Task 4: Study the text about the dimensions of culture 

Hofstede worked on the concept of comparing nations based on dimensions of culture. He aimed to help understand the social world's complex reality and handle cross-cultural management. Although this theory has been criticised for poorly reflecting reality (cf. Jackson, 2020), it still provides valuable ground for cultural awareness-raising and global management. Initially, Hofstede (2011) identified four dimensions of culture: individualism, power distance, masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance, and created instruments for measuring each of them on a scale from 0 to 100.

The individualism scale measures the extent to which it is believed that individuals are supposed to take care of themselves instead of being firmly integrated and loyal to a cohesive group. In other words, individuals in countries with a high level of individualism score value personal freedom and status, while individuals in countries with a low level of index value harmony and conformity.

The power distance index measures the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions accept and expect that power is distributed unequally. A higher index value means a higher acceptance of inequality in power distribution by those below.

The index of masculinity refers to the dominance of men over women and the dominance of “male” values such as assertiveness and competitiveness versus norms of caring and modesty.

The uncertainty avoidance index measures the extent to which members of society feel uncomfortable or comfortable in situations that are novel, unknown, surprising, or different from usual. The lower the score, the higher the tolerance for uncertainty.



Last modified: Friday, 7 February 2025, 6:29 PM