Article Title: Value Dimensions of Culture

Article Author: Geert Hofstede

1) The goal of Hofstede cultural dimension theory is to find ways to do business across
different cultures and assess their impact on a business setting. It examines the
different cultural backgrounds from different countries and nationalities working
together in an organization or multicultural environment.

2) Initially, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory has only four dimensions: power
distance index, individualism vs. collectivism, masculine vs. feminine, and uncertainty
avoidance index. In 1988, Michael Harris Bond added the 5th dimension, “Long-Term
versus Short-Term Orientation,” to Hofestede’s model. Similarly, in 2010, Michael
Minkov described and added the 6th dimension, named indulgence vs. restraint, to
Geert Hofstede’s theory.

3) The six dimensions are as follows:

1. Power Distance, related to the different solutions to the basic problem of
human inequality;
2. Uncertainty Avoidance, related to the level of stress in a society in the
face of an unknown future;
3. Individualism versus Collectivism, related to the integration of individuals
into primary groups;
4. Masculinity versus Femininity, related to the division of emotional roles
between women and men;
5. Long Term versus Short Term Orientation, related to the choice of focus
for
people's efforts: the future or the present and past.
6. Indulgence versus Restraint, related to the gratification versus control of
basic human desires related to enjoying life.

4) Power Distance Index (PDI). It refers to the inequality that exists between individuals
with power and without power. Low Power Distance Index shows that power is
dispersed and shared and is not distributed unequally. High Power Distance Index
shows that people accept the unequal distribution of power and acknowledge the
status of a leader.

5) Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI). It indicates to what extent a culture programs its
members to feel either uncomfortable or comfortable in unstructured situations.
Societies with high UAI score opt for stiff laws, guidelines, and codes of behaviour.
The people are clear about their expectations, goals are set, and parameters are
defined at the onset. Societies with low UAI score shows acceptance of various ideas
and thoughts. There are few regulations, and the environment is free-flowing, and
people are open and relaxed.
 6) Individualism Versus Collectivism (IDV). It explores the extent to which individuals in
a society are integrated into a specific group, the ties that people have within their
community and the perceived dependence and obligation on groups. On the
individualist side we find cultures in which the ties between individuals are loose:
everyone is expected to look after him/herself and his/her immediate family. On the
collectivist side we find cultures in which people from birth onwards are integrated
into strong, cohesive in-groups, often extended families that continue protecting
them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty and oppose other in groups.

7) Masculinity versus Femininity (MAS). It refers to role distribution between males and
females in society. Masculinity is described as a penchant for assertiveness, heroism,
achievement, and material rewards in society. Femininity is described as a penchant
for modesty, cooperation and caring for the weak in the community.

8) Long-Term Versus Short-Term Orientation (LTO). It refers to the connection of the

past with current as well as future challenges. Societies with high long-term
orientation focuses on the future and involves a delay in short-term success to
achieve long-term success. Societies with short-term view tend to place the onus on
truth and consistency. It includes delivering short-term success and putting the
burden on the present instead of in the future.

9) Indulgence Versus Restraint (IVR). It considers the tendency of society to fulfil its
desires or known for literature as “happiness research”. Indulgence stands for a
society that allows relatively free gratification of basic and natural human desires
related to enjoying life and having fun. Restraint stands for a society that controls
gratification of needs and regulates it by means of strict social norms.

10) A lot of changes and evolution is evident in terms of cultural movements. One of the
major changes is the advancement of technology that revolutionized the thinking
and behaviour pattern of people all over the world. Therefore, it is important to
incorporate these changes into what was created by Hofstede’s Cultural Dimension.
References:

1) Dimensionalizing Cultures: The Hofstede Model in Context

Hofstede, G. (2011). Dimensionalizing Cultures: The Hofstede Model in Context. Online
Readings in Psychology and Culture, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.9707/2307-0919.1014
Link: https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=1014&context=orpc#:~:text=This%20article%20describes%20briefly
%20the,Orientation%2C%20and%20Indulgence%2FRestraint.
2) Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions – Six Dimensions of Culture
July 25, 2020 by Hitesh Bhasin
Link: https://www.marketing91.com/hofstedes-cultural-dimensions/