requires fulfilling the tasks associated with being an independent, being unique, expressing one’s inner attributes, and asserting oneselfCollective self-esteem (interdependent self): feeling good about oneself derives from fulfilling the tasks associated with being interdependent with relevant others such as belonging, fitting in, occupying one’s proper place, promoting others’ goal, and maintaining harmony