Hofstede’s Dimensions of Cultural Differences
Module 2 Discussion
1. Looking back at Hofstede’s dimensions of cultural differences (chapter 2, pg 39-41), describe a significant difference between cultures that you have witnessed. Use the Geert Hofstede website links below to compare the two cultures in your example and describe the relative merits of the different approaches in an organizational situation.
Main Hofstede Web site: http://www.geert-hofstede.com/
(page down for descriptions of the cultural dimensions)
Compare two cultures: http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_dimensions.php
(If the Hofstede website is not working this week, then please do your best with the summary information in the book, or other sources you may find)
Working in the professional soccer business, it is important for me to understand various cultures when doing business in other countries. Hofstede’s dimension of cultural difference provides exceptional insight on various cultures and the dimensions that make them different. Given the FIFA World Cup in 2010 is in South Africa, I will compare the culture of this country to that of the United States. Over the past eight years, I have done business with South African’s.
PDI Power Distance Index
The PDI examines unequal distribution of power (Nelson & James, 2006, p. 41) . South Africa’s PDI of 50 is slightly higher than the score of 40 in the United States (Hofstede, 2009). Titles and authority are more important in South Africa and authority is seldom passed. This would be consistent with South African’s that I have interacted with.
IDV Individualism
IDV examines individualism versus collectivism, which distinguishes an individual’s decision related to that of the individual or a collective group. The U.S. culture has a much higher IDV rating (95) than South Africa (65), which indicates that workers in the U.S. have a higher rate of individualism standards than South Africans (Hofstede, 2009). While South Africa’s rating isn’t low compared to other
1. Looking back at Hofstede’s dimensions of cultural differences (chapter 2, pg 39-41), describe a significant difference between cultures that you have witnessed. Use the Geert Hofstede website links below to compare the two cultures in your example and describe the relative merits of the different approaches in an organizational situation.
Main Hofstede Web site: http://www.geert-hofstede.com/
(page down for descriptions of the cultural dimensions)
Compare two cultures: http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_dimensions.php
(If the Hofstede website is not working this week, then please do your best with the summary information in the book, or other sources you may find)
Working in the professional soccer business, it is important for me to understand various cultures when doing business in other countries. Hofstede’s dimension of cultural difference provides exceptional insight on various cultures and the dimensions that make them different. Given the FIFA World Cup in 2010 is in South Africa, I will compare the culture of this country to that of the United States. Over the past eight years, I have done business with South African’s.
PDI Power Distance Index
The PDI examines unequal distribution of power (Nelson & James, 2006, p. 41) . South Africa’s PDI of 50 is slightly higher than the score of 40 in the United States (Hofstede, 2009). Titles and authority are more important in South Africa and authority is seldom passed. This would be consistent with South African’s that I have interacted with.
IDV Individualism
IDV examines individualism versus collectivism, which distinguishes an individual’s decision related to that of the individual or a collective group. The U.S. culture has a much higher IDV rating (95) than South Africa (65), which indicates that workers in the U.S. have a higher rate of individualism standards than South Africans (Hofstede, 2009). While South Africa’s rating isn’t low compared to other
References: Hofstede, G. (2009). Geert Hofstede™ Cultural Dimensions . Retrieved March 15, 2009, from Itim International: http://www.geert-hofstede.com/ Nelson, D. L., & James, C. Q. (2006). Organizational Behavior (5th ed.). Mason, OH: Thomson South-Western.