Hofstede Cultural Dimensions:

Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory is a framework for cross-cultural communication,

developed by Geert Hofstede.

Power distance: According to this (Cultural Differences - The Power Distance Relationship,
n.d.) source the Power distance refers to the way in which power is distributed and the extent to
which the less powerful accept that power is distributed unequally. Put simply, people in some
cultures accept a higher degree of unequally distributed power than do people in other cultures.
When in a high power distance culture the relationship between bosses and subordinates is one
of dependence. When in a low power distance society the relationship between bosses and
subordinates is one of interdependence.
Individualism versus collectivism: According to this source (Individualism versus collectivism,
n.d.) Individualism stresses individual goals and the rights of the individual person. Collectivism
focuses on group goals, what is best for the collective group, and personal relationships. An
individualist is motivated by personal rewards and benefits. Individualist persons set personal
goals and objectives based on self. Individualistic workers are very comfortable working with
autonomy and not part of a team.
The collectivist is motivated by group goals. Long-term relationships are very important.
Collectivistic persons easily sacrifice individual benefit or praise to recognize and honor the
team’s success. In fact, being singled out and honored as an individual from the rest of the team
may be embarrassing to the collectivistic person.

Uncertainty avoidance: According to this source (Uncertainty Avoidance – Clearly Cultural,

n.d.) Uncertainty avoidance deals with a society’s tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity; it
ultimately refers to man’s search for Truth. Unstructured situations are novel, unknown,
surprising, and different from usual. Uncertainty avoiding cultures try to minimize the possibility
of such situations by strict laws and rules, safety and security measures.

Masculinity and Femininity: The Masculinity side of this dimension represents a preference in
society for achievement, heroism, assertiveness, and material rewards for success. Society at
large is more competitive. Its opposite, Femininity, stands for a preference for cooperation,
modesty, caring for the weak and quality of life. Society at large is more consensus-oriented.
(National Culture - Hofstede Insights, n.d.)
In the business context Masculinity versus Femininity is sometimes also related to as “tough
versus tender” cultures.
Long-Term Orientation vs. Short-Term Orientation: The following information are taken
from (Long-Term Orientation vs. Short-Term Orientation: Hofstede's Definition & Concept -
Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com, n.d.)
Long-term orientation is when you are focused on the future. You are willing to delay short-term
material or social success or even short-term emotional gratification in order to prepare for the
future. If you have this cultural perspective, you value persistence, perseverance, saving and
being able to adapt.
Short-term orientation is when you are focused on the present or past and consider them more
important than the future. If you have a short-term orientation, you value tradition, the current
social hierarchy and fulfilling your social obligations. You care more about immediate
gratification than long-term fulfillment.
You should note that the concepts of long-term orientation and short-term orientation address the
different ways cultures view time and the importance of the past, present and the future.

Indulgence versus restraint: According to this source (National Culture - Hofstede Insights,
n.d.) Indulgence stands for a society that allows relatively free gratification of basic and natural
human drives related to enjoying life and having fun. Restraint stands for a society that
suppresses gratification of needs and regulates it by means of strict social norms.

Hofstede 5 dimension on Bangladeshi Business Culture: The following information taken

from (Hofstede 5 dimension on Bangladeshi Business Culture - StuDocu, n.d.)

 Bangladesh, with a score of 20 is considered a collectivistic society. Collectivism is

positively used public and private organizations in Bangladesh, for the reason that the
employer and employee relationship basically moral, good understanding between
management and workers.
 Bangladesh scores high on this dimension (score of 80) which means that a high level of
inequality of power and wealth within the society. This condition is not necessarily
imposed upon the population, but rather accepted by the society as a cultural norm.
Everyone is ranked in the society. People believe in the differences of social status within
all organizations.
 Bangladesh ranked high in uncertainty avoid index (score of 60). Bangladesh has a
culture of low risk and low change tolerant. The intercultural capabilities and inclinations
for uncertainty or risk are low.
 Bangladesh has a very low Indulgence score of 20. This makes it a restrained country.
Societies with a low score in this dimension have a tendency to cynicism and
pessimism.
  Bangladesh has an intermediate score at 47, this indicates less long-term orientation and
high short-term oriented. Bangladeshi peoples tend to consider long-term decision
making rather than short-term.

References
Cultural Differences - The Power Distance Relationship. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Articulate CEO:
https://thearticulateceo.typepad.com/my-blog/2011/09/cultural-differences-the-power-
distance-relationship.html

Hofstede 5 dimension on Bangladeshi Business Culture - StuDocu. (n.d.). Retrieved from StuDocu:
https://www.studocu.com/en/document/university-of-liberal-arts-bangladesh/business-in-
global-environment/other/hofstede-5-dimension-on-bangladeshi-business-culture/3566984/
view

Individualism versus collectivism. (n.d.). Retrieved from FutureLearn:

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/develop-cultural-intelligence/0/steps/49772

Long-Term Orientation vs. Short-Term Orientation: Hofstede's Definition & Concept - Video & Lesson
Transcript | Study.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from Study.com:
https://study.com/academy/lesson/long-term-orientation-vs-short-term-orientation-hofstedes-
definition-lesson-quiz.html

National Culture - Hofstede Insights. (n.d.). Retrieved from Hofstede Insights: https://www.hofstede-
insights.com/models/national-culture/

Uncertainty Avoidance – Clearly Cultural. (n.d.). Retrieved from Clearlycultural.com:

https://clearlycultural.com/geert-hofstede-cultural-dimensions/uncertainty-avoidance-index/