Cultural differences
A couple months ago I hosted a training session with a
colleague of mine. It was about cultural differences and how to understand
them. We used Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions as a tool to find out about
other countries. There are six dimensions in Hofstede’s theory; Power Distance,
individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long term orientation and
indulgence. There are many very good tools online to use this theory. It might
be helpful to check how to do business with people from different cultures
before you start doing it. No one wants to look like a fool, right?
Power distance index
With the power distance index, you can observe the
differences in how equality is valued in different countries. In a culture that
has high power distance the people are accepting a more hierarchical order. And
cultures with low power distance are equalizing the distribution of power.
The power distance in china is 80 on a scale from 1 to 100.
That means that all individuals in the society are not equal. There are huge
differences if you compare an employer and an employee.
Individualism vs.
collectivism
Individualism means that individuals prefer a loose social
framework and like to take care of themselves and immediate families only. In
this case collectivism represents its opposite.
Masculinity vs.
femininity
Cultures with high masculinity tend to enjoy heroism,
achievements and material rewards for success. The femininity side stands for
cooperation, modesty and caring for the weak.
“In the business context Masculinity versus Femininity is
sometimes also related to as “tough versus tender” cultures.” (Hofstede Insights,
National culture)
Uncertainty avoidance
index
Expresses how comfortable the members of a society are with
uncertainty. Countries exhibiting strong UAI maintain rigid codes of belief and
behavior and are intolerant of unorthodox behavior and ideas. Weak UAI
societies maintain a more relaxed attitude in which practice counts more than
principles.
Long-term orientation
vs. short-term orientation
Societies who score high on this dimension encourage thrift
and efforts in modern education as a way to prepare for the future. For
example, if you give someone a seed, will they plant it or trade it for
something to have right away?
Indulgence vs.
restraint
The higher the score here, the more you can show your
feelings and don’t have to worry about strict social norms.
By using these six dimensions it will be relatively easier
to do business with foreigners. You’ll start to understand the differences in
your cultures and why the other person is doing something the way they are. With
this tool it is possible to build more tolerance.
Best regards,
Joonatan Halonen
Sources:
http://www.geerthofstede.nl/
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