A framework used to distinguish between different national cultures and cultural dimensions, and their impact on a business setting Show
What is the Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory?Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory, developed by Geert Hofstede, is a framework used to understand the differences in culture across countries and to discern the ways that business is done across different cultures. In other words, the framework is used to distinguish between different national cultures, the dimensions of culture, and assess their impact on a business setting. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory was created in 1980 by Dutch management researcher Geert Hofstede. The aim of the study was to determine the dimensions in which cultures vary. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions TheoryHofstede identified six categories that define culture:
Power Distance IndexThe power distance index considers the extent to which inequality and power are tolerated. In this dimension, inequality and power are viewed from the viewpoint of the followers – the lower level.
Individualism vs. CollectivismThe individualism vs. collectivism dimension considers the degree to which societies are integrated into groups and their perceived obligations and dependence on groups.
Uncertainty Avoidance IndexThe uncertainty avoidance index considers the extent to which uncertainty and ambiguity are tolerated. This dimension considers how unknown situations and unexpected events are dealt with.
Masculinity vs. FemininityThe masculinity vs. femininity dimension is also referred to as “tough vs. tender” and considers the preference of society for achievement, attitude toward sexuality equality, behavior, etc.
Long-Term Orientation vs. Short-Term OrientationThe long-term orientation vs. short-term orientation dimension considers the extent to which society views its time horizon.
Indulgence vs. RestraintThe indulgence vs. restraint dimension considers the extent and tendency for a society to fulfill its desires. In other words, this dimension revolves around how societies can control their impulses and desires.
Country Comparisons: Hofstede InsightsHofstede Insights is an excellent resource for understanding the impact of culture on work and life. It can be accessed here to understand how the different dimensions differ among countries under the Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory. Related ReadingsThank you for reading CFI’s guide to Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory. To keep learning and advancing your career, the following CFI resources will be helpful:
Which of Hofstede's dimensions looked at the relationship between gender and work roles?masculinity, also known as gender role differentiation, is yet another one of Hofstede's six dimensions of national culture. This dimension looks at how much a society values traditional masculine and feminine roles.
What are the 5 Hofstede's cultural dimensions?According to Hofstede, the five main dimensions are identity, power, gender, uncertainty, and time. You can think about cultural value dimensions on a scale or a continuum, where one aspect of the value lies on one side of the scale and the other extreme lies at the other end of the scale.
What are Hofstede's 4 dimensions of culture?The original theory proposed four dimensions along which cultural values could be analyzed: individualism-collectivism; uncertainty avoidance; power distance (strength of social hierarchy) and masculinity-femininity (task-orientation versus person-orientation).
What are Hofstede's dimensions?Geert Hofstede, in his pioneer study looking at differences in culture across modern nations, identified four dimensions of cultural values: individualism-collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity-femininity.
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