Professor Geert Hofstede developed the Cultural Dimensions Theory through his studies of how the values of a workplace can be influenced by culture. Under Hofstede’s definition, culture is considered to be the collective programming of the mind, which allows each member of a group or category of people to be distinguished from one another.
Under this theory, there are six dimensions of national culture that have been identified. Here is a look at those six dimensions and what it means for the modern workplace.
Power Distance
This cultural dimension is an expression of how people without power in a society accept and even expect unequal distribution. How does a society handle inequality when it is discovered amongst its people? When there is a large amount of this dimension within a society that has a hierarchy, then people accept their place and role within that society without complaint.
If there is a low amount of this dimension within a society, then people will work to create an equalization of power amongst all members of that society. They will demand that any inequality discovered be either rectified or justified.
Individualism
This cultural dimension requires individuals to take care of themselves and their families. It creates a close-knit network of similarly-minded individuals who are accomplishing tasks in a similar (or opposite) way so that everyone can enjoy a better standard of life. When there are high levels of this dimension, then people work hard for themselves.
When there are low levels of individualism within a society, then collectivism begins to take shape. The framework in society becomes a need for an individual to be taken care of my family and friends. This is done in exchange for loyalty to the collective. Instead of “me,” society focuses on “we.”
Masculinity
This cultural dimension looks at the preference a society has for certain achievements that are generally associated with me. This may include heroism, assertiveness, and other forms of achievement. It is a measurement of success. With high levels of masculinity, these traits will be emphasized and treasured, creating a competitive way of life.
With low levels of masculinity, there is more of a preference toward modesty and cooperation. The society is more orientated toward consensus results and caring for those who may need some level of assistance.
Uncertainty Avoidance
This cultural dimension focuses on how often and how much the members of a society become uncomfortable with events that are strange, uncertain, or ambiguous. If there are high levels of this dimension operating within a society, then there will be rigid behavioral codes that will be enforced and anyone “thinking outside of the box” will be harshly criticized.
When there are low levels of this dimension in a society, then the goal is often to control the future instead of letting it happen. Attitudes are more relaxed toward creative ideas because the end that is achieved is more important than the processes that were used to reach the end of the journey.
Long Term Orientation
This cultural dimension is a reflection of how a society looks at the past. Do they use the lessons learned from before to make challenges in the present easier? Are there future plans being initiated from current situations? Or is the society ignoring the past completely?
When a society focuses on this dimension at a high level, it will typically take an approach that can only be described as pragmatic. They will encourage greater education and learning opportunities while reducing spending to create a better future.
With low levels of this dimension present, any change to society is considered to be suspicious. The people who complete tasks based on traditions and previous best practices are often celebrated.
Indulgence
This cultural dimension looks at how often the members of a society are able to purchase or receive items that go beyond their basic needs. It is a reflection of how an individual may pursue their personal enjoyment of life and be able to have fun. With societies that have a high indulgence level, spending often reflects the individual’s wants and virtually anything within reason is allowed.
When there is a low level of this dimension in a society, then indulgence is often regulated by policies, procedures, or even laws. The goal is to suppress the desired to find individual gratification and it will often be enforced through the creation and enforcement of very strict norms within the society.
In Conclusion
Geert Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory offers us a glimpse at how we can expect a group of individuals to behave within a society of any size and scope. Whether it’s at work, in a community, or even on a national level, these six dimensions help to define who we are and who we will plan to be.