Download Theory: Cultural Dimensions Theorist: Geert Hofstede Biography

Theory: Cultural Dimensions
Theorist: Geert Hofstede
Biography:
Geert Hofstede was born in 1928. He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering
from Delft Technical University. Later, he earned a doctorate degree in social psychology from
Groningen University. He taught organizational anthropology and international management at
several universities. His work at IBM Europe would later be important in the studies of cultural
dimensions.
Description of Theory:
Collecting over 116 thousand questionnaires representing 72 countries, Hofstede (1998,
2001) identified five main dimensions on which countries differ. The dimensions include power
distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism versus collectivism, masculinity versus
femininity, and long-term versus short-term orientation. Hofstede’s original research only
produced the first four dimensions. Researchers’ realized that the previous research had been
developed by Westerners. For the next phase, the Chinese Value Survey was adapted for
administration in Chinese and English. A fifth dimension emerged (Hofstede, 2001).
Hofstede (1998) defines power distance “as the extent to which the less powerful
members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is
distributed unequally” (p. 8). Power difference creates inequities. Some societies and
organizations create and promote a system of power differences while other societies make an
effort to reduce inequities. Hofstede contends that culture plays a significant role in the degree
to which power distance is accepted with the society.
The second dimension, individualism, is defined “as the extent to which the ties between
individuals in a society are loose, so that everyone is expected to look after himself or herself and
his or her immediate family only” (Hofstede, 1998, p. 8). The families would be nuclear. In
contrast, collectivism is defined “as the extent to which people in a society from birth onwards
are integrated into strong, cohesive ingroups” (p. 9). Extended families live together. How the
families relate is not limited to how they live, but also influences other institutions: “education,
religious, political, and utilitarian” (Hofstede, 2001, p. 210).
The third dimension is masculinity versus femininity. Masculinity is “defined as the
extent to which social gender roles in a society are clearly distinct” (Hofstede, 1998, p. 9).
Males are viewed as assertive whereas females are considered to be the nurturers. The role
difference extends outside the home into the political arena and economic life (Hofstede, 2001).
Femininity is “the extent to which social gender roles in society overlap” (1998, p. 9).
Uncertainty Avoidance is “defined as the extent to which the members of a culture feel
threatened by uncertain and unknown situations” (Hofstede, 1998, p. 9). Cultures that tend to
avoid uncertainty express emotion more. In those cultures that uncertainty is tolerated, people
are not to express their feeling (Hofstede).
The final dimension that was added later is Long-term orientation versus short-term
orientation. Cultures with a long-term orientation are future-oriented. Short-term orientation
focuses on the past and present. Long-term orientation has been associated with economic
growth. This dimension arose from further study giving consideration to differences between
Eastern and Western culture (Hofstede, 2001).
Theory Measures/Instruments:
Hofstede’s book, Culture’s Consequences, gives a detailed discussion of the extensive
study conducted and methodology and measures used in the study.
Report prepared by: Bethene Fahnestock
References
Hofstede, G. (1998). A case for comparing apples with oranges: International differences in
values. International Journal of Comparative Sociology 39(1). Retrieved November 1,
2008, from Expanded Academic ASAP.
Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture’s consequences (2nd Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Publications.
Suggested Reading
Hofstede, G. (1991). Cultures and organizations: Software of the mind. New York, NY:
McGraw-Hill Book Company.