Dr.B.D.Tripathi
Five Dimensions of Culture In his work as founder of Personal
Research at IBM, Europe , Hofstede compared cultures of 23 countries on 5 dimensions and published in “Cultures and Organizations -2005”
Power Distance (PD) – The extent to which members of a society accept that power in society and organizations is and should be distributed equally, i.e. workers have more chances to influence Govt. decisions –India, when compared to Philippines or UAE
Power DistanceLow Power Distance High Power DistanceThere should be Minimum
inequalities since it can exploitation others
Superiors and subordinates are same in Orgn.
Hierarchy in Org. only for convenience
Subordinates should be consulted
Individuality should be respected
Inequality is unavoidable & every one has a place they deserve
Superiors and subordinates are different kind of people
Hierarchy in Org. reflects natural difference
Subordinates should be told
Authority should be respected
Five Dimensions of CultureUncertainty Avoidance (U.A.) – The
creation of set of rules & structures to eliminate ambiguity in organizations and support those beliefs which promise certainty and conformity. i.e. Germans, Indians & French when compared to Swedes & British. The attitude of uncertainty avoidance is much frowned in high PD countries i.e. Germany and Philippines
Uncertainty Avoidance (U.A.)Low U.A. High U.A.Uncertainty in life is
threatening, must be reduced
Predictability & clarity are preferred
Concern about securityFormal rules are necessaryConsensus is better than
conflictThere is inner urge for
hard work
Uncertainty is fact of life it should be taken when comes
Ambiguity is tolerated
Readiness to take riskThe fewer rules ,betterCompetition & conflict
can be constructiveHard work as such is not
a virtue
Five Dimensions of CultureMasculinity (MASC) – The extent to which
the society values assertiveness ( Masculinity) and caring (Femininity). Masculinity pertains to the society in which social gender roles are clearly distinct. Men to be assertive, focused on work goals & material success i.e. Japan, Australia high. Women to be more tender, modest and caring for quality of life i.e. Denmark and Sweden.
Masculinity/FemininityMasculinity FemininityDistinct gender rolesMen are assertive,
women are nurturingAcquisition of wealth Ambition motivatesLive to work Sympathy for successfulManager are expected to
be decisive & assertive Stress on competition
and performance
Fluid gender rolesMen & Women, both in
nurturing roleQuality of lifeService motivatesWork to liveSympathy for unfortunateManager use intuition &
strive for consensusStress on Co-operation
and environmental awareness
Five Dimensions of CultureIndividualism – The degree of
preferences of individuals expected to look after themselves and immediate families. Loyality towards oneself and towards a group. Just reverse of collectivism i.e. USA and Britain stands high , where as Pakistan, UAE stands low.
IndividualismCollectivist Individualist
‘We’ mentalityIdentity based on social
groupDecisions are primarily
based , what is good for group
Relationship prevails over task
Focus is on belongingness to an organization
Values differ according to group
‘I’ mentalityIdentity based on individualDecisions primarily based
on individual needsTasks prevail over
relationshipFocus is on individual
initiative & achievementValues standards apply to
all
Five Dimensions of CultureShort term VS Long term Orientation – Short term orientation includes fostering virtues related to past and present spl. Respect for tradition, fulfilling social obligations etc. Long term orientation includes fostering virtues oriented towards the future, spl. Perseverance and thrift, relationships as status and sense of shame
Short term VS Long term OrientationShort term Orientation Long term orientation
Need for achievement & self determination
Loyalty towards vary as per business needs
People should be rewarded according to their ability
Stress is on short term profits
Managers & employees are in different camps
Need for accountability, self discipline
Develop and maintain life long net work
Large social & economical difference should not be tolerated
Stress is on future market position
Owner, Manager & worker share the same aspiration